Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Owner Operator Independent Driver Association

Truck drivers may have some difficult issues to face out there on the road, but they are not alone in their efforts. There are plenty of resources out there to lend a hand as they realize the importance of truck drivers and the work they do. They offer support and help to ensure that the rights of truck drivers are met while doing all they can to make the industry as a whole better for everyone involved.

One of the leading advocates for truck drivers is the Owner Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA). They offer a full range of services to support truck drivers including financing for trucks, advocating with the government to get certain issues addressed, and the opportunity to purchase health insurance and retirement plans.

OOIDA currently has more than 150,000 members and it continues to grow. They have been working hand in hand with the trucking industry since 1973. These members are from all over the United States and in recent years truck drivers from Canada have been allowed to join. This is one of the top organizations out there to give truck drivers a voice.

With the information gathered by OOIDA, truck drivers can get the facts about various issues taking place. Too many times the information found from other resources is biased one way or another. This can make it hard to make an informed decision. Members of OOIDA know they will always get both sides of the story with accurate data and facts.

They also know that the OOIDA team takes their concerns and comments to legislation on state and federal levels. Based on the information that they have gathered from members they are able to take stand on the behalf of their members for important trucking industry related issues.

They work hard to keep truck drivers informed of current issues, and post all of them on their website. They also offer scholarship programs for children of truck drivers, call to action forums, and information on new rules and regulations. If there is something you need to find information about but don’t see it offered from OOIDA, contact them. They will do all they can to get you the right resources to take care of it.

They have made significant contributions to the trucking industry over the past 30 years. Instead of focusing on the problems out there they focus on solutions. For example they pushed for more parking at truck stops and more rest areas with sufficient parking along common truck driving routes. This was in response to complaints that drivers continue to drive when they are tired or out of hours.

When OOIDA started discussing this with the drivers they represent, it quickly became evident that there was a lack of places for them to stop and get some sleep or to wait while they regained driving hours. It is their dedication to correcting such issues that makes this profession better for all truck drivers and the roads safer for all people on the roads.

If you are interested in joining OOIDA you can visit their website or complete a postage paid card from various magazines. The annual fee for the membership is $45, but it is a very worthwhile investment. You will find this is one of the best advocate programs for owner operators.

No comments: