RickG, You pay them to place your interest before those who can make a difference (i.e. lawmakers).

but as you put it - sometimes you are, in theory, paying them to displace your interest or rally for something that does not effect you or worse yet something you do not agree with.

This is common in any association or group you join.

Having said that it must be admitted that I do not agree with a lot of what the Teamsters say politically - but the big picture is that through my membership I have been able to work in a great environment and to gain a lot of ground financially for my family and myself.

The "fine line" is crossed when a group or association is aimed in a direction that contradicts our personal ethics and politics. At that time an organization worth its weight in crap will allow its membership latitude and individuality.

OOIDA swayed on a few issues years ago (when I was a member) that I felt strongly about - but my not paying membership dues the next year had nothing to do with that - an more to do with the fact that OOIDA is not effective in reaching their goals.

Show me ONE (1) issue that OOIDA has squawked about in the last 10 years that they have been able to SOLELY make a difference on or better yet - show me one issue that was even addressed back to OOIDA by a politician for advice on - they are viewed not as a power - but rather akin to crybaby organization...

little political power - but a great graphics dept. makes them better suited to publish a truckers newspaper - and leave the issue fighting to those groups (like the teamsters) who have the clout and strength to influence (and in some cases intimidate) politicians and fat cats.

I, too, dropped my membership from OOIDA a couple years ago due to my frustration with them and them not working with anyone. They, for one, need new, fresh leadership and need to get out the "oldies but goodies," and get some fresh blood in there. I respect Jim, the guy who started it, but he is stuck back in the 70's it seems to me. It is true the they are in a legal conundrum where they can't "stir anything up," etc., by law...so WHY be a member then. Yes, they have done some good, don't get me wrong.

We even tried to work with them and WE would be the one's who were responsible for "stirring things up," yet they won't give anyone the time of day...unless they advertise or something...bout it. Basically, trying to talk to OOIDA and asking them to think a new way is like trying to talk to my 87 year old Grandmother and having her change from Democrat. LOL.

Plain and simple, OOIDA just doesn't cut it. I am not going to send them a dime just so they can kick back and relax in their rockers. Screw all that noise, sigh.

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When I belonged to OOIDA I needed full insurance coverage to apply for authority . They couldn't get me coverage in KY . When my carrier wouldn't give me copies of the freight bill I called OOIDA for help and the girl on the phone was condescending and I got no help . Too many drivers sit back and let OOIDA be their voice . I fight my own battles writing editorials and contacting my representatives . There isn't an agency or organization in the industry OOIDA hasn't publicly criticized - not exactly the way to get cooperation .

There were three reasons I gave up my OOIDA membership

1. When we were leased to a small Michigan Company, after several months of being behind on paying the bills, my wife finally told me that the "Carrier" owed us over $37,000 in freight charges and re-imbursments. We called OOIDA for help, all they did was to send the carrier "a letter". Even though it STILL took amost 7 months to get the remaining money from the carrier, OOIDA considered their "help" adequate.
2. We bought a "RigMaster" using the "OOIDA Membership Discount", from an "OOIDA Approved" dealer and we got an APU that never worked right, and it was always difficult finding a place to work on it. Not only that, but the installer screwed up the install job, doing a couple thousand $ in damages due to a fire caused by a short-curcuit. We had over a year of recorded complaints with the unit with records of attempts to get it (and the damages) repaired and when we finally DID find a place that could fix the unit (by this time, every component had failed: A/C, Gen and even the engine) RigMaster said the unit was out of warrenty and OOIDA refused to help us get the unit repaired or replaced or even the damages repaired.
3. About three years ago, I discovered that USIS had reported on my DAC that I was ticketed FOUR TIMES in Arizona for "Operating a Commercial Vehicle with-in four hours" of consuming alcoholic beverages. TOTALLY UNTRUE. I called OOIDA and they told me there was nothing I could do by myself and the only way I could get it "fixed" was to join their Class Action "lawsuit" against USIS. We all know how well THAT worked out for them. It took me exactly 30 days to get the information REMOVED from my DAC, by myself with-out the expence of a lawyer and all it cost me was for 1st Class Certified Mail.

When they sent me a request to renew my "membership", I sent them a letter declining to, with an explanation why. They didn't even have the courtesy to write me back.
I guess they really aren't looking out for the "truckers" anymore. At least not for "this" trucker.

You All need to do your research on OOIDA . All tho I have never been a member of OOIDA I Have know Jim Johnston long before he started OOIDA. and Jim has never set on his hands and done nothing. It was Jim and friends that shut all the truck stops down around the Kansas City area in 1978.He put his truck acrosse the pumps to keep union drivers from getting fuel.
Jim is as close as the independent trucker will have to being there Jimmy Hoffa.
Why wasn't I a member then? I was just to independent but I sure admire the man.
Keep up the Good work Jim. Danny M Arkansas.

Dont block all the fuel islands. If you dont like your job, then quit. If you block the fuel island, your screwing up everyone else that likes there job.

Let's see, you've never been a member of OOIDA, but you're telling people who were members of OOIDA that they need to do research on OOIDA after they post why they were dissatisfied with OOIDA? Did I get that right?

Buy a Ex Yellow frieght truck they are the best used ytuck you can buy all though Ive never owned or drove one.

No but I helped start it. Why?The same reason I have never was a Teamster in 40 years .Now what have you all done to help your fellow trucker?Set in a truck stop and gripe. Maybe you need to form a trucker's Truck stop Union.

An event from 30 years ago...does little to affect his and the OOIDA reputation.

It wasn't a player then. And it still isn't.

For O/O's to sit around and deny that the union(s) represents their best chance of effecting an outcome in their favor. Is just crazy IMO.

And I hate Unions.

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He has erected a multitude of new offices,
and sent hither swarms of officers to harass our people,
and eat out their substance........

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution,
and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

Declaration Of Independence
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King George or Obama ????