Who or what is the OOIDA? And as a new driver they appear to be really looking out for drivers, should I join them? I am considering joining them and looking for expirenced input. Thank you

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They do some good. I have mixed feelings on them.

OOIDA has some benefits for O/O's . If they get your DOT authority for you they do not charge a fee to provide process agents . That's worth the membership right there . One thing I have to say for them is when they take a stand on something they back it with facts and relevant statistics , unlike ATA , Road Safe America , and Public Citizen who all skew statistics and make wild statements that only totally ignorant people would believe .
OOIDA's main interest is finding a group of O/O's with an issue with a company that will result in a class action suit . I know many former members that said they asked for assistance with an individual issue and OOIDA didn't want to be bothered with them . I see little benefit for a company driver joining OOIDA .
Too many OOIDA members think they are doing their part to have a voice in Washington by paying their dues and having OOIDA represent them . OOIDA steps on too many toes . Google "OOIDA criticizes ". They publicly criticize FMCSA , NHTSA , ATA , DOT , and whoever else they need cooperation from . They don't have a very good track record with winning what they are seeking .

OOIDA officials also seem to have a small problem with the "truth".

Despite the recent report released by and Independent Review Panel repudiating ALL of the allegations and smear campaigns against Mexican trucks, they refuse to acknowledge the truth.

An example

The report in question is all about safety! Unfortunately for OODA, the conclusions don't back the propaganda OOIDA has been feeding it's membership the past 16 years.

Here's another quote that is addressed and debunked in the report, yet just this evening, they continue to try and push their agenda as if the report doesn't exist.

Waste your money if you want to. As other's have said, if it is not an issue that will result in class action status, or something that will give the head honchos media exposure, they aren't interested.

Go to [LINK POSTED BY MEMBER] Only Members Can View This Truck Forum Link. and search OOIDA. There are plenty of dissatisfied ex members talking on there, as well as on the members only section of OOIDA's website.

Your money, your choice.