OOIDA

OOIDA is a very good resource for those working in this industry. They do an excellent job of keeping me informed on upcoming legislation which directly affects my business. I have had some differences with them over the years, but they are the only game in town when it comes to drivers, owner operators and smaller fleets or carriers. I usually renew when they lower the membership dues in January. At one time I used them for my insurance. It is well worth the dues just for the availability of those who know what is going on with the dot or feds when it comes to legislation or abuses going on against drivers. It isn't a union. It is more like a trade organization. I prefer giving my money to OOIDA than the ATA. From my point of view, the ATA doesn't represent me or my views on many issues and charges many times the dues. In order to join the ATA you must first join your state trucking association. Between the two you cn spend at least $800/year. I get more representation from OOIDA for $25/year than I would from the ATA and $800/year (includes the state membership dues).

 

Look into joining NASTC. They have a really good fuel discount program.

 

They use Fleetone. I did business with Fleetone for several years, but I will NEVER do business with Fleetone again!!!!

 

If we only had more men like Jim Johnson.

 

I have no problem with the mega carriers having their own lobbying body (ATA). What I oppose is the way they have forced regulations through and proposed many more that would harm the small carriers and O/O. Just look at the way they have tried forcing the length and weight limits. The docks, truckstops, and roads are not built to handle vehicles pulling longer than 53' trailers or with much heavier loads than we normally gross out at. The roads are falling apart, but due to big money (ATA and select shippers) the limits are being tested and discussed.

Also look at the way the HOS have been treated. The mega carriers already have been using Qualcomm and similar systems to track their trucks/drivers for years. Small carriers see really no benefit in running a system like Qualcomm when they only have a handful of trucks. Plus the research has shown that a Qualcomm or EOBR has not improved safety or OOS tickets compared to loose leaf logs due to the fact that safety comes back to the one holding the wheel and not what is recorded on a peice of paper. But the ATA still has been pushing for the EOBR due to the fact they know that small O/O companies can adjust their schedules and game plan faster without the EOBR (and do it legally too). Yes there are some guys running illegal at times with the loose leaf, but there are also ones running illegal with the EOBR.

Another example is the speed limiter issue. The ATA has taken the stand that a speed limit will improve safety. But the majority of the truck related crashes are the cause of a outside force (usually a car or non commercial vehicle). Look at the way the mega fleet drivers act with their speed limited trucks. This type of operation is not safe and they know it. The real reason for the speed limiter action is all about taking a edge away from the O/O and smaller fleets that have great drivers and can manage their operations better. Take the cross country produce service market as a example. Many mega fleets are emerging into this market with their speed limited team trucks. They are team trucks cause that is the only way they can run the schedule with a speed limiter and still make dock times. A non limited truck with a single driver can usually still make the same run legally just cause they can run the actual speed limit.

Unfortunitly the true correction to many of the real safety problems goes back to proper training. But the ATA does not want to touch that issue since it will cost them millions if not billions. Now if OOIDA had larger membership numbers and more money they would have more weight to throw around in Washington to block, implement, or support more of these massive issues. As you can see I don't mind the mega carriers having their own association...I have a problem with their ideas and practices.

Sorry for the long post, but I got fired up

 

The ATA is not a friend to the driver or smaller carrier. Their members are responsible for carrying roughly 10% of the freight in this country. Smaller carriers and independents move the majority of freight (90%). Even though they account for only 10% of the freight being moved, they want to control the other 90%. Their members pay dues based upon their volume. They can afford to purchase fuel, tires and other products at substantial discounts that are not available to smaller carriers and independents. If the mega carriers, through the ATA, can force through legislation which would limit competition they could push rates up and there would be little competition. Some of their members are pushing for weight limits over 90,000 pounds and the ability for trucks to pull 2 53' trailers instead of one.

The only organization that even attempts to work for the interests of the driver, owner operator, independent smaller carriers is OOIDA. They have fought and lobbied against legislation that would work against their members. The last time I checked there were over 160,000 members. More should join. I would like to see a million members. Even with 500,000 members it would have a huge impact on this industry. Everyone who drives a truck should join OOIDA. If you join before the end of January dues are only $25. The rest of the year they are $45, which is still a bargain. That is the equivalent of about 2 or 3 meals in a truck stop. I have been a member for many years and don't regret any of the dues I have paid. It is a small price to pay to stay informed and to have an organization fighting to preserve my interests.

 

I regret not keeping my membership current for a few years and not becoming a "life member" sooner. The $800 I spent this past year to become a "life member" is a small sum for the work OOIDA has done in the past and will do in future for the drivers, L/O, and O/O.

 

It is a small price to pay to have someone working for your personal interests. They will also check over leases for new owner operators or those thinking about doing a lease purchase. There is usually someone who can answer any question you may have concerning this industry. I have had them refer a few people to me or call to answer questions about certain aspects of this business. I am sure there are other members that they can call.

 

Yeah and it's really not that cool....

 

What happened? I have used fleetone for over 2yrs with no major problems.