OOIDA fighting for the wrong reasons

I am a lifetime member of OOIDA. They do confront issues that involve both company drivers as well as owner operators and small fleets. Elogs, speedlimiters, hos and other issues that directly impact our lives. I get emails from them almost every day that helps to keep me informed of upcoming legislation. I do take time to post my views on pending legislation and stay in contact with my representatives. I think that is the least that any of us can do. If even half of all drivers would take the time to call or email their representatives about some of the upcoming legislation that affects all of us, we could very well see some meaningful changes. The biggest problem I have with most who complain is that they refuse to even make a few phone calls or send a few emails or post their views on proposed rules. It doesn't take that much time and rest assured, the opposition is paying lobbyists to make their views known. We have an obligation to take a few minutes out of our day to help make this industry a little better.

 

Well said Sir

 

So you want someone to control and/or dictate the internal practices of a private business? Not talking safety issues or anything.

If a certain location is known for the extra hassles then the driver needs to decide if it's worth his or her time to bother with it.

And as for lumpers fees... Either pass them on to the shipper or charge enough to cover that added expense.... Or if you are loosing money on the load because of it, then don't accept the load.

Again, new here and still learning...

 

There are a number of issues that drivers must deal with on a daily basis. If there are enough OOIDA members who inform them about an issue, they are more likely to pursue it. But, we still need to do our part.

 

Definitely. Sounds more like a business practice of the DC. I thought we were talking about industry representation for the company man by OOIDA, not lumper bs. Skinny, you can wait in your seat all your life and hope the DC cared about your time but its not their interest.

 

Drivers are not always paid detention. The primary reason is that the carriers are not paid. Most will pass along detention pay to their drivers. It is an issue that OOIDA could address, but I am not sure how they might get involved other than pushing legislation that would require shippers to compensate carriers for their time sitting. I really don't like the idea of more government regulations, even if it could potentially benefit my interests. However, if it is an issue that is important to you, then contact OOIDA and encourage others to do the same. Keep in mind that OOIDA is not a union, but a trade organization. There are some issues that they cannot get involved due to the nature of their organization.

 

So Totally Agree

We, as an industry, complain about it and how it has a negative impact on our operations... No need to turn it around and push it into the steps before our part. Let the market address such things.

 

The big issue with detention is primarily with the major carriers. They are not willing to risk losing an account due to pushing the shipper to pay detention. Unless the shipper pays the carrier detention, most will not take money out of their pickets to pay the driver. This is an industry wide issue. Until the majority of carriers, owner operators and drivers refuse to do business with shippers who waste their time without compensation, there will not be any significant changes. I have walked away from a couple of accounts where they have respect for my time. Until the majority in this industry does the same, you won't see any changes. This is something that should be dealt with by the industry. It is a significant issue that the ATA and OOIDA could work together to change. But, it will require that most of the major carriers adopt in order for it to work. OOIDA could push this through cooperation with the ATA if enough drivers joined and expressed more concern about the issue. When the government gets involved, they tend to complicate things rather than help.

 

Actually there is, but most disparage it and claim its time has come and gone.