According to the OOIDA Foundation, the association’s research and education branch, “most researchers don’t have access to enough owner-operators to properly collect and analyze information from this critical segment of the trucking industry.” To address this gap, the Foundation has actively engaged members since 1998, ensuring that their opinions reach federal, state, and local agencies. This ongoing effort has produced one of the most detailed profiles of owner-operators in the United States.

The 2025 OOIDA survey is now open and can be completed anonymously online. “We want to make sure that we are focusing on the issues that you desire,” the Foundation said. “It’s important to us that we support both your business and lifestyle. We need to know what you think on critical topics so we can direct our energies appropriately.”

Key Findings from the 2024 Member Survey

Last year, more than 19,000 owner-operator members participated in a random sample survey. Among respondents, 46 percent reported being leased to motor carriers, while 44 percent operated under their own authority. On average, drivers covered over 102,000 miles, with roughly 20 percent of those miles being deadhead, often due to challenging market conditions.

Surveyed operators reported annual maintenance costs averaging $18,900, including $3,400 spent on emission-related repairs and $3,300 for damage caused by poor road conditions. Independent operators typically spent more on tires compared with those leased to carriers. Maintenance costs per mile rose to 23 cents.

Freight rates, availability, and carrier reputation were the most important factors influencing leased owner-operators when selecting work. High driver turnover was largely attributed to low pay, a lack of respect, and inconsistent freight. In fact, 40 percent of leased drivers reported working for five or more carriers in the past year.

Challenges Facing One-Truck Operators

Research focused on one-truck operations, which make up nearly half of all motor carriers. These operators face unique hurdles in securing consistent freight and navigating complex regulatory requirements. While direct contracts generally provide higher earnings, most one-truck carriers rely heavily on brokers and load boards.

Many drivers also noted difficulties contesting inaccurate safety violations through the DataQ system. Insurance, permits, and other regulatory fees remain significant concerns, alongside rising fuel costs, declining freight rates, and parking shortages.

OOIDA’s research underscores the importance of listening to owner-operators and addressing the practical challenges they face daily. By capturing and analyzing these insights, the Foundation ensures that small-business truckers have representation and support that reflects both their business and lifestyle needs.

Source: Land Lined Media

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DAT Hosts BBQ Events in South Dakota

On Sept. 15 and 16, DAT Freight & Analytics welcomed drivers in South Dakota with free BBQ meals as part of its annual show of appreciation. The events took place at Coffee Cup Fuel Stops in Brandon and Hartford, where drivers could grab a meal from the Backyard BBQ food truck, pick up DAT swag, and connect with representatives.

DAT also used the events to highlight its partnership with the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, an organization that supports drivers and their families when medical challenges prevent them from being on the road.

“DAT’s success is built on the work and dedication of owner-operators, small carriers, and their truck drivers,” said Jeff Clementz, DAT President and CEO. “Freight doesn’t move, and our business simply wouldn’t exist without them. These events are our way of saying thank you.”

Circle K Offers Free Drinks Nationwide

Circle K Pro is showing appreciation by offering drivers five free drinks through its Inner Circle rewards program. From Sept. 14–20, professional drivers can redeem the code DRIVERWEEK25 in the Circle K app under Account > Redeem Code to access the deal. Options include Polar Pop (up to 44 oz), Froster, or Hot/Iced Coffee, with one redemption available per day at participating locations. It’s a simple way for drivers to grab a well-earned refreshment while on the road.

C.H. Robinson Announces Awards Today

In Minneapolis, C.H. Robinson is marking this week by honoring its 2025 Carrier of the Year Award winners, with names revealed today, Sept. 17. The awards highlight carriers of every size, from small family operations to large fleets, for consistently delivering exceptional service.

Alongside the award ceremony, the company is spreading appreciation nationwide. Drivers are receiving thank-you gift boxes with handwritten notes from employees at locations in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Indianapolis, Los Angeles, and Columbus, Ohio.

WEX Offers Fuel Savings for Drivers

Fuel remains one of the biggest expenses for truckers, and WEX is offering relief during this appreciation week. Through Sept. 20, drivers using the 10-4 by WEX app can access a special sign-on bonus of $25 off their first 75-gallon fuel purchase.

The app, designed to give small carriers and independent truckers access to discounts usually reserved for large fleets, is accepted at thousands of locations across the country, including Love’s, Circle K, TA, Petro, Speedway, and more.

The 10-4 by WEX app is available in the Google Play Store or the App Store.

Port of Long Beach Thanks Drivers with Food and Gifts

On Sept. 16, the Port of Long Beach hosted an appreciation event for drivers who move freight through its busy harbor. Free breakfast and lunch were provided, along with port-branded gifts. The event also featured representatives from the California Air Resources Board, who offered on-site testing and guidance on Clean Truck Check requirements.

A Week to Remember

As Truck Driver Appreciation Week continues, one thing is clear — the industry is rallying to ensure drivers feel valued. Whether it’s a hot meal, a discount at the pump, or a simple thank-you note, these gestures reflect the respect and gratitude that professional drivers have earned.

Source: Truckers News, The Trucker
Image Source: Next Generation In Trucking

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Bill Moon: The King of the Long Haul

If you’ve ever wondered what it means to truly live on the road, look no further than Bill Moon. Back in the 1950s, this guy wasn’t just driving. He was dominating the highways. Bill made long hauls look easy, but he was also one of the first to speak up about trucker rights—back when safety standards weren’t what they are now. He was a big voice in the Long Haul Truckers Association, fighting for better working conditions and safer roads, knowing how hard life could be for drivers out there.

Bill didn’t just haul freight—he made sure others could do it more safely and with more respect. His work paved the way for the safety regulations we often take for granted today.

Smokey Smith: A Trucking Advocate Who Made Sure Drivers Were Heard

Before the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) became what it is today, Fred “Smokey” Smith was already fighting for the rights of independent drivers. In the 1970s, Smokey realized that truckers were being overlooked, and he wasn’t about to stand for it. He saw that owner-operators, especially, were getting the short end of the stick, and he took action by founding OOIDA, which to this day continues to represent the independent driver.

His legacy isn’t just about the battles he fought—it’s the fact that truckers have a voice in the halls of government today, thanks to Smokey. He helped ensure that independent drivers weren’t left behind and gave them a platform to push for better pay, safer working conditions, and fair treatment.

Johnny McKnight: Pushing the Limits with Speed and Skill

Speed records don’t mean much if you don’t have the skills to back them up, but that’s where Johnny McKnight came in. Back in the 1960s, Johnny wasn’t just about going fast—he was about doing it safely. McKnight set a bunch of speed records, showing that you didn’t have to sacrifice safety for speed. He proved that truckers could go the distance, not just in mileage but in skill, without cutting corners.

In an industry where speed and efficiency are essential, Johnny showed the world that it was possible to push the limits while staying in control. If you’ve ever put your pedal to the floor on an empty highway and felt the rush, you know exactly what Johnny was about.

The Everyday Drivers Who Keep the Country Moving

It’s easy to look at the legends of the industry and forget the thousands of truckers who are still putting in the work every single day. The drivers you see on the road, hauling everything from food to medicine, are the backbone of America’s trucking industry. They don’t get the headlines or the recognition, but without them, nothing moves.

These everyday truckers, the ones who never get their names in lights, are what keep this country rolling. They sacrifice time with family, deal with endless miles, and face all kinds of weather, all to make sure that the goods we rely on make it from point A to point B.

Honoring the Legacy: It’s Your Turn

The trucking industry wasn’t built by the folks in offices or the companies behind the fleets—it was built by drivers who cared about their work and the people they were working for. Every time you hit the road, you’re walking in the footsteps of giants who helped make this career what it is.

The next time you pull into a rest area or roll down an empty stretch of highway, remember that you’re part of a legacy of drivers who have shaped America’s roads, and you’re continuing the work they started.

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