Why OOIDA Launched the Program

Many drivers dream about becoming their own boss, but statistics show the odds are tough in the early years. According to the association, “The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has noticed that many small trucking businesses tend to fail within the first year of operating for a variety of reasons. The OOIDA Foundation, which is the educational and research affiliate of OOIDA, wants to help navigate those going through the change from a company driver to an owner-operator, or help with the desire to have a more successful trucking business.”

This new program guides industry experts who understand the challenges of starting and sustaining a trucking business.

Course Format and Schedule

Drivers can enroll in Truck to Success either virtually or in person. The three-day in-person seminar will be held October 21–23 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Blue Springs, Missouri, while the live-streamed version will be available through Zoom.

For anyone planning to attend in person, the registration cutoff is October 1. Online registration remains open until October 20.

OOIDA emphasized that “Participants will hear from trucking experts dedicated to helping drivers become successful business owners. The training is designed to follow a logical path along the transition from a company driver to an independent contractor to an owner-operator with their own authority.”

What Drivers Will Learn

The program is structured to address the biggest pitfalls new owner-operators face. OOIDA explained, “The seminar covers some of the most important points you need to deal with to avoid failing as an owner-operator.”

Topics include:

• Building a business plan and understanding how it impacts long-term success
• Choosing the right truck and financing options
• Deciding whether to lease to a carrier or run under your own authority
• Managing taxes to keep more of your earnings
• How to work effectively with brokers

Additional areas of focus are just as critical for independent drivers:

• Insurance essentials
• The New Entrant Safety Audit and compliance reviews
• Drug and alcohol testing requirements
• UCR, IRP, and IFTA regulations
• Factoring and business structure choices (sole proprietor vs. incorporation)
• Current issues facing trucking today

Open to All Drivers

The Truck to Success course is not limited to OOIDA members. Any driver who wants to build a stronger foundation for their business is welcome to register.

For full course details or to sign up, visit OOIDA’s registration page.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Timur Shakerzianov (Unsplash)

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This study is part of the TechCelerate Now program, a project funded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The TechCelerate Now team comprises industry-leading organizations including ATRI, ATA’s Technology and Maintenance Council, and the OOIDA Foundation.

According to a statement from ATRI, the research aims to better understand the opportunities and challenges surrounding advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) in the trucking industry. To achieve this, the research team is conducting a survey to gather insights from motor carriers. The survey focuses on identifying the use of advanced safety technologies and uncovering perspectives on several topics, such as truck driver acceptance of the systems, maintenance and repair challenges, and the safety benefits these technologies provide.

The survey, designed to take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete, is hosted on the newly launched TechCelerate Now website. The website also offers extensive details about the program and will soon feature the TechCelerate Now “Return on Investment” calculator. This tool will allow carriers to gain tailored insights into the cost-benefit analysis specific to their operations and fleet, ATRI stated.

To participate in the survey, visit the TechCelebrateNow website.

Source: Truckers News

Image: ATRI

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What Is the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship?

If you’re an OOIDA member with children, grandchildren, or legal dependents pursuing higher education, this scholarship is designed for them. Whether they’re starting college or working toward another educational goal, these funds can make a real difference in helping them achieve success.

Every year, five students are selected to receive scholarships. One standout recipient earns $2,000 annually, while four others are awarded $1,000 each year. These scholarships can be renewed for up to four years and used for tuition or other education-related expenses.

How to Apply

Getting started is simple: download the application and cover letter from the OOIDA website. But don’t wait—all materials must be submitted by February 1. This deadline is firm, so be sure to get everything in on time! A Scholarship Advisory Committee reviews all submissions anonymously to ensure a fair and impartial selection process.

Supporting Education Together

Want to help even more students? Consider donating to the scholarship fund. Contributions can be made online at OOIDA.com/Scholarship-Program or mailed to:

OOIDA Foundation Inc.
1 NW OOIDA Dr.
Grain Valley, MO 64029

The OOIDA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, so every donation directly supports vital programs for small-business truckers and their families.

Source: Land Line

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The data for December identifies market conditions as stabilizing, with demand remaining flat, capacity finding equilibrium, rates trending upward, and operational costs steadying. For the second month in a row, the Foundation has maintained a neutral outlook for the near-term future but remains optimistic about a market rebound.

“As the number of owner-operators continues to increase, we believe the market will turn upward in early Q2 2025,” the Foundation stated.

Van Market Insights

The van market experienced mixed results in December, with half of all regions reporting declines in the market demand index. Spot rates saw little to no movement month-over-month but were anticipated to rise toward the end of the year. According to the Foundation, the divergence between spot rates and the three-year moving average highlights the current stage of the dry van market cycle.

Other noteworthy observations include:

• The inventory-to-sales ratio stayed unchanged.

• Household appliances continued their strong performance since late 2023.

• Retail sales, adjusted for seasonality, showed growth in electronics, appliances, and furniture sectors while declining for general merchandise.

Flatbed Market Outlook

Flatbed carriers operating in the Southeast and Mountain Central regions performed better in terms of freight ratios. However, spot rates for flatbeds experienced their 28th consecutive month of year-over-year declines.

Key flatbed market updates:

• After a brief uptick in August, the seasonally adjusted flatbed composite index dipped again in September.

• Federal interest rate cuts are expected to take months to impact the market indirectly, as they don’t directly influence mortgage rates.

• Inventory levels for building materials, garden equipment, and supplies remain a challenge, sitting 4% above 2019 levels. High inventory continues to hinder freight demand.

Reefer Market Trends

The reefer market faced an unusual decline in demand for December, a trend not typically seen during the end-of-year period. Despite this, spot rates posted gains and bounced back considerably from April 2023 lows.

Additional insights for the reefer market include:

• The Mexico-Texas region recorded the most substantial month-to-month increase in carrier pay-per-mile, according to the USDA.

• Eight regions reported significant dips in reefer volumes.

• Truck capacity saw tightening, contradicting lower volumes and rates. This anomaly suggests volume data may adjust positively next month.

Broader Trucking Market Analysis

The trucking market is simultaneously facing pressures and opportunities as various economic factors take shape.

• Private fleets are moderating demand within the for-hire market, but slowing private fleet growth and pre-tariff shipping could boost for-hire activity in the first half of 2025, according to the Cass Shipment Index.

• Class 8 truck sales—both new and used—declined slightly; however, used truck sales exceeded new sales for the 11th month in a row.

“Given that typical seasonality called for a decrease of 18% month-over-month, the small dip [in used sales] was a big win,” said Steve Tam, vice president at ACT Research.

• Transportation prices rose for the second-highest reading in two years, as indicated by the Logistics Managers’ Index, signaling that the freight market is nearing equilibrium.

Other economic factors shaping the trucking market include:

• Diesel prices have dropped $2.23 since their peak in June 2022, now showcasing much-needed relief for carriers.

• Slight increases in wages and salaries have been offset by a rising Consumer Price Index.

• Despite weak demand, supply chains remain adequately equipped, with shorter lead times reported. However, sporadic product shortages have emerged.

“A general construction slowdown in the fourth quarter has created a surplus of finished goods,” the OOIDA Foundation shared. “We are closely monitoring demand in Q1 to assess whether permanent workforce reductions may be necessary.”

For the full monthly and quarterly freight market updates, visit the OOIDA Foundation website.

Source: Land Line

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Since its inception in 2007, Truckers for Troops has become an integral part of OOIDA’s work, originally focusing on sending essential items to service members in combat zones. The program has expanded over the years to provide much-needed support to various veterans facilities, including those that assist wounded, disabled, or homeless veterans.

“Over the past 17 years, OOIDA has raised more than $800,000, sent more than 3,283 care packages, serving more than 39,396 members of the military,” states OOIDA, “The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently they have locations in Sioux Falls, SD; Longmont, CO: St. Louis, MO; and will be expanding to Oklahoma City, OK; Milwaukee, WI; and Glendale, AZ.”

How to Participate

During this week-long campaign, truckers can join or renew their membership for $35, with 10% allocated to funding care packages. OOIDA will match this contribution dollar for dollar.

• Phone: Call 816-229-5791 during business hours and mention Truckers for Troops. After hours, use the same number, press 1, and leave a voicemail.
• Online: Visit https://www.ooida.com/ and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.
• Mail: Send payments indicating “Dues & Donation” or “Donation only,” specifying “TROOPS.” Direct donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.

For more information on donations, visit the Truckers for Troops website. The OOIDA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, accepts individual tax-deductible contributions to the Truckers for Troops fund.

Spotlight on Veterans Community Project

The Veterans Community Project is an innovative initiative boasting a 60% success rate in aiding veterans’ transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The project provides veterans with “tiny homes” equipped with amenities and access to a community center for support. With several operational sites and plans for further expansion, VCP aims to make a positive impact nationwide.

Send Care Packages

If you have a family member or friend serving in the military and would like them to receive a care package, send their name and complete address to troops@ooida.com, including their projected stateside return date.

Show Appreciation

To send cards and letters of appreciation, address them to Truckers for Troops, P.O. Box 1000, Grain Valley, MO 64029. You may include town or school names, but avoid last names or personal details. There’s no specific theme required, and they don’t need to be holiday related.

Source: The Trucker

Image: OOIDA

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Insights into Natural Gas and Liquefied Natural Gas

To harness the potential of natural gas in long-haul trucking, it must undergo conversion to liquid natural gas. The tanks used for LNG are remarkably robust, supporting a range of about 360 miles per fill. With their reinforced steel structure and double-walled design, these tanks are engineered to withstand the rigors of travel. Notably, unlike conventional fuels like gasoline or diesel, any accidental puncture will lead to evaporation rather than pooling, thus enhancing safety. However, the initial investment for LNG-powered trucks is substantial, often exceeding diesel vehicle prices by approximately $65,000.

Exploring Propane as an Engine Fuel

Recognized by the Energy Policy Act of 1992, propane stands as the third-most-common engine fuel across the globe. In the United States, an impressive 90% of the propane utilized is sourced domestically. As a clean-burning alternative, propane contributes significantly to lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional gasoline and diesel. Common applications include forklifts and commercial lawn equipment—demonstrating its versatility and lower carbon footprint. However, it’s important to note that propane vehicles typically experience about a 14% reduction in driving range relative to gasoline counterparts, primarily due to the energy content differences—propane offers only 73% of the energy found in gasoline. Additional considerations include fuel costs, vehicle weight, safety risks associated with propane leaks, and insufficient fueling infrastructure, often necessitating fleet installations of dedicated propane stations.

The Role of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

Compressed natural gas presents an environmentally friendly option that is plentiful and sourced primarily within the United States. One of its key advantages is its lighter-than-air composition, allowing natural gas to disperses harmlessly when a leak occurs. Truckers are increasingly turning to CNG due to its lower greenhouse gas emissions during combustion, affordability—approximately 50% less than conventional fuels—and the potential to reduce carbon monoxide emissions by as much as 97%. However, CNG’s range limitations and the necessity for specialized fueling infrastructure continue to be challenges. Retail stations often deploy fast-fill systems, while many fleets leverage overnight time-fill methods for convenience. The expenses associated with setting up a natural gas fueling site can be prohibitive, ranging from $1 million to $4 million. Furthermore, while a new CNG vehicle may cost around $30,000 more than its diesel counterpart, users benefit from significantly lower average fuel prices, with natural gas currently priced around $2.08 per gallon. CNG storage also poses hazards, requiring careful handling due to high-pressure conditions (approximately 3,600 psi), as even minor leaks can lead to considerable risks.

For further details, research, member surveys, and updates on the freight market, visit the OOIDA Foundation website.

Source: Land Line

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In the coming week, the Foundation will dispatch surveys on detention time and freight rates via email, seeking your valuable input.

Keep an eye on your inbox, and be sure to check your spam or junk folders for these Foundation surveys sent out on Friday, Dec. 1. Each survey is expected to take approximately 10 to 20 minutes to complete.

The surveys will cover various aspects, including your type of operation, business model, equipment, freight, location, hours of service, use of load boards, and operational costs, among other key areas.

The deadline for submitting the surveys is Dec. 31.

The Foundation underscores that unpaid detention time not only poses a financial burden but also adversely affects safety within the industry. Lawmakers and government agencies have directly approached OOIDA, expressing interest in understanding the impacts of detention time on the trucking sector.

By participating in this survey, you contribute valuable information that the Foundation can present to government officials, shedding light on the escalating detention time issue. The survey results will aid in proposing effective solutions to address this problem.

The Foundation stresses the significance of obtaining input from individuals across the trucking industry to provide comprehensive insights into the current state of the freight market.

While the Foundation issues its market updates monthly and quarterly, most surveys targeting large carriers dominate discussions on current economic conditions in trucking. However, the Foundation seeks your views and experiences regarding freight rates to ensure a representative understanding of the entire trucking industry.

Your participation in these surveys empowers the OOIDA Foundation to advocate for the industry and address the challenges faced by its members. Use your voice!

Source: Land Line

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In the van market, the load-to-truck ratio experienced a 24% month-over-month decline, falling 42% below the five-year trend. Spot rates and contract rates both decreased, contrary to the typical seasonal trend. Although inventory-to-sales ratios dropped, monthly sales increased, offering a positive indicator for future truck demand.

The flatbed market saw lower load posts compared to 2019, with only four of 16 regions witnessing an increase in load-to-truck ratios. The spread between contract and spot rates improved by 10% compared to last year. Construction spending remained high, but flatbed demand declined, likely influenced by inflation. Although housing stats rose in October, they remained down quarter-over-quarter.

In the reefer market, October experienced a notable dip in demand, but produce volumes looked promising for the fall season. The load-to-truck ratio fell in six of 16 regions and was 42% lower than the previous year. The spread between spot and contract rates improved by 12% compared to a year ago. Truck capacity remained flat after three consecutive months of losses.

New truck sales exceeded used sales for the third consecutive month, signaling a negative trend for capacity. Transportation prices contracted at their slowest rate since September 2022, while fuel prices decreased by 13.5% year-over-year.

Wages and salaries continued to grow across the industry. New orders from manufacturers surpassed shipments for the seventh straight month in August. The U.S. manufacturing sector contracted at a faster pace in October, according to the Institute for Supply Management. Imports, although down year-over-year, were on par with pre-pandemic levels. Carloads and intermodal transportation increased but remained below the five-year trend. For a detailed overview, the full OOIDA Foundation market update for October is available here.

Source: Land Line

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