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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The DOT has updated the platform to be more user-friendly for drivers, introduced a section for complaints against brokers who violate transparency rules, and renamed the complaint hub. While these changes are a positive step, truckers and fleet managers still see room for improvement.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which has long criticized the National Consumer Complaint Database as “ineffective” and poorly named, says the improvements are noticeable.

“OOIDA members have already noticed a significant improvement in the general display, user interface, and structure of the NCCDB website since the initial changes were announced in September,” the association wrote in comments signed by President Todd Spencer. “These overdue updates will assist drivers navigating the NCCDB and help them accurately file complaints.”

DOT’s Pro-Trucker Initiatives

Back in June, the DOT announced nine “Pro-Trucker” initiatives, one of which focused on modernizing the NCCDB. The goal was to migrate the database to a more modern, mobile-friendly platform, making it easier for drivers to report violations. The first set of updates went live in late September.

One of the most meaningful changes for drivers is the addition of a dedicated section for complaints against moving companies, trucking and bus companies, substance abuse professionals, electronic logging device providers, and property brokers.

Truck drivers have long raised concerns about brokers failing to comply with Regulation 371.3, which requires brokers to maintain transaction records and provide parties with access to those records. The updated system now explicitly allows drivers to report these violations.

“Is your complaint about a property broker? This could include a property broker failing to maintain transaction records or financial accounts with the required information, failing to maintain FMCSA registration or insurance, misrepresenting services, or conducting improper rebating or compensation practices,” FMCSA stated on the website.

OOIDA Pushes for Additional Enhancements

While acknowledging the improvement, OOIDA says there are additional changes needed.

“We especially thank USDOT for expanding the complaint categories to specifically include property brokers,” Spencer wrote. “However, FMCSA must add, ‘Refusing to Provide the Records of the Delivery’ under ‘Additional Details’ in the Property Broker section. We are optimistic these initial changes will contribute to a modern platform that will streamline the filing process, improve response timeliness, and initiate enforcement action when applicable.”

The DOT also announced in October that the NCCDB will be renamed the “FMCSA Complaint Center Records.” OOIDA has long requested a name that is easier for drivers to identify.

“We believe ongoing NCCDB changes can further be supplemented by choosing a more appropriate name for the system,” Spencer wrote. “The proposed new name remains misleading and only signifies a minimal connection to the trucking industry. Possible suggestions for a more logical name would be the National Truck Safety and Compliance Database or the Commercial Trucking Complaint Center. A more identifiable name would help raise the platform’s awareness among professional truckers and improve its utilization.”

The Need for Transparency and Responsiveness

OOIDA also stressed that the system needs to provide drivers with more feedback after filing a complaint. Without confirmation or progress updates, truckers are less likely to report violations.

“FMCSA should provide a confirmation that the complaint has been accepted, as well as real-time updates that monitor the complaint’s progress through the system,” Spencer wrote. “This would help drivers know where their complaint stands and provide a better understanding of FMCSA’s response level.”

While the updates are a step in the right direction, truck drivers and fleet managers continue to urge the DOT to make the complaint platform more transparent, responsive, and fully tailored to the needs of professional drivers.

Source: Land Line Media

The post OOIDA Responds to DOT Updates: Complaint System Improved but Still Needs Work appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Their goal: to improve working conditions for truckers, defend independent contractor rights, and ensure women’s voices are front and center in shaping transportation policy.

“Women In Motion was founded to amplify the voices of women in the trucking industry, highlight their unique insights, and inspire lasting change,” said Cait Hone, WIM director. “Thanks to ATA’s strong relationships on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington, we were able to bring WIM’s mission directly to key national leaders. We’re incredibly grateful to our members and sponsors who joined us for our member-only Call on Washington. The progress we made advancing our legislative priorities is a vital step toward building a supportive industry for all.”

Real Voices. Real Issues.

Over a packed three-day schedule, WIM members participated in dozens of meetings with federal lawmakers and key policy influencers. Their focus? Getting real about what drivers experience every day—and what’s needed to fix it.

Top of mind was the ongoing truck parking crisis and the lack of reliable restroom access for drivers on the road. Both are everyday struggles for truckers, especially women, and WIM attendees made it clear that these issues can’t be sidelined anymore. They pushed for action on the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act, a proposal that would allocate dedicated federal funding to expand and upgrade parking infrastructure nationwide.

Another priority was protecting the right to work independently. The women stood firmly behind the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, which defends the status of independent contractors across multiple industries, including trucking.

“The trucking industry has given me a fulfilling career and helped me support my family,” said Dee Sova, America’s Road Team Captain. “That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging more women to pursue the same opportunities. Women In Motion has allowed me to uplift others and strengthen this incredible industry. Earlier this year, I had the honor of standing with the President at the White House to voice trucking’s support for the One Big, Beautiful Bill—an unforgettable moment. It was also rewarding to share my perspective with Members of Congress and White House officials on how to better support women in trucking.”

Conversations That Matter

During their time on the Hill, WIM members had face-to-face discussions with lawmakers, including Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL), Rick Larsen (D-WA), Mike Collins (R-GA), Kevin Kiley (R-CA), Tom Barrett (R-MI), and Zach Nunn (R-IA). They also met with Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and participated in a breakfast with Reps. Claudia Tenney (R-NY), Chrissy Houlahan (D-PA), and Jen Kiggans (R-VA).

These meetings weren’t just ceremonial—they gave lawmakers a direct window into the lives of working women in trucking and helped solidify bipartisan support for several transportation-focused bills.

WIM members also joined the House Education & the Workforce Committee to mark the passage of the Modern Worker Empowerment Act, introduced by Rep. Kevin Kiley. The bill aims to ensure that individuals in the trucking industry—and beyond—can continue operating as independent contractors without interference.

Image Source: WIM
Source: The Trucker

The post Women in Trucking Speak Up in Washington for Safer Roads and Stronger IC Protections appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The U.S. Department of Transportation opened the door for feedback this week. In a notice published Monday, July 21, in the Federal Register, the DOT called on the public—especially those who keep America moving—to weigh in on what should take priority in the next surface transportation bill.

“The Request for Information is intended to gather feedback, ideas and recommendations to help inform legislative priorities and ensure future infrastructure programs focus on delivering safe and efficient surface transportation, without attaching unnecessary requirements,” the DOT stated in the notice.
“The reauthorization effort will focus on modernizing America’s infrastructure by improving safety, streamlining federal processes, promoting economic growth and strengthening partnerships.”

The current highway bill will expire on September 30, 2026, but lawmakers are already laying the groundwork. That’s why now is the time for truck drivers to share what matters most.

Back in March, Lewie Pugh, executive vice president of OOIDA, addressed the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to outline truckers’ top concerns. He’ll take those same priorities to the Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation on Tuesday, July 22.

At the March hearing, Pugh emphasized several key issues for drivers across the country:

• More safe and accessible truck parking
• Guaranteed restroom access
• Smarter, more effective driver training
• Broker transparency
• Realistic hours-of-service rules

OOIDA also reiterated its opposition to changes that could make life harder for drivers—such as increases to truck size and weight limits, raising minimum insurance requirements, lowering the CDL age for interstate driving, or adding more one-size-fits-all mandates.

How Drivers Can Share Their Feedback

If you’re a trucker with opinions on any of these topics—or others that impact your job—you can have your say.

Submit your comments by going to Regulations.gov and entering Docket No. DOT-OST-2025-0468 in the search bar. The public comment window closes on August 20, 2025.

Source: Land Line

The post Truckers, Your Voice Matters in the Next Highway Bill appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“For nearly four decades, America’s Road Team has set the gold standard in promoting safety and professionalism on our highways,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “As we begin the process of selecting a new class of captains, we’re looking for drivers who not only demonstrate excellence behind the wheel but also have a passion for telling our industry’s story and inspiring the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Representing the Best in Trucking

Established in 1986, America’s Road Team brings together drivers with exceptional safety records and a passion for the industry. These captains aren’t just skilled behind the wheel — they also serve as public ambassadors, helping tell the trucking story across the country.

Backed by their employers, captains spend their term traveling in the ATA’s custom Volvo VNL 860 — also known as the Interstate One Image Truck. It’s more than just a truck. Inside, it’s outfitted with a mobile classroom and a simulator designed to give people a deeper look at what driving a truck is really like.

During their time as captains, drivers attend school visits, community events, policy meetings, and industry gatherings to talk about trucking’s impact on daily life and the economy.

Application Details

ATA will select the 2026–2027 captains following in-person evaluations in Washington, D.C., scheduled for January 18–24, 2026.

A panel of industry leaders will review each applicant based on their safety history, communicati.on skills, and industry insight — all key to representing trucking in public spaces.

Drivers interested in applying should go through their carrier. Application materials and eligibility info are available now on ATA’s website.

Strong Support from the Industry

“Volvo Trucks is proud to continue our support of this extraordinary program,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “America’s Road Team captains are powerful voices for the industry, and we look forward to meeting the next group of leaders who will help us continue advocating for safety, professionalism, and opportunity in trucking.”

The most recent team, chosen in early 2024, includes drivers from 14 carriers and together, they’ve logged over 61 million accident-free miles. That group will keep traveling and sharing their experiences through 2025, as the next round of applications gets underway.

“America’s Road Team captains are the face of our industry,” said Nikki Thomas, ATA’s vice president of industry affairs. “They exemplify the best of what trucking has to offer and play a vital role in shifting public perception and inspiring future drivers.”

Stay updated on the America’s Road Team and their events by following ATA’s Facebook page.

Image Source: ATA
Source: The Trucker

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Source: Women In Trucking

The Impact of WITney® at Industry Events

Did you know that in 2024, the WITney® Educational Trailer traveled to 40 events? Nearly 7,500 visitors—primarily women and girls—stopped by to explore the many career opportunities available in trucking. From job fairs and community events to corporate gatherings and major industry conferences, WITney® has become an essential part of WIT’s mission.

Beyond WITney®, WIT’s President & CEO, Jennifer Hedrick, plays an active role in industry events, speaking and networking to further the organization’s mission. The goal is clear: educate, motivate, and inspire more women to enter trucking while also supporting those already in the industry by addressing challenges like work-life balance and gender bias.

Where You’ll Find WIT

Before committing to an event, WIT carefully evaluates its alignment with the organization’s mission and its potential reach. Once confirmed, the WIT team collaborates closely with event hosts to maximize impact.

One of the biggest annual events WIT attends is the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), held each March at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Ken. As the largest trucking event in North America, MATS attracts more than 50,000 attendees and 870 exhibitors. WIT makes a strong presence at this event with both a booth and WITney®, strategically placed at a high-traffic location to engage women, girls, and allies interested in trucking careers.

WITney® isn’t just a mobile exhibit—it’s an interactive experience featuring:

• Educational kiosks covering Trucking 101, industry myths, FAQs, and a career quiz
• A wall mural showcasing WIT’s milestones since its inception in 2007
• Headset kiosks where visitors can hear inspiring HERstories from female truckers
• A female trucker uniform display featuring essential workwear and safety gear
• A state-of-the-art driver simulator that lets attendees experience truck driving in various weather and road conditions

Each year at MATS, WIT also hosts the highly anticipated Salute to Women Behind the Wheel, a celebration that honors and recognizes female truck drivers for their dedication and success in the industry.

WIT at the Food Shippers Conference

Another major event WIT attended this year was the 2025 Annual Food Shippers Conference, hosted by Food Shippers of America from March 2 to 4 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs in Palm Desert, Cali. Over 1,300 supply chain, transportation, and logistics professionals were in attendance.

Representing WIT at the conference were Jennifer Hedrick, Carleen Herndon (Member Services & Sales), Cassidy Mullins (Conference & Management), and Brian Everett (Content & Strategy). Their goal was to promote WIT’s mission and encourage greater female participation in the industry. WITney® was also present outside the conference center, helping to generate awareness about trucking career opportunities for women.

Special thanks to Walmart professional drivers Krista Cardoso and Vivian Gonzalez, who transported WITney® to the event and staffed the trailer.

Navigating WITney® into the venue’s parking lot was no small feat due to tight spaces and obstacles. “It was incredibly impressive,” said Hedrick, describing how the driver maneuvered WITney® through a difficult right turn surrounded by large rocks. “She navigated a really tight right turn coming out of the main entrance to the hotel that was lined with large rocks on all sides, really limiting her space to maneuver.”

“This roundabout at the front was filled with cars coming in and out, and she waited a long while for a clearing to begin turning,” Hedrick continued. “Then more cars, so she was doing all of this in front of a backup of cars and handled it so well.”

Want to Book WIT for an Event?

WIT is a trusted authority on women’s opportunities in trucking, offering insights, data, and best practices on industry trends. Their team regularly speaks at public and corporate events, trade shows, and even ride-alongs.

If you’re interested in having WIT at your next event, complete a Booking Request Form to explore potential opportunities!

Source: Women In Trucking

The post How Women In Trucking is Driving Change at Industry Events appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The TenFour D.C. event, an annual celebration dedicated to truck drivers and advocacy, is gearing up for another memorable gathering at the National Mall in Washington, D.C. This yearly event brings together truck drivers and owner-operators who convoy from Fredericksburg, Virginia, to the nation’s capital. Over three days, participants engage with the public, meet with lawmakers and regulators, and enjoy the camaraderie among fellow truckers—creating a unique backdrop for a truck show like no other.

Fred Bowerman, a seasoned organizer of the event, anticipates even greater participation this year. Thanks to sponsorships from various trucking vendors, organizations, and fleets, plans for the event have been significantly enhanced. Trucker-songwriter Tony Justice will perform on October 4, presented by the Bennett Family of Companies, adding to the festivities.

Since its inception during the electronic logging device mandate protests in 2017, the TenFour event has become a platform for fostering connections between truck owners, the public, lawmakers, and regulators. Representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) typically visit, offering insights and engagement with the trucking community.

Dave Mitchell, an owner-operator based in Thomasville, Pennsylvania, and leased to West Motor Freight, first participated in the event last year. He described it as “a breath of fresh air,” emphasizing that it isn’t just a protest or a typical truck show. “It’s an opportunity for public outreach,” he explained, nestled between the United States Capitol and the Washington Monument. The event provides a rare chance to engage with tourists and showcase the critical role of trucking.

Source: Overdrive – Owner-operator Dave Mitchell and his 1995 Western Star parked with other trucks along both sides of the National Mall at the 10-4 event in 2023.

Mitchell recounted his experience, noting the interest tourists showed in learning about trucking. “I probably had 100 people sit in my truck the time we were there,” he shared.

He also highlighted the presence of FMCSA representatives, who attracted a substantial crowd eager to ask questions and gather information. Mitchell emphasized that the TenFour event is “not a protest; it’s no-risk” and focused on one-on-one interactions to educate the public. “We’re not going to change anything in this industry unless we’ve got the public behind us,” he said.

He stressed the need for public understanding of the challenges truckers face daily, suggesting that increased awareness could lead to a more positive and respectful experience on the highways. Furthermore, the unique experience of sleeping in a truck on the National Mall adds a sense of pride for participants, offering “bragging rights.”

During the three nights on the Mall, attendees often book hotel rooms but also take turns for “fire watch” duties to ensure the equipment’s security. Organizers prioritize safety, and Bowerman encourages interested participants to register for free.

Those interested in being a part of the event, which departs from the Fredericksburg Agricultural Fairgrounds for the National Mall at 11 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, can register via the TenFour D.C. website, where you can also find more information. 

Source: Overdrive

The post Annual Trucking on the National Mall Event, Dedicated to Truck Driver Advocacy, Anticipates Record-Breaking Turnout appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.