There was about 20 minutes that had to be cut and much was Allen who in my opinion is the only advocate for student truckers that exists and he does not get paid for this.

While OOIDA does know and has known what is going on in the Student Trucker Industry for many years, there are not advocating for Students who are little more than desperate unemployed people seeking a better life who having nothing when they come to trucking.

Many have only the clothes on their backs, a pre-paid cell phone and a sleeping bag. They live off advances to eat and feel blessed to get drivers point for the fuel purchases to get a sandwich at subway.

OOIDA has much history on this topic but their priorities do not lie in actively fighting for better treatment of these people, yet they will say their membership is open to anyone.

OOIDA is tackling many different issues in trucking but these are not things that are a matter for students as they work through the obstacles those crucial first two years in order to become professional drivers.

I was disappointed the Mr Spencer did not mention once the issue for Women Truckers being abused during training but there again, he is the VP of OOIDA , Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association which no female student will ever become if they cannot survive training

Yes, that’s why it’s important we DO stick together. So many times we get caught up in things, but the fact remains, there’s bigger fish to fry: CDL and Training issues, DAC abuse, Lease Options Scams, Women Trucker harassment issues, and the list goes on.
The Megas count on driver confusion, apathy, and non-unity.
Can you imagine what a scary thought it would be for them if even 10% of the almost 4 million drivers joined together in one voice?
Something we should strive for.

Allen & Donna

Thanks for your ‘take’ on it. I appreciate it.

As for OOIDA, they likely DONT get email from new CDL grads. The ongoing problem in this industry is that drivers trash OOIDA because they dont know what they are: they are a lobbying organization. They are NOT a union. They are prohibited by law from engaging in things like truck strikes, etc. And, their emphasis until recently has been owner-operators, not new CDL grads and company drivers. OOIDA has one advantage most of us do not: they have the ear of Congress. They may not be as big a player as the ATA, but its a start and its the closest to a voice drivers have. So, it may well be to our benefit to share the emails with them. Only then will they see how big the problem really is. Unfortunately, there are many drivers with a bad feel for OOIDA, usually without good reason. As lawyers and lobbyists, they cant afford to deal in conjecture but must have concrete facts before they can act. They also must wait until the time is ripe – an upcoming bill or major trucking discussion. That makes many drivers feel they are not doing enough for them. Its how politics is done, unfortunately. Drivers tend to bad-mouth OOIDA to other drivers because they do not see their value as they want instant results. As truckers, we seem to need immediate action – thats how we get things done. Unfortunately, it doesnt work that way in the world of politics. Their tactics have won more lawsuits than individual drivers ever have. So, we need to be encouraging the CDL school victims and lease truck victims to contact them with their stories. We can commiserate. OOIDA may eventually be able to force changes. I have no connection to OOIDA other than a regular membership but I do see their value to the industry. In order to get anything done, we’re going to have to stick together and settle our differences at another time. (just my 2-cents