Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association

National Headquarters:  1 NW OOIDA Drive, Grain Valley, MO  64029

Tel:  (816) 229-5791  Fax:  (816) 427-4468

Washington Office:   122 C Street NW, Washington, DC  20001

Tel:  (202) 347-2007  Fax:  (202) 347-2008

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Norita Taylor

May 1 , 2007
(800) 444-5791
norita_taylor@ooida.com

DOT finally listens to concerns about safety and security

(Grain Valley, MO, May 1, 2007) – Responding to concerns repeatedly raised by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and others, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced it would delay a pilot program that will open the border to 100 Mexico-based trucking companies.

OOIDA Executive Vice President Todd Spencer, said “We would like to thank Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters for making this wise decision and for listening to our members who have written or called their representatives in Congress, expressing concern about safety and security.”

The Association has been leading a campaign to make sure its members, the media and the public are aware of the risks to safety and security. So far, the DOT officials have provided no relevant details to the public on how they plan to handle those issues.

“The next step should be to carefully address where we are – the loopholes and shortcomings,” added Spencer. “The public has the right to know exactly how the DOT plans to ensure the safety and security of those who drive on our highways.”

Just a few of those questions/issues include: hours of service, safety, security, drug testing, insurance, inspections, and cabotage.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, MO, area. The Association currently has more than 152,000 members from all 50 states and Canada.