OOIDA joins Trucking Security Program

(Grain Valley, MO, May 29, 2008) – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) looks forward to working as a sub-contractor with the HMS Company, which was chosen by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to receive a grant to provide program management, planning and support services for the Trucking Security Program (TSP).

HMS will support the TSP as part of an anti-terrorism and security awareness program for highway professionals. OOIDA will provide training and outreach to its 162,000 member base of small-business truckers and professional truck drivers. Other subcontractors under HMS include the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT), Total Security Services International Inc. (TSUS) and Patton Boggs LLP.

Rick Craig, OOIDA director of regulatory affairs commented, “We are anxious to get started on this project and work closely with an outstanding team of individuals and organizations dedicated to helping protect our nation’s transportation infrastructure.”

OOIDA and IBT are joining forces to build a team of committed transportation professionals from among their respective memberships and other transportation stakeholders. They plan to institute a training and communications network that coordinates with DHS in analyzing and responding to potential homeland security threats.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has more than 162,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, MO, area.