(Grain Valley, Mo., Aug. 10, 2010) – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) recently honored a man whose name is synonymous with trucking radio.

OOIDA Vice President Todd Spencer and Land Line Now host Mark Reddig traveled to Cincinnati to make a special presentation to Dale Sommers, known as the “Truckin’ Bozo,” who is also an OOIDA Lifetime member.

OOIDA’s board of directors decided to create the Lifetime Contribution award especially for Sommers for his 50-plus years on trucking radio. The framed plaque says he “stimulated, amused and motivated thousands of long-haul truckers, making him a valued friend of truckers and someone who made the miles less lonesome.”

Sommers is an American radio personality who is widely known for his long-running talk, call-in and music show geared toward over-the-road truckers. 

“There has never been any question what side Dale was on with any issue. In an unabashedly bold style, he has always communicated on behalf of truckers, and has done so for decades now,” said Spencer.

From 1984 to 2004, Sommers hosted an all-night show from Cincinnati. In 2004, he agreed to do an afternoon talk show on satellite radio. The Truckin’ Bozo show now airs exclusively nationwide on SIRIUS XM’s Road Dog Trucking Radio – SIRIUS channel 147/ XM channel 171 – from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

To see photos from the presentation: Dale Sommers - Lifetime Achievement Award - Photos

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has more than 154,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, Mo., area.