Larry Beebee is an OOIDA life member from Sparta, Michigan.  Larry is 63 years old and has more than 42 ½ years' experience in the trucking industry – 12 as a company driver, more than 30 as an owner-operator leased to a carrier and, currently, almost three years as an owner-operator with his own authority. 

Larry has hauled machinery, lumber, general commodities, food products and automobiles in the past.  He currently hauls general commodities and refrigerated freight.

Larry joined OOIDA more than 18 years ago because of the commercial truck insurance, services and products offered. He also joined because of OOIDA’s leadership in matters pertaining to the trucking industry. 

Larry feels he can contribute to the board as an alternate by “bugging” his public officials about issues important to truckers.  He also states that he would be able to give a practical, working man’s voice of experience to the board.  Larry states, “I have been in the industry for more than 40 years, and have seen many things change over the years.”

Larry believes alternates to the board should stay informed on all Association activities, political problems facing the industry and regulatory problems.  Larry says the number one responsibility of an alternate is to bring issues in the trucking industry to the attention of the board so the board can bring those issues to the legislature.  He believes another responsibility should be to promote OOIDA and what it stands for. Larry says, “As a working owner-operator, I can promote OOIDA across the country. With more than 40 years in the industry, I have seen and dealt with many things.” 

Larry sees many problems in the industry today. Brokers are a problem for many truckers.  To fix these problems, we need to make sure government agencies enforce existing laws and regulations with regard to brokers. Larry sees a lack of courtesy and respect by the public as another problem. He believes we need to educate the public about trucking to help combat this.  Finally, Larry states that we need to have better training standards for truckers. New drivers need to be adequately trained.

Larry believes that the most effective ways to change the industry for the benefit of OOIDA members are voting and education on the issues and what the industry does for the nation.  Larry says, “We need to vote and speak to, call and write elected officials.”

When not trucking, Larry enjoys motor sports, spending time with his family and grandchildren and “puttering around the homestead.”