Steve Davenport is an OOIDA senior member from Lewisville, Texas. Steve is 61 years old and has been trucking for more than 43 years. 

He is currently a one-truck, one-trailer operator with his own authority and he pulls a flatbed hauling building materials.  Before becoming an owner-operator, Steve was a company driver for 33 years and has hauled general freight, dry goods, refrigerated goods, meat and produce.

More than 10 years ago Steve joined OOIDA because of its advocacy for company drivers, independents and small business truckers. He was also impressed by the array of services offered at good prices and the assistance OOIDA offered its members.

Steve feels that he can contribute to the board “with years of experience talking to others in the industry, getting positive agreement on ideas to improve or make more transparent how the industry works.”

Steve says that he believes the OOIDA board represents and lobbies in a positive way for those in the industry.  He believes that, as an alternate, he could support the Association and represent OOIDA. He could also lobby politicians, if called to do so.  Steve believes that his experience in the industry would help him discuss safety and regulations and develop ideas and strategies for the Association.  Steve states he is “willing to learn from current board members what is needed to make trucking better for all that follow.”

Steve says that rates and pay always seem to get the most attention in the industry.  To raise rates we need to teach good business practices to those coming into the industry.  Efficient business practices are essential to improving the industry. Also, we need to make sure information on new requirements, laws and regulations is available to all. Networking and technology are keys to keeping up with the changes and we need to make sure our members and fellow truckers are aware of this information.

Steve states that with all the things that change daily in the industry, we need to remember there are also things in the industry that should not change.  We need to protect those things in the industry that are good and work for us.

It is important to communicate with elected officials, says Steve. He calls federal lawmakers on issues important to trucking.  All truckers need to be active in that area.

When Steve is not trucking up and down the road for fun and profit, he keeps himself busy with a pickup truck restoration project. He is also an avid investor and self-professed student of the stock market.