OOIDA Timeline

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For over 40 years the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association has been fighting for the rights of all professional truckers.

We are proud of our history of effective representation, and as we grow, we will continue to fight for our members’ best interests in new and more powerful ways.

Please follow the links below for a journey along a timeline of Association accomplishments, and you will see that OOIDA has made great strides during the past 35 years.

We believe the biggest accomplishments are those yet to come, so if you haven’t yet joined OOIDA, there’s no time like the present to unite with over 150,000 members working to give all professional truckers a voice!

Click on a tab to view events for that decade.

1970's
1980's
1990's
2000's
2010's

1970's

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1973

The year OOIDA was founded. A handful of frustrated owner-operators headed to Washington, DC to talk to lawmakers, prompted by the Arab oil embargoes that crippled trucking in the early 70s. They learned that organization would be the key to penetrating the policy-making system.

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1974

OOIDA incorporated. Membership control was written into the Association by-laws and permanently guaranteed, with the requirement for a 21-person Board of Directors which must be selected from the owner-operator and driver members of the Association.
Jan. 1, 1974, marks the beginnings of a working staff for OOIDA with Jim and Mary Johnston.

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1975

Jim Johnston was elected president.
Land Line reports on revenue skimming: Truckers now have the right to demand a copy of rated freight bill.

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1976

PA Congressman Joe McDade testifies to U.S. House on behalf of truckers: Says small-business truckers are competing with the twin giants of large business and large federal regulatory agency.

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1977

Dock time: ICC passes nationwide detention rule.
Eye on oil companies: The bitterly cold winter serves as excuse for oil companies hoax energy shortage (yes, guys and gals - in 1977).
Does 55 mph save lives and fuel? Government studies try to show it does, but OOIDA says they aren't considering all the facts.

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1978

ICC leasing rule proposal promises to force carriers to give owner-operators a fair shake. ATA predicts adhering to these rules would become "such an irritation that the services of owner-operators would no longer be needed."
Plenty of controversy over proposed hours-of-service regs, including one option that banned driving from midnight to 6 a.m. On behalf of truckers, OOIDA's Jim Johnston voices strong opposition.

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1979

Land Line incorporated.
The ICC leasing rules were OOIDA's first major long-term victory. At OOIDA's urging, Congress held a series of hearings in the mid-to-late 1970s to investigate the problems of small business truckers. Congress found widespread abuse and directed the Interstate Commerce Commission to develop the Truth-in-Leasing regulations.
During the shutdown of 1979, Jim Johnston went to a meeting at the Department of Transportation in DC; met a young attorney named Mike O'Connell, (who was at that time working for US DOT).
ICC gives independent truckers new legal protection with new leasing regs.
Shutdown '79: Pleas for fuel crisis relief fall on deaf ears.
Rep. Tom Daschle, D-SD, introduces HR4563, calling for gross weight of at least 80,000 lbs. and at least 65 ft.
OOIDA board of directors wants logbooks gone.

1980's

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1980

Lumping is a rip off: Will the Loading-Unloading Act of 1979 be a solution?
DOT says logbook still in.
International registration: Changes in IRP being considered.
ICC proposes restructure options on fuel surcharges: Owner-operators choose "none of the above".
Deregulation: (Motor Carrier Act of 1980) signed into law by President Carter.

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1981

Todd Spencer joined OOIDA staff Nov. 6, 1981.
DOT terminates a revision process of the hours-of-service rules started in 1976.
Lumping: Government says rule revisions should clarify who is responsible for labor.
Fuel surcharge replaced with mileage-based surcharge: ICC actions spur debate.
One year after passage, the Motor Carrier Act provokes deluge of protest: Enforcement has been less than satisfactory.

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1982

American Trucking Associations contest leasing rules: ATA says owner-operators are treated fairly.
The rate war: OOIDA petitions ICC to consider owner-operators' operating costs when determining rates.
ICC finds no "quick cure" for lumping.
OOIDA's first annual convention: April 17, 1982.
A new concept for coping with paperwork: A fuel reporting program similar to IRP
Carriers are responsible for actions of their agents: Loophole in ICC's Leasing Rules (dating back to 1979) has been closed.
Operating authority: Eased entry means opportunities for independents.

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1983

Robert Esler appointed to the position of Association Secretary.
Highway Use Tax: OOIDA calls it Highway Robbery Act of 1982 and vows to get it lowered.
Uniform detention rules eliminated.
Shutdown Jan. 31, 1983: Issues are increased taxes, predatory rate cutting and discriminatory taxes.
ICC denies owner-operator cost of operation petition initiated in 1982: Petition would have forced the ICC to address predatory ratemaking.
Three states on board for IFTA.
DOT offers alternatives to much-criticized $1,900 HUT. Alternatives will actually increase user tax, says OOIDA.

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1984

Single source (private) leasing approved: Unlimited opportunity for owner-operators. ATA quips, "You guys (owner-operators) will be taken to the cleaners."
ATA files suit against New Jersey's decal fee: OOIDA files to intervene, wants to ensure owner-operators who actually paid the fee get refunds.
OOIDA's effort to reduce HUT pays off. Highway Use Tax is lowered from $1,900 per to $550 per year.
LL features articles on recordkeeping and compliance: Cost to trucking industry estimated at $1 billion annually, plus the taxes and fees.
New Jersey hit again: OOIDA participates in suit against retaliatory tax.
OOIDA files suit against Oklahoma's ICC registration fee.

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1985

A Washington DC law/lobbying firm is retained by OOIDA. Mike O'Connell was a new associate of the firm (Collier, Shannon, Rill & Scott) and was chosen to coordinate Washington DC activities for OOIDA.
ATA's new direction: Soliciting owner-operators for membership.
Pennsylvania's $36 axle tax discriminates against out-of-state truckers: ruled unconstitutional by state court.
OOIDA suit prompts Oklahoma to lower fees; refunds issued.
OOIDA files suit against New Hampshire: Fuel decal fee unconstitutional.
Deregulation: Which way now? Owner-operators welcome opportunity, but fear weak bargaining power.
Thirty-day lease rule may be eliminated: OOIDA has asked ICC to approve this change.
OOIDA participates in a suit against Indiana's SHU fee: Refunds awarded to owner-operators.

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1986

OOIDA says that lower fuel prices may be wiped out by higher taxes.
Highway Trust Fund under attack.
Leasing policy change: 30-day rule eliminated.
The high cost of 55: States are losing federal funding for noncompliance of national speed limit.
OOIDA opposes substituting computer documents for rated freight bills: Another opportunity to skim owner-operators.
National truck driver licensing system mandated: Individual states to adopt single license system by 1992.
Black boxes denied. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) petitions for mandatory "tachographs" (black boxes): The fed's immediate plans won't be calling for Big Brother.
OOIDA participates in suit against Vermont's decal fee: Refunds awarded to owner-operators.

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1987

State fees on truckers under scrutiny: Current legal actions by OOIDA, ATA and Private Truck Council of America in 14 states.
No more multiple licenses: Congress mandates one CDL.
State Supreme Court strikes down PA axle tax: Estimates place the amount of revenue collected from tax between $300-$500 million. Under ATA's proposed refund plan, only companies registered with PA will receive the refunds.
Court declares New Hampshire fuel decal fees unconstitutional: Refunds coming.
Taxes, O/O and refunds: OOIDA files application to intervene in case brought by ATA against Pennsylvania to ensure owner-operators receive refunds directly.
A Drug Free America: The U.S. Senate approves new legislation requiring more than 4 million Americans that work in transportation be tested for drug use

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1988

Robert Driscoll appointed to position of General Vice President.
In November of 1988, the U.S. DOT passed regulations requiring pre-employment/post-accident random and biennial drug testing of commercial drivers. Within minutes after the announcement, OOIDA filed suit based on the view that drug testing without probable cause violated truckers' constitutional right. Within 30 day, OOIDA succeeded in enjoining the rules, an injunction that stood for almost two years. Truckers were established as a powerful force to be reckoned with in the courts.
OOIDA scores in NJ tax court: OOIDA, et al can intervene in a court challenge to have refunds sent directly to owner-operators.
Uniform weights and lengths: A goal that may never be reached.
Indiana Boycott - Several legitimate beefs: 55 mph, rates, taxes.
Truckers rant over surprise ban on radar detectors.
Election '88: Land Line interviews Bush and Dukakis on major issues of interest to the nation's independent truckers.
DOT takes lead in "zero tolerance" drug testing parade: DOT Secretary Jim Burnley vows to have testing programs in place before his term ends.
Is there a drug test in your future? OOIDA tells courts that DOT rules on random testing are unwarranted, unjustified and a violation of constitutional freedoms.
Secretary of Transportation Jim Burnley announces DOT's drug testing rules: Within hours of announcement, OOIDA marches to doors of 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to file suit.
OOIDA participates in a suit against Maryland charging unconstitutional decal fee: Refunds awarded to owner-operators.

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1989

OOSI incorporated.
OOIDA's Political Action Committee (PAC) was established to elevate truckers' status to equal the big companies when it comes to political clout.
Landmark court decision. The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ordered the state to refund nearly $7 million in discriminatory taxes and fees to trucking companies who paid them. OOIDA intervened to assure the court ordered the money to go back to the owner-operators who paid the taxes. (Currently, OOIDA has filed discriminatory highway tax suits in more states than not - resulting in a multi-million dollar refund process to truckers).
OOIDA's swift action on drug testing pays off: Judge strikes down DOT's random and post-accident testing rules, grants injunction.
Burnley out/Skinner in: Sam Skinner appointed Secretary of Transportation and inherits drug-testing litigation.
Court upholds OOIDA argument: Injunction barring random and post-accident testing remains in effect.
Boycotts do work: Indiana governor signed into law a structure change in speed limits.
OOIDA participated in a suit against Georgia, Florida charging unconstitutional retaliatory taxes: Refunds awarded to owner-operators.
Random and post-accident testing (without probable cause) scheduled to be dropped from DOT regs, pending decision by the courts.

1990's

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1990

CTCM was established.
CMCI was established.
Based on verified complaints from members regarding abusive practices by Tennessee truck inspectors, OOIDA filed suit against the Tennessee Public Service Commission and chairman Keith Bissell.
Discriminatory abuse of out-of-state truckers and warrantless cab/sleeper searches prompt OOIDA to initiate legal battle against Tennessee PSC.
Fuel prices skyrocket.
OOIDA intervenes in ATA suit against Maine's fuel use decal fee: Refunds should go to owner-operators who paid the fee.
Bill introduced to establish national uniformity in registration, permits and taxation.
DOT-mandated drug testing begins: Non-compliance could mean hefty fines.
So-called safety project funding: ATA asks for portion of NJ refunds.

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1991

OOIDA files suit against Alabama: Fuel decal marker fee imposed on foreign motor carriers is unconstitutional.
Feds see highway bill as "new vision" but truckers need rose-colored glasses to see it DOT's way.
OOIDA participates in suit against Arkansas: Highway use taxes ruled unconstitutional; owner-operators included in refund plan.
Should fuel-related increases be passed on to the actual buyers? ATA says no.
Loading and unloading problems continue to plague truckers.
Temperatures rising for TN PSC's Keith Bissell: OOIDA expands lawsuit after reports of crafty campaign contributions.
New Jersey refunds increase by $500,000: ATA's proposed safety refund dropped.
OOIDA asks FHWA to extend CDL 1992 deadline: States making slow progress.
New Hampshire hit again: OOIDA participates in suit charging $20 fuel decal fee unconstitutional; refunds distributed.
Senate passes highway bill, sends it on to House. House fails to deliver highway bill before recess. Negotiations broke down over 5-cent-per-gallon gas tax increase.

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1992

The OOIDA Foundation was established. Rick Craig, who was appointed to the position of OOIDA treasurer in 1992, was named executive director.
Todd Spencer, Editor-in-Chief of Land Line Magazine, was appointed to position of Executive Vice President.
After a long court battle, U.S. District Judge Robert Echols found ample evidence that truckers' rights had been violated under orders of Tennessee PSC commissioner Keith Bissell. An injunction was ordered and was hailed a victory for hundreds of thousands of truckers and trucking companies.
Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act (ISTEA) finally approved. Includes provisions for single state registration; driver training.
FHWA denies OOIDA's plea for CDL deadline (April 1, 1992) extension.
Got your CDL? LL publishes tips on how to keep it.
U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Wiseman rules in favor of the PSC on cab searches as part of routine truck inspections. Discriminatory abuse of out-of-state truckers still before the court. OOIDA vows to take warrantless cab/sleeper searches to higher court.
Corruption uncovered in TN: OOIDA allowed to conduct more depositions that should beef up charges against Bissell.
ATA wants $12 million in attorney fees from PA axle suit: OOIDA says that's too much for any lawyers' piece of pie.
NAFTA: Agreement contains significant transportation provisions that could have a profound effect on the trucking industry's future.
Random roadside drug/alcohol testing begins: DOT kicks off a four-state pilot program running through 1993.
OOIDA files suit challenging constitutionality of random roadside testing: Petition calls for an emergency injunction to stop program.
OOIDA participated in suit against Mississippi's bingo stamp fee: Refunds awarded to owner-operators.

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1993

OOIDA vs. Commissioner Keith Bissell and the Tennessee PSC goes to trial in Nashville. The proceedings last 11 days.
Hours of service - OOIDA tells FHWA to consider new realities. OOIDA supports 24-hour rule, but want conditions.
PA prepares to refund axle tax: More states have refunds in the hopper.
Single state registration takes shape: New system expected to save hundreds of millions in dollars and mountains of paperwork.
Court refuses to enjoin random roadside testing program: OOIDA calls for an expedited hearing.
FHWA kills proposal for 24-hour rule.
OOIDA participates in suit against Massachusetts charging fuel decal fee unconstitutional: Refunds awarded to owner-operators.
Closing motions in OOIDA vs. TN PSC filed: U.S. Hatch Act charges await Bissell.
Constitutionality of random roadside testing program to be decided by U.S. District Court.
Court rules in favor of random roadside drug testing pilot program: OOIDA files immediate appeal.
OOIDA participates in suit against Kentucky's SHU and VIC fees: Refunds pending.

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1994

Aftermath of Shutdown '93: Fuel pricing, NAFTA, meal deductions among problems government will address.
The National Highway System: A plan to move the nation's surface transportation into the 21st century.
Radar detector ban: OOIDA tells federal court its discrimination.
SSR - is it working? No, and the nightmare continues.
OOIDA proclaims "We kicked ass in TN." Four years after declaring war on the TN PSC, the U.S. District Court finds PSC Commissioner Keith Bissell's campaign-funding tactics violated truckers' rights.
LL reports on new alcohol/drug rules: What you don't know can really hurt you.
Loading and unloading abuses: Despite anti-lumping laws enacted more than a decade ago, violations are common.
Congressional budget actions drastically reduce power of ICC: Agency and its supporters are waging a fierce campaign to elude dissolution.
SSR: Functioning, but a lot of wrinkles to be ironed out.

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1995

OOIDA started it, but the Tennessee senate finished it by voting to abolish the Tennessee PSC effective June 30, 1996.
OOIDA Risk Retention Group established.
OOMC (Owner-Operator Management Corporation) established.
TN PSC abolished: Department of Safety will inspect trucks.
State tax suits bring results: Millions of dollars in refund checks have been distributed as a result of OOIDA's efforts.
NAFTA: DOT announces that Mexican border will open to trucks on Dec 18. (But will it happen?)
Goodbye, double nickel: Will Congress repeal national 55 mph?

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1996

OOIDA wins court battle with state of Alabama over unconstitutional fees. Nearly $70 million became subject to refund to truckers that paid the fees, the largest of any state trucking tax suit.
National Highway System approved: OOIDA succeeds in blocking attempts to lower speed limits for CMVs.
ICC sunset: Oldest U.S. regulatory agency abolished by ICC Termination Act. Through OOIDA's efforts, the termination act included the "private right of action" for truckers. This allows truckers to settle carrier disputes by filing a civil suit, bypassing the DOT.
NAFTA: OOIDA lobbys hard against opening border. But on the morning of scheduled opening, DOT calls a halt.
OOIDA wins a big one for truckers in Alabama: Refunds of unconstitutional fees are the largest of any state trucking tax.
Truck safety continues to improve: The rate of fatal accidents in 1995 involving CMVs was the lowest on record, according to NHTSA.

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1997

On May 9, OOIDA broke ground for the new headquarters in Grain Valley.
OOIDA and Congress ask White House to keep Mexican truck restriction in place.
Hours-of-service revision process: FHWA looks at changing 60-year-old regs - OOIDA takes the position for common sense.
Leasing rules challenged: OOIDA initiates legal action against Arctic Express, others.
Battle escalates over size and weights: OOIDA says "We've been down that dead-end road:"

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1998

OOIDA launches new wave of legal action: Lumping, credit card surcharge, escrow account violations and insurance overcharges draw fire from OOIDA's lawyers.
The owner-operator bill of rights.
Work comp fraud alleged: OOIDA sues ROCOR.
Ex-Tennessee PSC chief owes OOIDA: Bissell ordered by court to pay OOIDA. $600,000 in court costs.

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1999

OOIDA vs. Prime: Private right of action is the issue. Who will hear the case?
Double taxation: OOIDA charges Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and New York over tolls.
NAFTA: Still no solid date for Mexican trucking.
OOIDA wins appeal against Prime and Arctic: 8th Circuit upholds private right of action for truckers to bring their case before the court.

2000's

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2000

Shaping hours-of-service regs: OOIDA vows to use all its resources to assure that the revisions allow trucking to go forward with rules that provide realistic solutions.
OOIDA vs. Pilot, Flying J - over credit card surcharges.
Land Line exclusive: What owners are saying about their Volvos.
Truckers rally at the Capitol: Fuel costs spur OOIDA action.
The cost of diesel threatens owner-operators: OOIDA's lobbying results in fuel surcharge legislation.
The impact of the new HOS proposal: OOIDA testifies to officials on the negative impact of the proposal.
Tennessee finally pays OOIDA court-ordered check for $583,700. OOIDA says check will go to litigation fund.

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2001

A District Court judge in Indiana agrees with OOIDA’s request that two of OOIDA’s lawsuits against Mayflower Transit be certified as class action lawsuits.
OOIDA membership reaches more than 71,000.
The court directs Ledar Transport, Inc. to pay damages to the owner-operators named in the class action lawsuit brought by the OOIDA.
The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals denies a Mayflower Transit motion to appeal the class certification order granted to OOIDA in its two complaints against the carrier.

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2002

OOIDA files class action against Heartland Express alleging violation of federal leasing regulations.
The U.S. Bankruptcy Court has granted a motion by the OOIDA filed Dec. 19 to intervene generally in the bankruptcy proceedings of Burlington Motor Carriers Inc. Burlington had filed for Chapter 11 shortly after OOIDA and two of its members filed a complaint in U.S. District Court in Indiana, claiming violations of the federal truth-in-leasing regulations.
Court rules in favor of OOIDA in Intrenet Inc. suit and declares escrow accounts are statutory trusts separate from bankruptcy estates.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has begun an investigation of several reported defects in Volvo trucks. These investigations come in response to a petition submitted by OOIDA and supported by complaints on more than 500 Volvo trucks with mechanical problems.
U.S. District Court upholds class certification in OOIDA suit against Arctic Express.
U.S. District Court grants class certification in OOIDA’s second suit against Ledar Transport Inc.
Money recovered by OOIDA’s legal action against the state of Alabama for unlawful taxation of truckers has yielded a windfall that will benefit the families of OOIDA members. $250,000 of the undeliverable money was awarded to the OOIDA Foundation and the OOIDA directors endowed the money to the scholarship fund.
Recipients of the OOIDA 2002 scholarship awards were announced.
A U.S. District Court denies C.R. England a motion for continuance of the scheduled hearing on a preliminary injunction in a case brought by OOIDA charging violations of the federal leasing regulations. The hearing on preliminary injunction was ordered to proceed as scheduled on July 22, 2002.
The federal bankruptcy court approved OOIDA’s million dollar class-action settlement with Gilbert Express. To date, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid to class members.
Rocor International Inc. has filed a request for reorganization protection in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court citing economic issues. Since 1998, Rocor has been embroiled in two separate class actions filed by the OOIDA alleging illegal leasing practices.
OOIDA has joined a new nationwide program named “Share the Road Safely Coalition” designed to teach motorists and truck drivers how to drive safely around each other. The association recently agreed to serve on the steering committee.
Court grants OOIDA summary judgment in one of the Association’s complaints against Mayflower Transit. Court rules that Mayflower unlawfully retained fuel tax credits from owner-operators in violation of the federal truth-in-leasing regulations.
U.S. Supreme Court declines OOIDA petition to hear Indiana fuel taxes/toll roads case.
Court denies Swift Transportation motion to dismiss OOIDA lawsuit and reaffirms trucker’s private right of action to sue carrier. In the dismissal, the judge cited previous decisions in two other OOIDA cases, one against New Prime Inc. and the other Mayflower Transit, which confirmed truckers’ private right of action to seek relief against a carrier for violations of the federal leasing regulations.
For the first time, OOIDA has filed an independent lawsuit against individual officers of a bankrupt Burlington Motor Carrier Inc. in an attempt to recover owner-operators’ escrow funds.
OOIDA membership reaches more than 85,000 in November.
With the assistance of OOIDA, the Missouri Department of Transportation has opened the two former weigh stations and turned them into a truckers’ rest area.

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2003

U.S. District Court grants OOIDA motion to dismiss Arctic counterclaims against absent class members.
A counterclaim tactic used by Arctic has failed to derail the case brought by OOIDA.
Court grants OOIDA class certification in lawsuit against Heartland Express, which alleges that Heartland’s owner-operator lease violates the federal truth-in-leasing regulations and that the motor carrier makes illegal deductions from owner-operators’ compensation.
OOIDA breaks ground on headquarters expansion in February.
Fleet One and the OOIDA announced the “Truckers Advantage” program at MATS in Louisville, KY, to address the needs of small-business truckers and small-fleet owners.
The OOIDA Board voted to promote and sponsor the 30-day period for June 2003, during which all drivers are encouraged to operate in strict compliance with all laws and commercial vehicle safety regulations.
U.S. Congress backs OOIDA’s June Safety Month initiative.
U.S. District Court rules in OOIDA’s favor on the issue of retroactivity of ICCTA in OOIDA vs. Arctic Express; dismisses carrier’s motion.
OOIDA celebrates its 30th anniversary and dedicates its new building expansion. FMCSA Administrator Annette Sandberg is featured guest speaker.
OOIDA submits comments to FMCSA regarding its recent proposal that shields motor carriers from liability when they provide inaccurate information as part of the truck driver background check process.
OOIDA submits comments to the U.S. Department of Agriculture alerting it to the role and risks of lumpers within the food safety chain.

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2004

District Court rules in OOIDA’s favor and upholds federal four-year statute of limitations in its class-action lawsuit against Ledar Transport and equipment leasing co-defendant Hawthorne Leasing Inc.
Judge rules in OOIDA’s favor on several positions against C.R. England, rejecting carrier’s bid to force arbitration of owner-operator claims.
OOIDA petitions DOT to raise the broker bond from $10,000 to $300,000-$500,000 to help cut down illegal broker practices.
OOIDA membership reaches 105,000 in January 2004.
U.S. District Court grants summary judgment to OOIDA against AAFAB Inc for violations of federal leasing regulations.
OOIDA influences FMCSA in a final ruling that recognizes a driver’s right to review previous employer reports and professional safety records when seeking a position with a prospective employer.
Court continues to rule in OOIDA’s favor in Arctic case; settlement agreement near.
OOIDA members and the trucking community are credited with defeating a proposal in House Transportation Bill on mandatory tolling on interstate highways.
OOIDA Board announces ‘04-’05 scholarship recipients.
OOIDA files a class-action complaint in the U.S. District Court against Allied Van Lines and one of Allied's authorized agents.
OOIDA case against FFE Transportation Services Inc. marks the first time it has supported the use of the arbitration system for resolving a dispute involving a motor carrier’s violations of the federal leasing regs.
OOIDA reaches settlement with Arctic Express regarding maintenance escrow funds withheld from owner-operators.
Judge denies motion filed by Allied Holdings to dismiss the case brought by OOIDA and upholds OOIDA’s argument for four-year statute of limitations.
A federal judge in Utah denies C.R. England’s attempt to refer claims brought by OOIDA and several C.R. England drivers to arbitration; grants OOIDA’s motion for summary judgment on those issues.
OOIDA and member plaintiffs file a class-action suit against Bridge Terminal Transport (BTT) for violations of federal leasing regulations claiming non-compliant leases, excessive and undocumented chargebacks and abuses of escrow funds.
Motions by Bulkmatic Transport Co to dismiss a class-actions complaint brought by OOIDA and 10 of its members is denied in federal court.
Settlement distribution approved by courts in OOIDA vs. Arctic Express.
U.S. District Court issues an order resolving a number of outstanding motions in favor of OOIDA in its class-action suit against Swift Transportation, paving the way for the case to proceed.
OOIDA launches its TruckVote initiative to resister voters and encourage voting.
OOIDA membership reaches 115,000.
Court rules against Allied Holdings compulsory arbitration clause, clearing the way for class action to proceed to trial.
OOIDA slams mandatory EOBRs in 40 pages of written comments filed with FMCSA, calling EOBRs unconstitutional and ineffective.
OOIDA’s Office of Government Affairs in Washington, DC, is open. Personnel from OOIDA’s government affairs office will lobby Congress and executive branch agencies on behalf of small-business truckers and professional drivers.

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2005

OOIDA pierces the corporate veil in class-action suit against Ledar Transport. Federal judge rules in favor of OOIDA to hold corporate officers individually liable for Ledar’s violations of the federal truth-in-leasing regs.
Jim Johnston testifies in settlement hearings with Heartland Express inc., in which OOIDA obtains judgment against Heartland for violating federal truth-in-leasing regs.
OOIDA exposes motor carrier abuses of visas issued to foreign workers in comments to the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor.
Heartland settlement funds begin to be dispersed to 2,979 owner-operators as part of the settlement reached with OOIDA in its class-action suit.
The damages phase of the Ledar trial is set for January 2006. A federal judge agreed that Ledar violated the truth-in-leasing regs.
OOIDA delivers message to FMCSA in its comments on HOS that the problems with the regs will not be solved until the problem of coercion of drivers and carrier manipulation of the rules is addressed.
OOIDA filed suit along with two other organizations against FMCSA contending that its driver-training rules do not require any actual training behind the wheel.
OOIDA and six of its members files a class-action suit against North American Van Lines seeking damages for wide-ranging violations of federal truth-in-leasing.
OOIDA and two owner-operators file a lawsuit against AAFAB demanding the return of escrow accounts. The carrier’s law firm is forced to file a garnishment action against AAFAB’s bank account.
U.S. District Court rules in favor of class certification in OOIDA’s suit against Allied Van Lines for federal leasing regulation violations.
OOIDA files comments about a proposed rulemaking to U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Labor contending proposed changes in rules for temporary foreign workers could result in even more fraud and misuse by motor carriers seeking to fill their drivers’ seats.
Contending that the FMCSA “missed the boat” by not requiring behind the wheel training in its entry-level driver -training rule, OOIDA filed a rebuttal to the FMCSA’s response to the Association’s suits filed in April in the U.S. Appeals Court in Washington, DC, asking the court to order FMCSA to go back to the drawing board.
OOIDA launches “Land Line Now,” its own daily radio show on XM Satellite Radio.
OOIDA announces scholarship winners.
OOIDA files a petition asking the government to reconsider the revised HOS regs just days after the revision was announced. Two significant changes identified by OOIDA would have a large impact on truckers and their operations.
Utah district judge grants class-action status in a lawsuit against C.R. England for alleged illegal handling of escrow account and forcing owner-operators to purchase goods and services, including insurance.
A Federal Appeals Court hears arguments in OOIDA’s suit against FMCSA over its driver training rules.
OOIDA launches campaign to get new fuel surcharge legislation (the Fairness in Trucking Transaction Act, or FITT) introduced in Congress requiring an accounting of any fees paid by the shipper to all parties and 100 percent pass through of fuel surcharges.
OOIDA files its motion for class certification and motion to dismiss counterclaims in the arbitration proceedings gains M.S. Carriers.
Land Line Magazine celebrates 30th anniversary.
OOIDA files a memo with U.S. Bankruptcy Court asking for the court to support claims of drivers dealing with the involuntary bankruptcy of CX Roberson and PFT Roberson and to deny the carriers’ requests to dismiss the case involving $1.6 million held in escrow.
OOIDA membership reaches 132,000.
OOIDA joins opposition against speed limiters in Canada.

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2006

In an unusual move, a federal judge took immediate action and granted an OOIDA request from the bench, allowing the Association to represent 6,000 truckers in a class-action lawsuit against Bridge Terminal Transport.
OOIDA takes a stance against a measure by the ATA to dictate the top speed of trucks with speed limiters, also known as engine governors.
OOIDA submits comments opposing a controversial rulemaking being considered by EPA and proposed by CARB that would require transport refrigeration units, or TRU, to meet stricter performance and emissions standards before they could be used in the state of California.
OOIDA submitted comments in response to a proposed rulemaking that would allow a 400-pound weight exemption for idle-reduction technologies.
OOIDA files comments on the TWIC program citing driver expenses, lax requirements for foreign drivers and privacy issues as just a few of the problems with the proposed program.
OOIDA’s Exec. VP Todd Spencer delivers testimony to the U.S. International Trade Commission about Mexican border saying “the net effect of admission of Mexican trucks into the U.S. marketplace would undoubtedly be negative.”
OOIDA partners with a Kansas City-area community college to offer a three-day seminar on the business aspects of trucking including everything from what insurance to carry to how to do your taxes. The Owner-Operator Business Management Seminar welcomed 21 attendees.
OOIDA delivered loud and clear in letters to two federal agencies countering the American Trucking Association’s recent petitions requesting mandatory speed governors saying that mandatory speed limiters could actually have a negative impact on highway safety and would not address the root causes of excessive speeding.
OOIDA membership reaches more than 144,000.

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2007

OOIDA reacts to FMCSA proposal to require EOBRs; begins launching public relations campaign against the devices.
OOIDA submits comments to the California Department of Food & Agriculture as part of the public hearing process. The proposed rules stem from the national publicity related to the E. coli outbreak in September 2006, which left more than 200 sickened and three dead from eating contaminated spinach.
OOIDA and highway uses coalition delivers letter to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters opposing privatization of public highways. Todd Spencer attends Congressional hearings on privatization.
OOIDA files comments objecting to FMCSA petition to require speed limiting devices on commercial trucks.
OOIDA announces settlement with Bridge Terminal Transport in its class action complaint. $6.25 million is to be paid out to settle claims, covering approximately 6,000 owner-operators.
OOIDA files comments with FMCSA against mandatory EOBRS, saying “black boxes” are no better than paper logs, just a threat to privacy.
After Arctic Express fails to honor payment deal, U.S. District Court Judge grants a request from OOIDA ordering Arctic to prove that it is not able to make the ordered payments.
OOIDA, along with Teamsters and others, files lawsuit on challenging the federal government’s pilot program that would authorize up to 100 Mexican motor carriers to perform long-haul operations within the U.S.
Todd Spencer testifies before the U.S. House T&I Committee Subcommittee on Highways and Transit regarding public-private partnerships.
Judge grants OOIDA class-action status for thousands of truck owners and operators in its federal lumping case against grocery distributor and retailer SuperValu Inc.
Further comments filed against cross-border project blasting FMCSA’s insistence that it is a “demonstration” project.
OOIDA announces $8 million settlement in two nationwide class-action cases against Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines over violations of the federal truth-in-leasing regulations.
Judge rules in favor of OOIDA in C.R. England case and orders class-wide accounting of escrow accounts by carrier.
OOIDA begins campaign against proposed speed limiters in Canada.
OOIDA files lawsuit asking for the U.S. Court of Appeals - District of Columbia to review FMCSA’s action regarding the cross-border pilot program.
OOIDA and the ATA file separate legal challenges to hours-of-service provision. OOIDA requests that the court reconsider its opinion on certain rules and hear portions of its July opinion on sleeper-berth provision.
Final settlement talks take place in the Allied Van Lines and North American Van Lines case regarding failure to comply with driver compensation and chargebacks.
Federal Judge rules that Mayflower failed to return escrow funds and that plaintiffs were entitled to a trial on damages.
OOIDA organizes an anti-toll rally on the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol.
OOIDA activates Illinois members to support efforts to override Gov. Blagojevich’s veto of bill eliminating split speed limits.
OOIDA and truckers filed a proposed case management plan that included a request for the Mayflower trial to be scheduled for March 2008. If the request is granted, it will mean that the trial will get underway nine years and 11 months after the truth-in-leasing violation case was originally filed.
At a hearing of the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Highways and Transit, OOIDA reports that drug testing needs improvement not clearinghouse.
Jim Johnston makes a personal appeal to members to pick up the fight again against DOT’s Mexican truck pilot program after the U.S. House unanimously adds an amendment to the 2008 transportation appropriations bill to cut off funding for the project.
OOIDA membership reaches more than 157,000.
OOIDA sends a letter asking the U.S. Department of Transportation to “just say no” to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission by denying its request to toll Interstate 80 in the state. The letter is one of several steps OOIDA has taken during the past several months against tolling I-80.
The judge in the Arctic case says he would find Arctic in civil contempt of court if they did not show cause why they failed to meet previously imposed payment schedule.
OOIDA files a federal suit again Comerica Bank to recover the balance of the $5.58 million Arctic owes to truckers. The Association contends that the bank improperly used drivers’ escrow money to meet Arctic’s financial obligations and should therefore pay the balance.
OOIDA conducts its first ever radio telethon, "Truckers for Troops". Ten percent of the membership fees collected during the week-long campaign was matched by the Association to pay for care packages to be sent to U.S. troops stationed overseas. The telethon tops $40,000 for care packages.

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2008

Federal judge orders a new payment schedule in relation to a federal class action that pitted drivers against Arctic Express Inc. The case involved the motor carrier’s failure to return escrow money to truckers.
OOIDA and 10 individual drivers have settled their claims against Bulkmatic Transport Company alleging that Bulkmatic violated the federal leasing regulations by failing to pay drivers as specified in the lease agreement. The lease provided for payment of compensation based on a percentage of gross revenue.
Following OOIDA objection, CARB drops sticker rule for port trucks.
OOIDA accepts applications for its distribution of $1.13 million in grant money aimed at cutting idling emissions. The funds will be used to reimburse truck owners for a portion of expenses tied to the purchase, installation and monitoring of their APU use.
OOIDA membership reaches more than 160,000.
Jim Johnston urges Ontario Transportation Minister James Bradley to “postpone indefinitely” the implementation of speed-limiter regulations for heavy trucks, which is scheduled to begin Jan. 1, 2009.
OOIDA announces the results for the Truckers for Troops Telethon 2008, and the event netted more than $54,000 raised.
In one of the most important decisions OOIDA has obtained in its pursuit of unscrupulous carriers, the U.S. District Court agreed with OOIDA and declared that Ledar Transport and Hawthorn Leasing, along with company officers Carl Higgs, Norma Higgs, and Scott Higgs in their personal capacity are all liable for violations of the federal truth-in-leasing regulations.
OOIDA descended upon the Ledar offices to begin the process of seizing assets including two tractors, a utility vehicle and one of the owner’s personal pickup trucks to satisfy the judgment.

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2009

The success of OOIDA’s most recent Truckers for Troops telethon has been a source of smiles and warm thoughts at headquarters. A U.S. Army Freedom Team Salute Commendation was given to OOIDA “for outstanding contributions to the United States Army.”
The trucking industry has watched as OOIDA waged a lengthy battle in Ohio for years against the dangerous and much-despised split speeds. That lengthy battle ended in victory when Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland signed a two-year, $9.6 billion transportation budget that includes a provision doing away with split speed limits.
OOIDA representatives meet with provincial and federal lawmakers in Canada to drive home a point that mandatory speed limiters have negative consequences for trade and highway safety. OOIDA sent five representatives to the spring workshop of the CVSA to represent the interests of truck drivers subjected to roadside inspections.
OOIDA saw a key victory when the second port of America’s largest two-port complex approved a special entry pass for long-haul truckers, allowing small business truck operations to continue making occasional port deliveries.
OOIDA truckers rally behind ‘Jason’s Law’ bills for safe truck parking. Todd Spencer said this legislation is badly needed to protect drivers, who struggle daily to find safe truck parking while out on the road.
OOIDA and member plaintiff Stephen K. House filed the “Minnesota I” lawsuit May 13, 2009, with the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota on behalf of truck drivers placed out of service and in some cases fined after members of the Minnesota State Patrol arbitrarily arrived at the conclusion the drivers were “fatigued.”
OOIDA is playing an important role in a federal program called First Observer. It’s the Transportation Security Administration’s trucking security program aimed to develop training modules for highway professionals, train them for anti-terrorism and security preparedness, and receive information from those drivers. The program is now ready to register participants.
With a final decision on the proposed closure of 19 rest areas expected, OOIDA is again calling on its Virginia members to pound the phones to their lawmakers to fight to keep these vital safety rest areas open.
OOIDA opposes cap and trade proposal.
Trucks traveling rural, interstate highways in Illinois no longer will be restricted to 55 mph. The change is the result of a bill signed by Gov. Pat Quinn allowing vehicles weighing more than 8,000 pounds to travel 65 mph on highways outside Chicago and the five surrounding “collar” counties. With long-fought battles to bring uniform speeds to Illinois and Ohio culminating in victory this year, OOIDA is turning its attention to the remaining states that need to ditch treacherous speed differentials.
OOIDA supports a ban on texting while driving.
OOIDA filed comments with the New York State Department of Transportation requesting that the transportation agency “abandon its current plan to restrict large-truck traffic on state roads in the Finger Lakes region.”
U.S. District Court in Utah ruled that the lease agreement C.R. England used with its owner-operators between the years 1998 through the summer of 2002 violated truth-in-leasing regulations in several respects. The court also held that the motor carrier had improperly managed thousands of truckers’ escrow accounts and ruled that it must provide a detailed accounting of what happened to those funds.
OOIDA files second lawsuit against Minnesota PSC and State Patrol members.
The Truckers for Troops 2009 preliminary total is $56,711. That’s $2,000 more than last year and $14,000 more than in 2007, the first year of the OOIDA campaign.

2010's

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2010

OOIDA files comments with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration urging the agency to “further study the industry before contemplating any regulations” on those involved in food transportation.
The EPA announced that OOIDA had been selected to receive a $1 million grant to implement an APU project with a total cost of more than $2.3 million.
OOIDA v. C.R. England: Court overrules another CRE delay tactic.
The Association and three members file a petition for review with the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit outlining a number of shortcomings in FMCSA’s path to issuing the final rule mandating the use of EOBRs on motor carriers with chronic noncompliance with the hours-of-service regulations.
OOIDA case called “Minnesota II” – filed in November 2009 was dismissed and is currently being appealed.
OOIDA and Stephen K. House v. MN State Patrol went to trial Sept. 13 and wrapped up Sept. 21. U.S. District Judge Donovan W. Frank is expected to rule soon on the issues.
OOIDA President Jim Johnston is reelected by Board of Directors for an eighth term as president.
The Truckers for Troops telethon in its fourth year raises more than $71,000 for care packages to send to troops overseas.

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2011

OOIDA v. Minnesota State Patrol ruling said that truckers' fourth amendment rights were violated by state patrol's fatigue inspections which were beyond the scope of CVSA's level 3 inspections.
A costly and burdensome requirement for 1099 records was repealed which would have required reporting to the IRS transactions valued at more than $600.
After pushing for years for a solution to unreasonable detention time, OOIDA worked with U.S. Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-OR, to successfully get a bill filed aimed at holding shippers and receivers accountable for the time that truckers are unnecessarily detained at the docks.
Huge win. OOIDA's driver harassment argument was enough for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit to vacate the electronic on-board recorder regulation.

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2012

The newest highway bill included several wins for truckers such as driver training, freight broker reform, crash worthiness standards study and Jason's Law.
The House of Representatives passed an amendment removing funding for EOBRs.
OOIDA filed a lawsuit against FMCSA regarding safety record database.