Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn (OOIDA)

Lobbying/representation efforts - OOIDA maintains a Washington, DC office and employs government affairs representatives to work full-time in that office. These staff members, as well as various employees at the OOIDA headquarters, work with congressional representatives to ensure the interests of professional truckers are considered in legislative and regulatory forums on a federal and state level. The government affairs staff educates elected officials on all trucking matters.

Legal representation - OOIDA further represents the interests of the membership by filing lawsuits against various entities when the rights of truckers have been violated. For example, OOIDA has battled several motor carriers in court over violations of truth in leasing regulations. There is no federal agency to enforce the provisions of the truth in leasing regulations. As such, professional drivers must use the private right of action to enforce these provisions. Because such actions can be very costly for an individual, OOIDA has taken several of these cases on behalf of members. In addition, OOIDA has filed suit against various states and agencies for violations of civil rights and for discriminatory practices and taxes. OOIDA has been successful in recovering settlements for members who have been wronged.