A trucker advocacy group is a non-profit organization that exists to advocate for the rights and interests of truck drivers. These groups can be found all over the country and have many different focuses, but they all have one thing in common: they want to help you make a difference.
Trucker advocacy groups provide many benefits to their members, including a way to connect with other people who are passionate about improving conditions for professional drivers and a way for drivers to get involved in political campaigns related to transportation issues that affect their job performance as well as safety concerns such as distracted driving laws, seat belt laws, and drunk driving penalties
A Brief History of Trucker Advocacy Groups
The first trucker advocacy group was the American Trucking Association, founded in 1933. The ATA was created to represent the interests of companies and individuals who transport goods by truck.
The next major step was taken in the early 1970s when a group of independent owner-operators formed the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA). This organization was designed to give voice and representation to independent drivers who felt they were being overlooked by larger companies and organizations.
Today, there are more than a handful of advocacy groups that span trafficking, women in trucking, safety, and owner/operator rights. If you’re a driver looking to get involved, there’s a group for you.
A Few Current Advocacy Groups
American Trucking Associations (ATA): ATA is a national trade association representing the trucking industry, advocating for safety and efficiency in transportation. They offer a variety of resources and services, including research, education, and training programs.
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA): OOIDA is an international trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and independent truck drivers. They offer a wide range of services and benefits, including discounts on products and services, advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues, and access to exclusive insurance programs.
National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC): NTTC is a trade association representing the tank truck industry, including bulk transportation and hazardous materials carriers. They provide a range of services and resources, including safety training, regulatory compliance assistance, and advocacy on behalf of the industry.
Women In Trucking (WIT): WIT is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the employment and advancement of women in the trucking industry. They provide a variety of resources and services, including mentorship programs, scholarship opportunities, and advocacy on behalf of women in the industry.
Truckload Carriers Association (TCA): TCA is a trade association representing the truckload sector of the trucking industry. They offer a variety of services and resources, including education and training programs, advocacy on legislative and regulatory issues, and networking opportunities for members.
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA): CVSA is an international non-profit organization dedicated to promoting commercial motor vehicle safety. They provide training and certification programs for commercial vehicle inspectors, as well as advocacy on behalf of the industry to promote safety and regulatory compliance.
National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC): NASTC is a trade association representing small trucking companies and independent owner-operators. They provide a range of services and benefits, including discounts on products and services, regulatory compliance assistance, and access to exclusive insurance programs.
How Truckers Can Get Involved
Connect Online: Every advocacy group has a webpage with contact information. Reach out to the organization to learn more about it and ask how you can get involved.
Social Media: Advocacy groups are present on social media. Be sure to “Like” and “Follow” the ones that interest you. Comment on their posts with relevant information and reply to others to help foster a sense of community.
Attend Meetings and Events: If there are already established groups that meet regularly, attend their meetings and events so you can learn more about what they do as well as share your own experiences with them.
Membership: Sign up for the annual membership to help financially support the organization.
Make Your Voice Heard: Once you have established yourself within the community of other truckers who share similar interests (and hopefully made some good friends), it’s important to share your thoughts and perspectives when it comes time for decisions affecting our industry or ourselves personally.
You Can Help Make a Difference
You can make a difference. Truckers are the backbone of this country and have been for decades. A united voice speaks louder than a lone driver ever will. Join a trucker advocacy group today and begin sharing your voice to make a difference in the trucking industry.
