Organizers Woo Independent Truckers

Owner-operators are raising a ruckus across North America — and getting noticed by at least three organizing campaigns.

Triggered by a strike at the port in Vancouver, British Columbia, and skyrocketing fuel prices, owner-operators have protested at ports, state capitals and now Washington, D.C., to let the world know they want higher rates, lower fuel costs, fringe benefits and better treatment from shippers and ports.

Two veteran bodies and one newcomer — the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the recently formed National Owner Operator Trucking Association — say they have the trucker’s interests at heart.

OOIDA is the largest body representing independents, with 43,000 members. The group was formed after it organized a “drive on Washington” in 1973 to protest high fuel prices and shortages brought on by the Arab oil embargo.

OOIDA was not represented at last week’s Washington rally, having rejected an opportunity to get involved, claimed Charles Hentz, who staged the rally and co-founded NOOTA.

Todd Spencer, executive vice president of OOIDA, said he was not familiar with the new organization. “I don’t think it existed two weeks ago,” he said.

For the full story, see the Feb. 28 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.