OOIDA on the Road – August/September 2024

Marty Ellis, driver for OOIDA’s tour truck, travels around the United States to deliver the Association’s message and to hear directly from truck drivers.

Often, he is greeted by familiar faces, including some of OOIDA’s many life members. Such was the case on recent trips, when he met several life members who are committed to the Association’s efforts to fight for the rights of all truckers.

Among those members were:

TJ Echols, a life member from East Liverpool, Ohio, who said he started pulling loads at the age of 16. Echols has played Santa Claus in his local Christmas parade for 50 years and is pictured with his dog, Gunner.

Michael Clark, a life member from Kingsbury, Texas, who started driving in 1984 after learning from his father-in-law. He operates a 1996 International 9200 with a Detroit engine. During his visit to the tour truck, he even helped fix a golf cart.

Roy Turner, a life member from Mauriceville, Texas, who recently celebrated 40 years in the trucking industry. He’s been a driver, dispatcher and owner-operator. Currently, he hauls seafood.

Rocky Fortun, a life member from Newton, N.H., who has been trucking for about 38 years after learning from his father. He worked over the road for about 30 years and now moves trailers around the yard and in and out of the dock. He also works as a part-time CDL instructor. He is pictured with his wife, Amy.

John Larick, a life member from Rockaway, N.J., who operates for an auto transport company. He said he appreciates the informative articles from Land Line Magazine and looks forward to reading every issue.

Cheryl Daumer, a life member from Northampton, Pa., who has been trucking for nearly 40 years. She said her dad was a firefighter and that she started driving a fire truck when she was 18. LL