OOIDA on the Road – December 2024/January 2025

For some, trucking is not just a profession: It’s a way of life. During a recent stop at the OOIDA tour truck, one woman told tour truck driver Marty Ellis that every time she tries to leave, trucking pulls her back in – a sentiment many of Marty’s visitors likely understand.

Cynthia Anderson, a life member from Olympia, Wash., has been a truck driver since 1988. Currently, she is a regional company driver for CRST. She said she earned her bachelor’s degree with the plan to leave trucking, but she keeps coming back to it.

Justin Ragsdale, an OOIDA member from Shelton, Wash., has been driving since he received his CDL in 2002. He said he appreciates OOIDA and uses its Compliance Connection service, which helps truckers remain compliant with driver files, vehicle maintenance and other record-keeping programs. Justin said that he also enjoys listening to the Land Line Now podcast to keep up with trucking news.

Dan and Lynn Paul, life members from Toledo, Wash., are both retired from trucking but still service their area with a liquid fuel additive. Lynn meets drivers to deliver what they need.

James Solty, a member from Happy Valley, Ore., works as an owner-operator. He pulls a van trailer in the Northwest.

Steve Birkmeyer, a senior member from Celina, Ohio, served 17 active years in the U.S. Army and nine years in the Army Reserves. He attended a community college for truck driver training in 1993. He pulls a food-grade tanker as a company driver.

Michael Zanella, a life member from Columbus, Ohio, drove over an hour to stop by and visit Marty at The Spirit. Michael has been a truck driver for more than 30 years and received the Citizen Driver Award from Travel Centers of America in 2016.

Tom and Laura Weida, senior members from Fountaintown, Ind., started driving in 1992.

They wanted to remind drivers not to offer any extra information when dealing with law enforcement. LL