OOIDA President Spencer recognized for 50 years of service
During the American Truck Historical Society’s Convention and Truck Show in Madison, Wisc. in early June, OOIDA President Todd Spencer was among those honored with a Golden Achievement Award.
ATHS presents the award to recognize individuals who have been involved in trucking for 50 or more consecutive years during the awards banquet at its annual truck show event.
Those recognized during the awards banquet at the annual ATHS event represent excellence, leadership and service in the trucking industry, and their careers serve as lasting contributions to its heritage and future, ATHS said.
Spencer, who’s served as president of the Association since 2018, began his career in trucking in 1974 and became editor of OOIDA’s Land Line Magazine soon after. He was elected to the OOIDA Board of Directors in 1978 and was named executive vice president of the Association in 1992.
In announcing the honor, ATHS described Spencer as a “stalwart advocate for America’s independent truckers.”
“There are lots of arenas where the views of truckers need to be represented,” Spencer told Land Line in March. “If you aren’t in a position to represent yourself, you can be assured others will misrepresent your situation. We see that all the time. We have to do everything we can to make sure lawmakers have accurate information through every means we have.”
Spencer has served on advisory panels for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance. Business Insider named him one of the top transportation leaders affecting change in 2020.
“Spencer has been a guiding voice in national transportation policy, frequently testifying before Congress and advising key federal safety and regulatory bodies,” ATHS said in a news release.
ATHS also presented 2025 Golden Achievement Awards to:
- Louis Binder – Morris, Ill.
- Dennis Chapman – Diamond Bar, Calif.
- Robert Charney – Surprise, Ariz.
- Dave Everett – Columbus, Neb.
- Steve Haberland – Cody, Wyo.
- Stroud Hollinshead – West Fargo, N.D.
- George Newman – Moosup, Conn.
- Chris Schatz – Worland, Wyo.
ATHS Convention and Truck Show
Billed as the premier convention for historical trucks, this year’s event at the Alliant Energy Center featured a wide range of trucks, demonstrations, education, entertainment and more.
“This is a great time for everyone of all ages,” said Peter Wild, ATHS convention committee chair. “You’ll see trucks from all over the country, some dating back to 1910. There’s a reason people come for the trucks and stay for the people – it becomes a big family reunion.”
ATHS will hold next year’s event June 4-6 in Cleveland. LL