Repetitive message remains true
You’re probably sick of hearing about the importance of grassroots advocacy from some lobbyist at OOIDA. For years, lobbyists like me have been encouraging you to pick up the phone and call your elected officials to discuss the policies that affect your trucking business and work behind the wheel. You’ve heard it all before – truckers are their own best advocates, and if every member of OOIDA got involved, we could really change things in Washington and beyond. We keep saying it because it continues to be true.
Unfortunately, it has become increasingly difficult to convince OOIDA members and other professional drivers to become active in government advocacy. Though I understand this all may sound rich coming from someone who is literally paid to advocate on your behalf, I’m here to make another pitch for you to get involved, because there is so much more we can accomplish working together.
I’ve heard all the reasons for not participating in advocacy.
First off, you are extremely busy. Now more than ever, you work tirelessly to move the freight our country relies on. You struggle to remain compliant with a dizzying – and constantly changing – list of government requirements. You chase good rates and avoid hauling cheap freight. And you do all the little things behind the scenes to keep your business afloat and competitive. I get it. When you finally have spare time, contacting an elected official to discuss trucking policy isn’t a priority.
Recently, frustration with the political system also has turned off many would-be advocates.
Truckers don’t feel elected officials at the federal, state or local levels have their best interest in mind. Because so few lawmakers are familiar with trucking, let alone fully understand or appreciate your role in the industry, this assessment certainly has some merit.
Others truckers have been turned off by the abundance of lawmakers who lately seem more focused on their own self-promotion than doing the work necessary to support you and your business. The combative tone of today’s hyperpolitical climate also contributes to indifference toward advocacy. I’ve heard plenty of truckers write off their representatives in Washington entirely, simply because they’re from the wrong party or weren’t their preferred candidate in the last election.
Finally, there is the crowd who thinks the voice of one trucker won’t make a difference. These folks wonder what good it is to contact a House member, who hears from hundreds of thousands of constituents, or a senator, who likely represents millions?
While you may think these explanations reasonably justify your lack of engagement, it’s important to remember who isn’t sitting this out – the people who want to impose more requirements and mandates on you, the people who want to keep your compensation as low as possible, the people who don’t think things like detention time and the lack of truck parking need to be addressed.
Trust me, they’re all very motivated and engaged.
And while I can’t add more spare time to your schedule, reverse your frustration with the political system, or ensure an elected official will take your concerns to heart, I can guarantee the folks working against you are thrilled these reasons are preventing you from getting involved. Why? Because they know how influential a community of motivated and engaged professional drivers could be. Strength in numbers remains a constant in advocacy, but too many truckers are relying on someone else to pick up the phone or send an email.
And OOIDA has taken steps to make it even easier for you to contact your lawmakers with only a few taps on your phone, tablet or computer. Last year, we launched a more user-friendly version of FightingForTruckers.com that makes it quicker and easier for you to correspond with your elected officials. If you’re looking to get back into advocacy or to get involved for the first time, FightingForTruckers.com is a great place to start. LL