Trucking History – July 2020

July 7, 1919

The U.S. Army’s first transcontinental motor convoy across the United States, which included Dwight Eisenhower as a participant, starts in Washington, D.C. The experience led to Eisenhower later supporting the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956.

July 23, 1939

Former OOIDA President and CEO Jim Johnston is born. Johnston, who died on Jan. 8, 2018, became the Association’s third president in 1975 and remained in that position until his death.

July 1, 1980

President Jimmy Carter signs the Motor Carrier Act of 1980 into law, which started the deregulation of the trucking industry.

July 6, 2018

Scott Pruitt resigns from his post as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency after taking over the role in February 2017. During Pruitt’s tenure, he attempted to repeal emissions requirements for glider trucks.