Trucking History – November 2025
Nov. 1, 1970
“Truckin’” was released by the Grateful Dead on the American Beauty album. The song was the band’s highest-charting pop single until “Touch of Grey” was released 16 years later. “Truckin’” was credited with helping to popularize the group among general rock audiences. In 1997, the United States Library of Congress recognized the song as a national treasure. “Truckin’” is the Grateful Dead’s eighth-most-performed song.
November 1998
The U.S. Department of Transportation passed regulations requiring pre-employment/post-crash random and biennial drug testing of commercial drivers. Within minutes of the announcement, OOIDA filed a lawsuit based on the view that drug testing without probable cause violated truckers’ constitutional rights. Within 30 days, the Association succeeded in enjoining the rules – an injunction that stood for almost two years. Truckers were established as a powerful force to be reckoned within the courts.
November 2002
OOIDA membership reached more than 85,000 less than three decades after it was founded to fight for the rights of all truckers and promote highway safety and responsibility among all highway users.
Since 1973, the Association has actively advocated for the interests of professional truckers through its interaction with state, provincial and federal government agencies, legislatures, the courts, other associations and private businesses to advance an equitable environment for commercial drivers. OOIDA participates in virtually every significant rulemaking affecting professional truckers, testifies at all major hearings on trucking issues and participates in industry-wide organizations and conferences.
Today, members reside in all 50 states and Canada and include company drivers, owner-operators and small fleets.
Visit FightingForTruckers.com to learn more.
November 2007
Truckers For Troops was established. Sponsored by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, the program raises funds for care packages sent to military personnel serving in combat zones as well as for veterans and veterans organizations, such as the Veterans Community Project.
During the annual fundraising campaign, 100% of the funds raised go directly to Truckers For Troops. OOIDA also matches a portion of the money raised.
The Truckers For Troops outreach has extended in recent years to additional fundraising efforts during National Military Appreciation Month in May.
“We are continuously amazed, but not entirely surprised, that OOIDA members have fully embraced the mission of Truckers For Troops these past several years,” said Sylvia Dodson, manager of the Association’s Membership Department. “It is because of this, we know the program is spot-on when it comes to channeling support for military and veterans.”
More than $800,000 has been raised to support veterans at home and abroad through Truckers For Troops. LL