Trucking History – October 2025
October 1938
The first hours-of-service regulations were enacted by the Interstate Commerce Commission, limiting the driving hours for truck and bus drivers. This followed a truckers’ strike in New York City seeking fewer hours on the job and increased the federal government’s involvement in regulating the freight industry. The initial ruling was modified within six months to allow for 10 hours of driving and eight hours of rest within a 24-hour period.
October 2013
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association hosted its 40th anniversary Oct. 18-19 at the Kansas Speedway in Kansas City, Kan. The gathering of professional truckers to celebrate OOIDA’s 40 years of trucking history and fighting for truckers’ rights featured a show truck competition, live music, games, educational seminars, vendors and more.
“Forty years is a milestone that gives our members and friends a great reason to celebrate,” said OOIDA’s longtime president, the late Jim Johnston. “It’s a time we can come together and celebrate the successes we’ve had together because of our Association and commit to building an even bigger, more powerful organization for generations to come.”
October 2021
OOIDA was among the inaugural hall of fame class inducted by the American Truck Historical Society. Other influencial trucking history inductees honored as part of the first class of the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame were Clessie Lyle Cummins, the founder of Cummins Engine Co.; John (Jack) and Gus Mack, who started Mack Trucks Inc.; and trucking radio icon Dave Nemo.
“It’s indeed an honor that the efforts of our organization are being recognized,” OOIDA President Todd Spencer said. “There have been lots of changes and evolution within the industry, but what’s been needed through all this time is (that) policymakers, regulators, truck manufacturers and everybody else needs to hear from the people behind the wheel.”
ATHS said it established the hall of fame to highlight the exemplary work of trucking companies and industry leaders nationwide.
October 2024
Dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremen’s Association began their largest strike in 50 years on Oct. 1 after negotiations for a new labor contract fell apart. Dozens of ports from Maine to Texas were affected by this strike that cost billions of dollars per day and threatened jobs. Analysts announced an agreement had been reached between the ILA and U.S. Maritime Alliance on Oct. 3. Details of the agreement were not released at that time, but both parties called it a “win-win.” LL