GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — North Americas largest owner/operator association has reached a new milestone, reaching the 150,000 member mark.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has grown from just a handful of truckers in 1973 to its current membership of 150,000.

“It is our members’ participation and constant feedback that has enabled us to pursue our mission of communicating their concerns, protecting their business interests, while also keeping them up to date on all the issues and changes that affect them,” says Jim Johnston, OOIDA president and CEO.

The Association was formed during the height of the Arab oil embargoes, which had nearly shut down the trucking industry and crippled the US. It now stands as the only national organization dedicated to fighting for truckers rights in the US. Canadas own association, the Owner-Operators Business Association of Canada (OBAC) has formed a strategic alliance with OOIDA.

OOIDA is best known for its pursuit of legal matters on behalf of owner/operators. It has also provided a unified voice for truck drivers on key legislative issues.

“I think the reason we’ve seen all this growth is simply because we have delivered on our commitment to professional drivers,” says Todd Spencer, OOIDA executive vice-president. “And the members themselves help spread the word to each other about the need for greater participation. To reach the 150,000 mark, you can bet there has not been much idling going on around here.