The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Assn. is encouraging its members to participate in a convoy of owner-operators amassing in Washington, DC, March 16 to protest recent fuel increases and the lack of government action.
"We support the action and feel it will serve to call needed attention to the serious problems that are devastating small business truckers," OOIDA said.
OOIDA President Jim Johnston and Executive Vice President Todd Spencer have spent the past several weeks meeting with key members of Congress and the Senate. They report "some movement" on certain issues but say many lawmakers are yet to be convinced of the gravity of the situation facing truckers and the need to find immediate solutions.
They said mass demonstrations, as well as personal visits and communications to elected officials by OOIDA members, are needed to emphasize the problems truckers are currently facing. But OOIDA reminded members that the rally would be a peaceful demonstration with all the necessary permits for access into the city.
"We encourage all OOIDA members who plan to participate to exercise restraint and behave in an orderly and law-abiding fashion," the organization said.
Plans call for truckers to meet March 15 at Whites Truck Stop in Raphine, VA, at approximately 2:30 p.m. The convoy will leave Raphine at 6:30 a.m. on March 16 and travel along I-81 to 495 to Washington D.C. It isn't known at this time if the convoy will go north around Washington and enter on Route 50, or go into Washington from 395 off 95 and over the 14th Street Bridge. Arrival in downtown Washington D.C. is planned for 10 a.m.. Departure from the capital is estimated at 3 p.m.
Updates on the route and further information will be posted on the OOIDA web site. Members can also phone OOIDA offices at (800) 444-5791.