Owner-Operator Groups to Establish Cross-Border Ties

OTTAWA, ONT. (Sept 21, 2006) – OBAC is pleased to announce it has established formal ties with OOIDA, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association, based in Grain Valley, MO. OOIDA's board of directors voted unanimously at its annual Fall board meeting to proceed on an affiliation with OBAC.
 
Both associations assist, serve, and represent the interests of small-business truck owners and drivers, so the formal partnership means a united voice on trucking issues will now be heard from both sides of the border, said OBAC's executive director, Joanne Ritchie.
 
"OOIDA has tremendous influence in the United States, and its voice is taken very seriously by all levels of government in that country. OBAC is excited to be joining forces with OOIDA so we can, together, address issues of concern to Canadian owner-operators and drivers on our side of the border as well," said Ritchie. "This affiliation will have a huge positive impact on moving OBAC forward; we'll benefit from OOIDA's 33 years of insight and experience, as well as the depth of knowledge represented by OOIDA's board and executive committee. And two strong associations with a common purpose will benefit truckers North-American wide."
 
While each organization will maintain its autonomy in name and membership, Ritchie says there will be opportunities to share resources that will benefit OBAC members.
 
"We'll be looking at the excellent array of OOIDA's programs and services to determine what might be modified or adapted for the Canadian market, or used as templates to build our own," she said. "Insurance and fuel programs will be important, as these represent critical, big-ticket items for owner-ops."
 
OOIDA president and CEO, Jim Johnston, expressed satisfaction with the decision of his Board, and says he is anxious to move forward with this affiliation, calling it a great benefit to his Canadian members.
 
"An OOIDA/OBAC partnership will enable us to have an increased presence with the Canadian government, which will benefit both our U.S. members who travel to Canada and our Canadian members as well," Johnston said.
 
Ritchie was a guest of OOIDA at its Grain Valley headquarters and made a presentation to its Board about the Canadian group's goals and objectives, and also discussed issues affecting owner-operators in Canada.
 
Recently, OBAC stood with OOIDA to file comments against mandatory speed limiters in Ontario and across Canada.
 
OBAC was formed in 2002 in Ottawa to represent the interests of truckers across Canada. Ritchie is the executive director, with over a decade of experience as a trucking industry analyst for the federal industry department. OBAC has a seven-member board of directors.
 
OOIDA was formed in 1973 in Grain Valley, MO, as a voice for truckers on Capitol Hill. Since then, the association has grown to more than 144,000 members in all 50 states and Canada. Twenty-two directors serve on the OOIDA board. It is the largest and most influential organization representing drivers in North America.
 
Both groups are member-driven organizations. Executives, board members and staff work closely with the membership to formulate positions and pursue action on issues of importance to truckers.