In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson are joined by Tyson Fisher, Jami Jones, and Mark Schremmer from Land Line Magazine for a deep dive into the biggest stories shaping the trucking industry.

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has stood behind truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the spotlight on the issues that matter most to drivers.

Hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, this episode features a returning favorite:

When you’ve driven trucks for more than half a century, you’ve gathered more than a few stories. In this special episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson welcome veteran trucker and OOIDA board member Doug Smith, who has over 54 years of driving experience and more than 4.3 million accident‑free miles to his name.

Doug shares his unlikely entry into trucking—and why he’s not stepping away anytime soon. He recounts the deeply moving experience of hauling The Wall That Heals, a half‑scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, describing it as more than a delivery—it was a spiritual moment.

Tune in to hear stories about his appearance on a reality TV show, a brief cameo in a classic baseball film, and why he still loves the road when others have long retired.

Since 1973, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has stood with truckers—and Trucking with OOIDA keeps spotlighting the issues that matter most to you.

In this episode, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson tackle two critical challenges facing the industry today:

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson shine a light on two of the biggest topics rolling through the industry:

First, they break down OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh’s recent testimony before a Senate subcommittee. Lawmakers are beginning to shape the next highway bill, and Lewie’s message was clear: truckers deserve to be heard. Ashley and Scott dig into what was said, what it means, and why it matters to every small-business trucker on the road.

Then, we shift gears to technology with Missy Cummings, a national expert on autonomous vehicles and Director of the Mason Autonomy and Robotics Center at George Mason University. Missy joins the show to talk about what we actually know about AV safety—and what remains unanswered.

It’s a mix of D.C. policy, cutting-edge tech, and straight talk from the road. Buckle up.

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, we dive into the stories and strategies shaping the industry today. Cybersecurity expert Ben Wilkens from the National Motor Freight Traffic Association explains why truckers can’t afford to ignore digital threats—and what simple steps owner-operators can take to stay protected. Then, Abbigail Huffman of ATRI walks us through the latest data on trucking demographics, revealing who’s behind the wheel in today’s changing workforce. Finally, Jonatan Quiros of Clark Freight shares his boots-on-the-ground efforts to help flood victims in Texas. It’s an episode packed with real risks, real impact, and real heart.

In this jam-packed episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, we’re looking at the road ahead—for regulations and for some very large cargo. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins us fresh off some big wins in Washington and gives a preview of his upcoming testimony on Capitol Hill as OOIDA continues its fight for drivers’ rights. Then, we shift gears into the wild world of hauling elephants with driver Stephen Fritz, who shares how he got into moving exotic cargo and what it takes to do it safely. Plus, we break down the recent confusion over medical certification, clear up what’s changed (and what hasn’t), and catch up on the latest news that matters to owner-operators and professional drivers.

Live from the Hill, it’s Washington Trucking Week on Road Gang Radio. Host Jimmy Mac sits down with Collin Long, Director of Government Affairs at OOIDA, for a timely update on the biggest issues facing drivers at the federal level. From OOIDA’s support of Sue Lawless Barrs as the next FMCSA Administrator to truck parking taking center stage in multiple congressional hearings, Collin gives listeners a front-row seat to the legislative conversations shaping the future of trucking. Plus, a preview of OOIDA’s Lewie Pugh testifying before the U.S. Senate and why it matters to every trucker on the road.

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