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	<title>ooida Archives - Truck Drivers USA</title>
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	<title>ooida Archives - Truck Drivers USA</title>
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	<item>
		<title>Truck Driver Appreciation Deals, Giveaways and Events Available This September</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truck-driver-appreciation-deals-giveaways-and-events-available-this-september/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Dane Fullow]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 13:00:02 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[loves]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[National Truck Driver Appreciation Week]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NTDAW]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ooida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[pilot]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[RaceTrac]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[sheetz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TravelCenters of America]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck driver deals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck driver giveaways]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=949333</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is underway, and several trucking organizations and...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truck-driver-appreciation-deals-giveaways-and-events-available-this-september/">Truck Driver Appreciation Deals, Giveaways and Events Available This September</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="https://ntdaw.trucking.org/">National Truck Driver Appreciation Week</a> is underway, and several trucking organizations and travel center chains are marking the week with discounts, giveaways, and rewards for drivers.</p>
<p>Some promotions are limited to NTDAW, which runs September 13-19, while others continue through the end of the month. Available offers range from free food and bonus rewards to discounted DEF and a custom Kenworth giveaway.</p>
<p>Here is what drivers can still take advantage of this September.</p>
<h1><strong>OOIDA Drops Membership to $25</strong></h1>
<p>The <a href="https://www.ooida.com/">Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association</a> is offering new and renewing members a one-year membership for $25 through September 30, down from its regular $45 rate.</p>
<p>Drivers can receive the discounted rate by calling OOIDA at 816-229-5791 or signing up online with promo code <strong>FIGHT25</strong>.</p>
<p>OOIDA also brought its Spirit of the American Trucker tour truck to Truck World in Hubbard, Ohio, September 9-11, where the association sponsored complimentary lunches for professional drivers during the three-day stop.</p>
<h2><strong>Pilot Puts a Custom Kenworth and $50,000 Up for Grabs</strong></h2>
<p>Pilot&#8217;s annual Road Warrior contest is back with a considerably larger prize for this year&#8217;s winner. One professional driver will receive a Kenworth W990 customized by the Diesel Brothers along with $50,000 in cash.</p>
<p><a href="https://pilotcompany.com/road-warrior">Nominations</a> remain open through September 18 for drivers recognized for professionalism, safety, and service, with the winner scheduled to be announced in October.</p>
<p>Pilot is also offering professional drivers three free drinks and a snack each week throughout September through its app at participating U.S. Pilot, Flying J and One9 locations. Select travel centers are hosting additional events with giveaways, samples, and other freebies.</p>
<h3><strong>Love&#8217;s Rolls Out Weekly Deals and Extra Points</strong></h3>
<p>Professional drivers using the Love&#8217;s Rewards App can earn double points on in-store purchases and triple points on drink refills throughout September.</p>
<p>During NTDAW, drivers can take advantage of several additional offers, including a Drummies and egg cup deal from September 14-20, buy two, get one free Old Wisconsin Meat Snacks through September 19, and two Subway footlongs for $13.99 through September 19.</p>
<p>A free Little Debbie single-serve item is also available September 16, while buy-one-get-one tacos are scheduled for September 21-27.</p>
<h4><strong>TA Gives Drivers More Ways to Enter September Sweepstakes</strong></h4>
<p>TravelCenters of America is running its Every Driver Counts Sweepstakes throughout September, with entries tied to qualifying purchases made with an EarnifyPro account.</p>
<p>A single fill of at least 60 gallons of commercial diesel earns an entry, as does purchasing a Rapid, Premium, or Ultimate Oil Change or placing a work order of at least $500 at a TA Truck Service Center.</p>
<p>Sixteen prizes are available. Two grand-prize winners will each receive 50,000 EarnifyPro points, valued at $500, while the remaining prizes include TA and RFK Racing die-cast collectibles.</p>
<h5><strong>Sheetz Cuts Bulk DEF to $1.99 a Gallon</strong></h5>
<p>Sheetz has lowered bulk DEF to $1.99 per gallon through September 30 at 55 locations across its seven-state footprint that offer bulk DEF at the truck diesel dispensers.</p>
<p>Additional promotions are available at locations with high-flow truck diesel. Drivers can receive a free commercial diesel hat while supplies last, and customers purchasing high-flow diesel can get a free half-size sub.</p>
<p>Pumping 100 gallons of high-flow diesel also qualifies customers for one free eligible made-to-order item or beverage. That offer continues through October 27 and is limited to one redemption per day. The additional offers require a My Sheetz Rewards membership.</p>
<h5><strong>RaceTrac Adds Weekly Food and Drink Freebies</strong></h5>
<p>RaceTrac is giving professional drivers several recurring offers through September 30 through its Rewards program and app.</p>
<p>Each week, eligible drivers can receive one free pizza slice, one free fountain drink, and one free 16-ounce Reign, Bang, NOS, or Full Throttle energy drink. Members can also earn double loyalty points on fuel throughout the promotion.</p>
<h5><strong>C.H. Robinson Marks NTDAW With Carrier Recognition</strong></h5>
<p>C.H. Robinson is recognizing drivers and carriers during NTDAW under its “Built to Move” campaign. Employees at locations around the country assembled carrier swag bags with handwritten thank-you notes and items for the road, which are being distributed to drivers at C.H. Robinson facilities during the week.</p>
<p>The company will also recognize 17 Carrier of the Year winners at a September 17 ceremony in Minneapolis. Recipients range from one-truck owner-operators to fleets operating hundreds of trucks.</p>
<h5><strong>More Than One Week of Driver Deals</strong></h5>
<p>While several offers coincide directly with NTDAW, many continue well beyond September 19. OOIDA&#8217;s membership discount, Pilot&#8217;s weekly app offers, TA&#8217;s sweepstakes, Sheetz&#8217;s bulk DEF price, and RaceTrac&#8217;s driver promotions all remain available later in the month.</p>
<p>Requirements vary by promotion, with some offers tied to rewards accounts, apps, participating locations, or qualifying purchases. Checking those details before stopping can help drivers make sure an offer is available where they plan to redeem it.</p>
<h5><strong>The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.</strong></h5>
<h5><strong>Last Updated: September 14, 2026</strong></h5>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.overdriveonline.com/"><em>Overdrive</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truck-driver-appreciation-deals-giveaways-and-events-available-this-september/">Truck Driver Appreciation Deals, Giveaways and Events Available This September</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>EPA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to 2027 Truck Emissions Rule</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/epa-seeks-public-input-on-proposed-changes-to-2027-truck-emissions-rule/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Information]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[diesel emissions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[emissions regulations]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[EPA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[NOx standards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ooida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck emissions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking regulations]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=927500</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public feedback on proposed...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/epa-seeks-public-input-on-proposed-changes-to-2027-truck-emissions-rule/">EPA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to 2027 Truck Emissions Rule</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking public feedback on proposed revisions to its 2023 heavy-duty truck emissions rule, allowing truck drivers, owner-operators, fleets, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to comment before changes are finalized.</p>
<p>The proposal focuses on several compliance requirements affecting model year 2027 and newer trucks but does not change the nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions standards established under the original rule.</p>
<h1><strong>EPA Proposes Changes to Several Compliance Requirements</strong></h1>
<p>The EPA&#8217;s 2023 rule introduced new emissions requirements for model year 2027 heavy-duty trucks, including nitrogen oxide standards that are 80 percent stricter than previous federal limits.</p>
<p>As part of its latest proposal, the agency is recommending changes to several compliance provisions, including:</p>
<ul>
<li>Replacing mandatory engine derates with audible or visual warning systems when diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) issues are detected.</li>
<li>Returning the emissions compliance period from 650,000 miles to 435,000 miles.</li>
<li>Returning emissions-related warranty coverage from 10 years or 450,000 miles to five years or 100,000 miles.</li>
</ul>
<p>The proposed revisions would leave the underlying NOx emissions standards unchanged.</p>
<h2><strong>Industry Response Has Been Mixed</strong></h2>
<p>Many trucking organizations welcomed the proposed changes to engine derates and compliance requirements. However, the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) expressed concern that the proposal does not address the emissions standards themselves.</p>
<p>OOIDA also criticized the proposal to shorten emissions-related warranty coverage, arguing that reduced warranty protection could leave owner-operators and small carriers responsible for costly repairs involving emissions systems.</p>
<p>&#8220;If EPA is unable to amend burdensome NOx emissions standards, we believe there are more productive solutions than drastically cutting extended warranty periods for small business truckers at the behest of engine manufacturers and large fleets,&#8221; said Jay Grimes, OOIDA&#8217;s director of federal affairs.</p>
<p>Grimes added that warranty coverage should continue protecting truck owners from repeated and expensive emissions system failures that drivers have reported under previous emissions regulations.</p>
<h3><strong>Public Comment Period Runs Through August 29</strong></h3>
<p>The EPA is accepting public comments on the proposal through Aug. 29, 2026.</p>
<p>Drivers and other stakeholders can submit comments through <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/"><strong>Regulations.gov</strong></a> using docket number EPA-HQ-OAR-2026-0728.</p>
<p>The agency will also hold two virtual public hearings:</p>
<ul>
<li>July 29 at 9 a.m. Eastern.</li>
<li>July 30 at 10 a.m. Eastern.</li>
</ul>
<p>Anyone wishing to testify must register in advance by emailing <a href="mailto:EPA-HD-MobileSource-Hearings@epa.gov"><strong>EPA-HD-MobileSource-Hearings@epa.gov</strong></a>. According to the EPA, registration forms for those planning to testify must be submitted by July 22.</p>
<p>The agency will review public comments before determining whether to finalize the proposed revisions.</p>
<p><strong>The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.</strong></p>
<p><strong>Last Updated: July 21, 2026</strong></p>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://landline.media/"><em>Land Line Media</em></a></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/epa-seeks-public-input-on-proposed-changes-to-2027-truck-emissions-rule/">EPA Seeks Public Input on Proposed Changes to 2027 Truck Emissions Rule</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>OOIDA&#8217;s Marty Ellis Says Hauling the Wall That Heals Was Unlike Any Load He&#8217;s Ever Moved</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/ooidas-marty-ellis-says-hauling-the-wall-that-heals-was-unlike-any-load-hes-ever-moved/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Jul 2026 14:00:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Driver Stories]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entertainment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Marty Ellis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ooida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[professional truck drivers]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TDUSA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Wall That Heals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trucking Community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vietnam Veterans Memorial]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=924637</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Professional truck drivers haul everything from food and fuel to heavy equipment,...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/ooidas-marty-ellis-says-hauling-the-wall-that-heals-was-unlike-any-load-hes-ever-moved/">OOIDA&#8217;s Marty Ellis Says Hauling the Wall That Heals Was Unlike Any Load He&#8217;s Ever Moved</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Professional truck drivers haul everything from food and fuel to heavy equipment, but every so often a load carries a different kind of responsibility.</p>
<p>For Marty Ellis, a tour truck operator with the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), transporting The Wall That Heals became one of the most meaningful trips of his career.</p>
<p>The traveling exhibit, a three-quarter-scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., visits communities across the country alongside a mobile education center, allowing veterans and their families to experience the memorial closer to home.</p>
<p>When Ellis was asked to haul the exhibit, accepting the assignment came naturally.</p>
<p>&#8220;I know a lot of veterans that were in Vietnam. My uncle was in the Coast Guard, and he got wounded over there,&#8221; Ellis told The Trucker. &#8220;So many people from Vietnam were treated so poorly when they came back. I felt that this is a way to show my respect for what they had to go through. Not only serving, but also when they got back — how they were treated.&#8221;</p>
<h1>More Than Just Another Trailer</h1>
<p>Ellis said the significance of the trip didn&#8217;t fully sink in until he was already on the road.</p>
<p>&#8220;Hauling the wall — you don&#8217;t think it&#8217;s going to be an emotional thing,&#8221; he said. &#8220;You&#8217;re just pulling around another trailer … until you&#8217;re driving along, thinking about all the names on that wall. It really hits hard.&#8221;</p>
<p>As the exhibit traveled from one community to the next, Ellis said people regularly acknowledged the truck with waves, honks, and personal stories.</p>
<p>One Vietnam veteran told Ellis that one of his close friends was among the names engraved on the memorial. Ellis encouraged him to visit the exhibit during its next stop.</p>
<p>Another encounter came from a motorcyclist who rode alongside the trailer for several moments.</p>
<p>&#8220;I could see the guy on the bike reaching out to touch the trailer,&#8221; Ellis recalled. &#8220;I don&#8217;t know if he ever touched it, but it was like he felt so strongly about connecting to it.&#8221;</p>
<p>Experiences like those reinforced the impact the traveling memorial continues to have on veterans, their families, and the communities it visits.</p>
<h2>A Career Built Around Connecting with Drivers</h2>
<p>Before entering the trucking industry, Ellis served in the U.S. Army. After leaving military service, he worked in his father-in-law&#8217;s beekeeping business before beginning a career in commercial trucking.</p>
<p>Today, he travels the country behind the wheel of OOIDA&#8217;s Spirit of the American Trucker, a mobile exhibit that visits truck stops, industry events, and trade shows to meet professional drivers and discuss issues affecting the industry.</p>
<p>Norita Taylor, OOIDA&#8217;s director of public relations and membership, said the association&#8217;s involvement with The Wall That Heals reflects its commitment to recognizing veterans within its membership.</p>
<p>&#8220;A lot of our members are veterans from all branches,&#8221; Taylor said. &#8220;We&#8217;ve been focused on making sure that we can honor that aspect of our membership.&#8221;</p>
<h3>Meeting Drivers Where They Are</h3>
<p>Ellis says one of the most rewarding parts of his job is having conversations with drivers where they work rather than expecting them to visit OOIDA&#8217;s headquarters.</p>
<p>&#8220;With this truck and trailer, we&#8217;re able to see them where they&#8217;re at, whether it&#8217;s a truck show or truck stops,&#8221; Ellis said. &#8220;I think it means a lot to our members to be able to see us and talk about some of the issues they have going on.&#8221;</p>
<p>As a commercial driver himself, Ellis believes that shared experience helps build trust.</p>
<p>&#8220;I have to deal with the same things that every driver out here has to do, whether it&#8217;s passing a physical, DOT regulations and that type of thing,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Once they realize that I drive this all over the country — it&#8217;s a different conversation after that.&#8221;</p>
<p>For Ellis, hauling The Wall That Heals was a reminder that trucking is about more than moving freight. Some loads leave a lasting impression long after the trip is over.</p>
<h4>The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.</h4>
<h4>Last Updated: July 9, 2026</h4>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://www.thetrucker.com/"><em>The Trucker</em></a></p>
<p>Image Source: OOIDA</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/ooidas-marty-ellis-says-hauling-the-wall-that-heals-was-unlike-any-load-hes-ever-moved/">OOIDA&#8217;s Marty Ellis Says Hauling the Wall That Heals Was Unlike Any Load He&#8217;s Ever Moved</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Mother’s Day Truck Convoy Drives Major Fundraising Effort for Make-A-Wish</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/mothers-day-truck-convoy-drives-major-fundraising-effort-for-make-a-wish/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:00:47 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Driver Appreciation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[industry]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[charity trucking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driver community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[driver events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[make a wish]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ooida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck convoy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking news]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=878906</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Truck drivers can register and take part in the Mother’s Day Truck...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/mothers-day-truck-convoy-drives-major-fundraising-effort-for-make-a-wish/">Mother’s Day Truck Convoy Drives Major Fundraising Effort for Make-A-Wish</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Truck drivers can register and take part in the <a href="https://wish.org/philadesv/2026-make-wish-mothers-day-truck-convoy">Mother’s Day Truck Convoy</a> on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Manheim Auto Auction in Manheim, Pennsylvania. The event supports the <a href="https://wish.org/philadesv">Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley</a>. More than 400 trucks are expected, and registration remains open through the day of the event.</p>
<p>That turnout is not just a number. It directly connects to how much funding the event generates each year.</p>
<p><strong>How the event funds are used</strong></p>
<p>The convoy serves as the primary fundraising source for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley. About 75 percent of the wishes granted each year are tied to this single event, which keeps participation and fundraising closely linked.</p>
<p>Organizers have set a $575,000 goal for 2026. Hitting that mark depends on both driver turnout and fundraising leading into the convoy.</p>
<p>“The funds raised through the Convoy are essential to making wishes come true for children with critical illnesses in the Susquehanna Valley,” Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley said. “Your participation not only supports an inspiring community tradition but also plays a crucial role in bringing hope, strength, and joy to local children.”</p>
<p><strong>Participation requirements and registration</strong></p>
<p>With that in mind, the event remains open to a wide range of drivers. The convoy runs the day before Mother’s Day, and trucks with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds are eligible. Drivers can register in advance online <a href="https://secure2.wish.org/site/TR?fr_id=7184&amp;pg=entry">here</a> or wait until the day of the event.</p>
<p><strong>Route and safety updates for 2026</strong></p>
<p>As participation continues to grow, organizers have introduced a new route for 2026. The change is intended to improve safety for drivers, wish families, and the surrounding community while also reducing the impact on traffic.</p>
<p><strong>Industry presence at the event</strong></p>
<p>In addition to driver turnout, industry support will also be visible on site. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association will be present, with Marty Ellis attending alongside the Association’s tour truck, The Spirit of the American Trucker.</p>
<p><strong>Why drivers participate</strong></p>
<p>Taken together, these elements show why the convoy continues to draw consistent participation. The connection is direct. Driver involvement supports funding for wishes in the same region where the event takes place.</p>
<p><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></p>
<p><strong>What is the purpose of the convoy?</strong><br />
It serves as the primary fundraising source for Make-A-Wish Philadelphia, Delaware, and Susquehanna Valley.</p>
<p><strong>How much is the event aiming to raise in 2026?</strong><br />
$575,000.</p>
<p><strong>Who can participate?</strong><br />
Drivers operating trucks with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds.</p>
<p><strong>Can drivers still register close to the event?</strong><br />
Yes. Registration remains open through the day of the convoy.</p>
<p><strong>What impacts how much is raised each year?</strong><br />
Driver turnout and fundraising before the event.</p>
<p>The Mother’s Day Truck Convoy continues to connect driver participation with measurable support for children and families across the region.</p>
<p><strong><span style="font-size: 11.0pt; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif;">The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.</span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Last updated: April 27, 2026</strong></p>
<p><em>Source: </em><a href="https://landline.media/"><em>Land Line Media</em></a></p>
<p><em>Image Source: Wish.org</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/mothers-day-truck-convoy-drives-major-fundraising-effort-for-make-a-wish/">Mother’s Day Truck Convoy Drives Major Fundraising Effort for Make-A-Wish</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Truckers For Troops Accepting Care Package Requests for Deployed Service Members</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-accepting-care-package-requests-for-deployed-service-members/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:00:48 +0000</pubDate>
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		<category><![CDATA[care package request]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=874821</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Truckers For Troops is accepting care package requests for U.S. military personnel...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-accepting-care-package-requests-for-deployed-service-members/">Truckers For Troops Accepting Care Package Requests for Deployed Service Members</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Truckers For Troops is accepting care package requests for U.S. military personnel serving overseas. The program sends large shipments filled with essential items and morale boosters designed to support entire units. It was launched in 2007 by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association to connect truck drivers with service members through direct support.</p>
<p>These shipments are built to support groups rather than individuals, which shapes how each package is prepared and delivered.</p>
<h2><strong>How does Truckers for Troops support deployed troops</strong></h2>
<p>Truckers For Troops ships oversized care packages built for group use. Each box measures 24 by 24 by 24 inches and can weigh up to 70 pounds, with enough contents to support an entire unit.</p>
<p>Items include essentials such as socks, along with smaller personal items that help break up daily routines during deployment. The focus is on practical support and morale.</p>
<h3><strong>How is Truckers For Troops funded</strong></h3>
<p>The program is funded through an annual campaign and direct contributions. During the campaign, drivers can join or renew membership at a discounted rate, with 10 percent of each transaction going to the program and matched dollar for dollar.</p>
<p>Additional donations can be made through the nonprofit foundation that supports the effort.</p>
<h3><strong>How much support has the program delivered</strong></h3>
<p>Since 2007, Truckers For Troops has raised more than 800,000 dollars and shipped nearly 40,000 care packages to service members.</p>
<p>The most recent campaign, held from November 10 through November 16, raised more than 29,000 dollars.</p>
<h3><strong>Why are more care packages being requested?</strong></h3>
<p>Support organizations working with military personnel report an increase in requests as deployments expand. The United Service Organizations has seen a rise in demand as service members are stationed across Europe and other regions.</p>
<p>With more personnel spread across multiple locations, access to everyday items becomes more limited, increasing the need for programs like this.</p>
<h3><strong>How families can request a care package</strong></h3>
<p>Family members and friends can request a care package by submitting a valid military mailing address.</p>
<p>Requests can be sent to troops@ooida.com. Packages are fulfilled based on available funding and shipping capacity.</p>
<h3><strong>How can drivers and supporters contribute</strong></h3>
<p>Drivers can support the program by participating in the annual campaign or by making direct contributions through the nonprofit foundation. These funds are used to assemble and ship care packages and support veterans.</p>
<h4><strong>Frequently asked questions</strong></h4>
<p>Q: Who can request a care package?<br />
Family members or friends of deployed service members can submit a request using a valid military mailing address.</p>
<p>Q: How large are the care packages?<br />
Each package measures 24 by 24 by 24 inches and can weigh up to 70 pounds, with enough contents to support an entire unit.</p>
<p>Q: How is the program funded?<br />
Funding comes from membership contributions during the campaign, where 10 percent is donated and matched, along with direct contributions.</p>
<p>Q: How many care packages have been sent?<br />
Nearly 40,000 care packages have been delivered since the program began.</p>
<p>Q: Why is demand increasing?<br />
Demand has grown as more service members are deployed across multiple regions, including Europe.</p>
<p>Truckers For Troops continues to provide direct support to deployed service members through care packages funded by the trucking community. As demand increases, the program remains a practical way for drivers and supporters to contribute.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Author:</strong> Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team</p>
<p>The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry news, regulations, and real-world topics that impact drivers on and off the road. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.</p>
<p><strong>Last updated:</strong> April 13, 2026</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-accepting-care-package-requests-for-deployed-service-members/">Truckers For Troops Accepting Care Package Requests for Deployed Service Members</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>FMCSA Considers Extending Emergency Relief Period for Carriers and Drivers</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/fmcsa-considers-extending-emergency-relief-period-for-carriers-and-drivers/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[DOT Compliance]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=715712</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Federal emergency declarations play a critical role in keeping freight moving during...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/fmcsa-considers-extending-emergency-relief-period-for-carriers-and-drivers/">FMCSA Considers Extending Emergency Relief Period for Carriers and Drivers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Federal emergency declarations play a critical role in keeping freight moving during natural disasters, infrastructure failures, and fuel supply disruptions. Now, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is considering a change that could give motor carriers and drivers more time under emergency regulatory relief.</p>
<p>In a notice of proposed rulemaking published Friday, Jan. 9, FMCSA proposed extending the length of automatic emergency relief triggered by a federal emergency declaration from 14 days to 30 days.</p>
<p>The proposal follows multiple petitions asking the agency to reconsider changes made in a final rule issued in October 2023. That earlier rule significantly narrowed both the duration and scope of regulatory relief available during emergencies.</p>
<h2><strong>Why FMCSA Is Reconsidering the Timeline</strong></h2>
<p>Under the current rule, when an emergency is declared, eligible motor carriers and drivers automatically receive hours-of-service relief for 14 days. After that window closes, carriers must request extensions if emergency conditions persist.</p>
<p>Before the 2023 rule change, emergency declarations triggered a 30-day automatic exemption from all regulations listed in 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399. For local emergencies lasting five days or fewer, the exemption applied only to hours-of-service rules under sections 395.3 and 395.5.</p>
<p>Several organizations challenged the shortened timeline, arguing that 14 days often does not reflect the reality of major emergencies.</p>
<p>OOIDA, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the Montana Department of Transportation, and the National Propane Gas Association were among those who submitted petitions.</p>
<p>“In our experience, the current 30-day period provides sufficient time to deliver emergency assistance without negatively impacting safety,” OOIDA wrote in 2023. “We are unclear on exactly why FMCSA is proposing these regulatory changes at this time.”</p>
<p>FMCSA acknowledged that most petitioners focused on the time limitation, stating the 14-day window was too short to address large-scale or prolonged events.</p>
<h3><strong>Recent Emergencies Highlight the Challenge</strong></h3>
<p>FMCSA cited several real-world situations where relief extended well beyond two weeks, including the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, wildfires across the western United States, and hurricanes that impacted North Carolina in 2024.</p>
<p>In those cases, freight movement tied to recovery efforts continued long after the initial emergency declaration period expired.</p>
<p>The agency also noted the administrative burden associated with extension requests. Submitting, reviewing, and approving emergency extensions creates added costs and delays for both carriers and regulators during already strained conditions.</p>
<h3><strong>What the Proposed Change Would Do</strong></h3>
<p>If finalized, the rule would restore a 30-day automatic relief period when a federal emergency declaration is issued. FMCSA has not proposed expanding the scope of the exemptions beyond what is currently allowed, but the longer window would reduce the need for repeated extension requests during prolonged emergencies.</p>
<p>FMCSA notified petitioners in January 2025 that it would formally reconsider the 14-day limit, leading to the proposal released this month.</p>
<h4><strong>Current Emergency Declarations Remain Active</strong></h4>
<p>As of Jan. 9, emergency declarations were active in several states, including New York, Washington, Connecticut, Maine, and Oregon. FMCSA regional emergency declarations were also in effect in other states dealing with fuel shortages and severe winter weather.</p>
<h4><strong>How to Submit Comments</strong></h4>
<p>FMCSA is accepting public comments on the proposed rule change through March 10. Stakeholders can submit feedback by visiting Regulations.gov and searching for Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0124.</p>
<p>The outcome of this proposal could shape how effectively the trucking industry responds to future emergencies, particularly those that stretch beyond short-term disruptions.</p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://landline.media/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Land Line Media</span></i></a><i></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/fmcsa-considers-extending-emergency-relief-period-for-carriers-and-drivers/">FMCSA Considers Extending Emergency Relief Period for Carriers and Drivers</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Truck Drivers Encouraged to Attend Kansas City Safety Summit This December</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truck-drivers-encouraged-to-attend-kansas-city-safety-summit-this-december/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Fri, 12 Dec 2025 14:00:25 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=712978</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Truck drivers spend more time on the road than anyone, which makes...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truck-drivers-encouraged-to-attend-kansas-city-safety-summit-this-december/">Truck Drivers Encouraged to Attend Kansas City Safety Summit This December</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Truck drivers spend more time on the road than anyone, which makes their voice essential when decisions about highway safety are being made. Later this month, federal officials, researchers, and industry leaders will gather in Kansas City for a major safety summit, and this time, drivers are being urged to show up and speak up.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://olatheinfo.k-state.edu/mcvss-2025">Midwest Commercial Vehicle Safety Summit</a> takes place December 16 and 17 at the Loews Kansas City Hotel. Attendance is free, and organizers want to see a stronger turnout from the men and women behind the wheel.</p>
<h2><strong>Why Drivers Are Being Asked to Attend</strong></h2>
<p>Past summits have attracted large groups of government officials, law enforcement agencies, university researchers, and insurance representatives. What they have not had is a strong group of working truck drivers sharing real on-the-road experiences.</p>
<p>OOIDA hopes to change that in 2025. Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh says drivers need to be part of the conversations shaping future regulations.</p>
<p>“If you can attend, please come,” Pugh said. “This is a chance for you to listen, ask questions, and give input to DOT and others about the things that need to be done to truly improve highway safety. There is no one more knowledgeable about this topic than the nation’s professional drivers. There are plenty of decision-makers who care about highway safety, but they aren’t always sure about the right approach to take. That’s why the men and women who make their living on the interstate need to point them in the right direction. I can assure you that there will be plenty of safety advocates and others in attendance who will be telling them a much different story about what must be done to improve safety.”</p>
<h3><strong>Registration Details</strong></h3>
<p>Registration is free and must be completed by the end of the day on Wednesday, December 10. Drivers who want a voice in upcoming safety decisions can secure a spot through the event’s registration page.</p>
<h3><strong>What Drivers Can Expect at the Summit</strong></h3>
<p>The summit begins at 8:30 a.m. on December 16. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs and FMCSA Regional Field Administrator Winsome Lenfert are scheduled to open the event.</p>
<p>Across two days, drivers will have access to multiple breakout sessions focused on safety challenges affecting the industry. Topics include:</p>
<ul>
<li>Truck Leasing Task Force</li>
<li>Technology improvements for CMV safety</li>
<li>Drug and alcohol prevention</li>
<li>Crash research</li>
<li>Market shifts and the trucking economy</li>
<li>Automation</li>
<li>Speed prevention strategies</li>
<li>Human trafficking prevention</li>
<li>Cargo theft and freight fraud</li>
<li>The impact of ELDs</li>
</ul>
<p>OOIDA will be active in several discussions throughout the summit.</p>
<p>OOIDA President Todd Spencer will speak during a session titled “Truck Leasing Task Force: Findings, Impacts and Next Steps” from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on December 16. Spencer will join Steve Viscelli and Steve Rush to talk about how predatory lease-purchase setups can affect safety.</p>
<p>Later that afternoon, OOIDA Foundation Director Andrew King will participate in “Economic Signals, Freight Flows and Safety Outcomes” alongside Mat Leo from C.H. Robinson. The session runs from 3 to 4 p.m. and covers how economic pressure influences safety decisions.</p>
<p>On December 17 at 10:30 a.m., Pugh will sit on another panel with FMCSA officials for a session titled “Fighting Back: Cargo Theft and Fraud in the Freight Supply Chain.” Pugh will address how freight fraud harms small trucking businesses, while FMCSA’s Ken Riddle and others will outline the agency’s actions to combat it.</p>
<p>A full agenda is available <a href="https://olatheinfo.k-state.edu/mcvss-2025-agenda">here</a> for anyone planning to attend.</p>
<h4><strong>Why This Matters for Drivers</strong></h4>
<p>Drivers are the ones dealing with real-world conditions every day. When you attend and share your perspective, you help ensure that future safety policies reflect actual road experience rather than assumptions. The summit gives drivers a rare chance to guide discussions that may influence regulations for years to come.</p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://landline.media/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Land Line Media</span></i></a><i></i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truck-drivers-encouraged-to-attend-kansas-city-safety-summit-this-december/">Truck Drivers Encouraged to Attend Kansas City Safety Summit This December</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>OOIDA Research Highlights Challenges and Realities for Owner-Operators</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/ooida-research-highlights-challenges-and-realities-for-owner-operators/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 13:00:20 +0000</pubDate>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=712319</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) continues to champion the needs of...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/ooida-research-highlights-challenges-and-realities-for-owner-operators/">OOIDA Research Highlights Challenges and Realities for Owner-Operators</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) continues to champion the needs of small-business truckers and professional drivers through advocacy, education, and research. For many OOIDA members, research is more than just numbers—it provides a voice for owner-operators whose experiences and insights often go uncollected in broader industry studies.</p>
<p>According to the OOIDA Foundation, the association’s research and education branch, “most researchers don’t have access to enough owner-operators to properly collect and analyze information from this critical segment of the trucking industry.” To address this gap, the Foundation has actively engaged members since 1998, ensuring that their opinions reach federal, state, and local agencies. This ongoing effort has produced one of the most detailed profiles of owner-operators in the United States.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://ooida.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=CLkDFdLlKmUECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D">2025 OOIDA survey</a> is now open and can be completed anonymously online. “We want to make sure that we are focusing on the issues that you desire,” the Foundation said. “It’s important to us that we support both your business and lifestyle. We need to know what you think on critical topics so we can direct our energies appropriately.”</p>
<h2><strong>Key Findings from the 2024 Member Survey</strong></h2>
<p>Last year, more than 19,000 owner-operator members participated in a random sample survey. Among respondents, 46 percent reported being leased to motor carriers, while 44 percent operated under their own authority. On average, drivers covered over 102,000 miles, with roughly 20 percent of those miles being deadhead, often due to challenging market conditions.</p>
<p>Surveyed operators reported annual maintenance costs averaging $18,900, including $3,400 spent on emission-related repairs and $3,300 for damage caused by poor road conditions. Independent operators typically spent more on tires compared with those leased to carriers. Maintenance costs per mile rose to 23 cents.</p>
<p>Freight rates, availability, and carrier reputation were the most important factors influencing leased owner-operators when selecting work. High driver turnover was largely attributed to low pay, a lack of respect, and inconsistent freight. In fact, 40 percent of leased drivers reported working for five or more carriers in the past year.</p>
<h3><strong>Challenges Facing One-Truck Operators</strong></h3>
<p>Research focused on one-truck operations, which make up nearly half of all motor carriers. These operators face unique hurdles in securing consistent freight and navigating complex regulatory requirements. While direct contracts generally provide higher earnings, most one-truck carriers rely heavily on brokers and load boards.</p>
<p>Many drivers also noted difficulties contesting inaccurate safety violations through the DataQ system. Insurance, permits, and other regulatory fees remain significant concerns, alongside rising fuel costs, declining freight rates, and parking shortages.</p>
<p>OOIDA’s research underscores the importance of listening to owner-operators and addressing the practical challenges they face daily. By capturing and analyzing these insights, the Foundation ensures that small-business truckers have representation and support that reflects both their business and lifestyle needs.</p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://landline.media/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Land Lined Media</span></i></a><i> </i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/ooida-research-highlights-challenges-and-realities-for-owner-operators/">OOIDA Research Highlights Challenges and Realities for Owner-Operators</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Truckers For Troops: Every Dollar Makes a Difference</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-every-dollar-makes-a-difference/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 19 Nov 2025 15:00:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Driver Appreciation]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=706251</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>What began as a simple idea with modest expectations has grown into...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-every-dollar-makes-a-difference/">Truckers For Troops: Every Dollar Makes a Difference</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">What began as a simple idea with modest expectations has grown into a nationwide movement where truck drivers step up to support troops and veterans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">In 2007, a group of employees at the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association decided that a care package program for service members overseas could make a real difference. Many of the employees had family members serving in conflict zones and knew firsthand how meaningful a package from home could be.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">“I remember before we went on air with the first Truckers For Troops show on Land Line Now, that we all were guessing how much we might raise,” said Jami Jones, managing editor of Land Line. “We tossed around some numbers, and host Mark Reddig said he’d be thrilled with $5,000. So, that became the goal.”</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">The initial campaign far exceeded expectations. In its first week, Truckers For Troops raised $41,500. The overwhelming support showed that truckers across the country wanted to give back. After all, studies indicate that 33 to 40 percent of truck drivers are veterans themselves.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Every November, the OOIDA Truckers For Troops campaign raises funds for veteran organizations and sends care packages to active-duty U.S. troops stationed overseas. The 19th annual campaign started Monday, November 10, and will continue until the beginning of business Monday, November 17.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">During the campaign, new and renewed OOIDA memberships are offered at a discounted rate of $35 per year. Ten percent of the membership fee goes directly to Truckers For Troops, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar. Unique to this program, every cent raised goes either to sending care packages or supporting Veterans Community Project sites nationwide. OOIDA does not take any administrative fees.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Truckers who want to participate outside of business hours can easily go online to OOIDA.com and select “Become a Member” to join or renew.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">The campaign also collects names of military personnel currently serving on active duty. Truck drivers who know someone stationed overseas or at a domestic base with limited access can email the person’s name and mailing address to Troops@OOIDA.com.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Since its launch in 2007, OOIDA members have raised more than $800,000 for veterans and active-duty military. Those funds have delivered care packages to nearly 40,000 service members and sent aid to 65 facilities supporting wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans.</span></p>
<p><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Truckers For Troops continues to show that when drivers come together, every dollar makes a difference and every mile traveled in support of our troops counts.</span></p>
<p><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Source: </span></i><a href="https://landline.media/"><i><span style="font-size: 11.0pt;font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif">Land Line Media</span></i></a><i> </i></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-every-dollar-makes-a-difference/">Truckers For Troops: Every Dollar Makes a Difference</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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		<title>Truckers for Troops 2025 Campaign Underway to Support U.S. Military and Veterans</title>
		<link>https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-2025-campaign-underway-to-support-u-s-military-and-veterans/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[admin]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 11 Nov 2025 15:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Giving]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[care packages for troops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[military support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ooida]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OOIDA membership]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[owner operator news]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck driver charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truck driver community]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucker giving back]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[truckers for troops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[trucking industry charity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[U.S. military support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veteran housing support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[veterans assistance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veterans Community Project]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Veterans Day 2025]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://truckdriversus.com/?p=701494</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Truck drivers across the country are showing their support for U.S. military...</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-2025-campaign-underway-to-support-u-s-military-and-veterans/">Truckers for Troops 2025 Campaign Underway to Support U.S. Military and Veterans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span class="TextRun SCXW224679899 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW224679899 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Truck drivers across the country are showing their support for U.S. military members and veterans as the </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW224679899 BCX0" href="https://www.ooida.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW224679899 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW224679899 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)</span></span></a><span class="TextRun SCXW224679899 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW224679899 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)"> launches its 19th annual Truckers for Troops campaign. Running November 10 through 16, the week-long effort coincides with Veterans Day and brings a spotlight to the ways truckers can make a difference.</span></span><span class="EOP SCXW224679899 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<h2><b><span data-contrast="auto">Helping Those Who Serve</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></h2>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Truckers have a long history of giving back, and Truckers for Troops continues that tradition. OOIDA explains, “The fundraising effort has been an OOIDA tradition since 2007, originally dedicated to sending care packages to service personnel stationed in combat zones. Truckers for Troops has also helped a variety of veteran facilities, including those assisting or housing wounded, disabled, or homeless service members.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">The campaign focuses on sending care packages to troops overseas and providing assistance to veteran support facilities across the country.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<h3><b><span data-contrast="auto">How Drivers Can Participate</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></h3>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Truck drivers can get involved by joining or renewing their OOIDA membership for one year at $35. Ten percent of this fee goes directly toward care packages, and OOIDA matches that contribution dollar for dollar.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Participation options include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">By Phone:</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> Call 816-229-5791 during business hours, mention Truckers for Troops, and you will be connected to Membership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Online:</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> Click “Become a Member” on the OOIDA website to join or renew after hours.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;multilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1"><b><span data-contrast="auto">Mail:</span></b><span data-contrast="auto"> Indicate “Dues &amp; Donation” or “Donation Only” on your payment and specify “TROOPS.” Send donation-only checks to the OOIDA Foundation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></li>
</ul>
<h4><b><span data-contrast="auto">Campaign Impact Over the Years</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></h4>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Truckers have made a lasting difference. OOIDA reports, “Over the past 18 years, OOIDA has raised more than 800,000 dollars and sent more than 3,288 care packages, serving more than 39,400 members of the military. The organization has also sent aid packages to 65 different facilities caring for wounded, disabled, and homeless veterans, including the Veterans Community Project. The VCP began in Kansas City and plans to have locations in every state. Currently, they have locations in Sioux Falls, S.D., Longmont, Co., St. Louis, Mo., and anticipate expanding to Oklahoma City, Okla., Milwaukee, Wis., and Glendale, Ariz.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<h5><b><span data-contrast="auto">Veterans Community Project Spotlight</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></h5>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Truckers supporting this campaign are also helping the Veterans Community Project, which provides veterans transitioning out of homelessness with tiny homes and access to community centers. OOIDA says, “This invaluable project transitions veterans from homelessness to permanent housing. Veterans are provided with ‘tiny homes’ filled with amenities. All veterans can also access a community center for other types of support and services. With several locations and plans for national expansion, the project aims to touch lives in every state.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<h6><b><span data-contrast="auto">Sending Care Packages</span></b><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></h6>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Drivers with a family member or friend serving in the U.S. military can request a care package by sending the name and complete mailing address to troops@ooida.com. Include the projected stateside return date.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">Letters and cards showing appreciation can be mailed to:</span><br />
<span data-contrast="auto">Attention: Truckers for Troops</span><br />
<span data-contrast="auto">P.O. Box 1000</span><br />
<span data-contrast="auto">Grain Valley, MO 64029</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">OOIDA notes, “Towns or school names can be included, but please do not include last names or other personal information. No particular theme, and not necessarily holidays or Christmas.”</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p><span data-contrast="auto">For more information or to get involved, visit the Truckers for Troops </span><a href="https://www.ooida.com/t4t/"><span data-contrast="none">website</span></a><span data-contrast="auto">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><em><span class="TextRun SCXW131351325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="auto"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131351325 BCX0" data-ccp-parastyle="Normal (Web)">Source: </span></span><a class="Hyperlink SCXW131351325 BCX0" href="https://www.thetrucker.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><span class="TextRun Underlined SCXW131351325 BCX0" lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" data-contrast="none"><span class="NormalTextRun SCXW131351325 BCX0" data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">The Trucker</span></span></a><span class="EOP SCXW131351325 BCX0" data-ccp-props="{&quot;134233117&quot;:true,&quot;134233118&quot;:true,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}"> </span></em></p>
<p><em>Image: OOIDA</em></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com/truckers-for-troops-2025-campaign-underway-to-support-u-s-military-and-veterans/">Truckers for Troops 2025 Campaign Underway to Support U.S. Military and Veterans</a> appeared first on <a href="https://staging2.truckdriversus.com">Truck Drivers USA</a>.</p>
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