Route 66: How the Mother Road Became a Legend

Route 66: How the Mother Road Became a Legend

Author: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association February 18, 2026 Duration: 50:24

The heyday of Route 66 may be long behind us, but its memory is still going strong for a number of reasons. More than just a road, Route 66 is a symbol of American adventure, history, and culture – a reflection of our growth, struggles, and dreams. In this, the 100th year since it was established, we welcome historian David Dunaway to the show to talk about Route 66’s origin story, its impact on American culture and more, then dive into his newest book dedicated to eyeglasses.

Join the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association: https://www.ooida.com/membership/

Tired of watching your rights eroded: https://fightingfortruckers.com/

Subscribe for FREE to Land Line Magazine (online or print): https://landline.media/subscribe/

A Route 66 Companion: https://www.amazon.com/Route-Companion-David-King-Dunaway/dp/0292726600

A Four-Eyed World: https://afoureyedworld.com/

Across the Tracks: A Route 66 Story:

https://route66.unm.edu/

OOIDA Foundation Freight Rate Survey: https://ooida.questionpro.com/a/TakeSurvey?tt=xvcsDqGZvVsECHrPeIW9eQ%3D%3D

Jason’s Law survey: https://tti.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8HVTBNft24a2Rfg


Hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, Trucking with OOIDA is a direct line to the conversations that matter most on the open road. This isn't just industry talk filtered through a corporate lens; it's the authentic voice of the trucking community, reflecting the long-standing advocacy of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. Each episode blends necessary news analysis with the kind of stories and practical insights you'd share at a truck stop. You'll hear from seasoned over-the-road drivers, policy experts, and unexpected guests who all have a stake in the life and business of trucking. The discussions cut through the noise to tackle real-world challenges, from regulatory changes and market trends to the daily realities of life behind the wheel. Tuning into this podcast feels like catching up with well-informed friends who are as committed to the profession as you are. It’s where education meets entertainment, offering both a clear-eyed look at the business and a genuine connection to the people who keep freight moving. For anyone invested in the trucking industry, whether behind the wheel or in the office, these conversations provide valuable perspective and a solid sense of what's coming down the pike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Trucking with OOIDA
Podcast Episodes
What Makes Jimmy Mac Tick? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:37
Jimmy Mac’s voice is familiar to anybody who listen to Radio Nemo – but how much do you know about the man you hear on the mic every morning? We set out to find out what makes Jimmy tick.Join the Owner-Operator Independe…
Women In Trucking and the Power of Bringing People Together [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:48
Women In Trucking is hosting its annual Accelerate! Conference and Expo in a couple weeks, and Jennifer Hedrick is ready to roll. The president and CEO of Women In Trucking walks us through the event and what to expect.…
Honoring the Pioneers & Celebrating the History of Trucking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:01
Tom Mullen has a pretty good gig as the chair of the American Trucking and Industry Leader Hall of Fame. They just inducted four new members who have shaped the trucking industry in important ways. Tom tells us about the…
"We're in the Trough of Disillusionment Right Now" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:42
Judge Tommy Fowler has concerns about autonomous vehicles – but they may not entirely line up with yours. The judge for the Craighead County District Court in Arkansas says current laws on the books are nowhere near read…
“That Would Be Kind of a Neat Way to Make a Living...” [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:51
Tom Berg loves trucks. Always has. But it wasn’t until he started thumbing through trade magazines at a previous job when he realized he wanted to explore that love of trucks as a career. And he did. The contributing edi…