"We're in the Trough of Disillusionment Right Now"

"We're in the Trough of Disillusionment Right Now"

Author: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association October 21, 2025 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 ready for the long list of new challenges that driverless cars will – and already are – unleashing. Judge Fowler details his concerns from the perspective of the law.


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
Overcoming Obstacles in Trucking as a One-Armed Driver [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
The Guilty By Association Truck Show is underway and our very own Scott Thompson is there. We'll check in with him. We then speak with OOIDA Member, Richard Horvath about the challenges he’s faced getting his CDL with on…
Preserving Personal Conveyance Provisions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance is making a pitch that would limit personal conveyance. But why? Adrienne Gildea, deputy executive director of CVSA, joins the show to explain, while OOIDA president Todd Spencer ma…
Happy National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:00
As we celebrate you and the work you do, we’ll check in with Rebecca Oyler of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association to find out what they have planned, along with their efforts to make positive changes on the state an…
Dean Ash on Truckers Paradise – More Than Just a Truck Stop [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:57
This episode of Trucking with OOIDA is all about redefining the truck stop experience. Hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson sit down with Dean Ash, CEO of Truckers Paradise in Gainesville, Texas, to talk about his i…
Road Law Attorneys Share Wildest Cases [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:01
Since 1973, OOIDA has stood with truck drivers. In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson are joined by Jeff McConnell and James Mennella of Road Law—attorneys who have spent their…