What Congress Needs to Hear from Truckers + The Truth About Autonomous Vehicles

What Congress Needs to Hear from Truckers + The Truth About Autonomous Vehicles

Author: Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association July 24, 2025 Duration: 53:55
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.

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
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…
Bryan “Bossman” Martin on Chrome Shop Mafia & GBATS 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:57
In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has had the back of truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that are relevant to the trucking industry front and center. ​Trucki…
Bigger Trucks Debate & Ohio DOT Tackles Parking Shortage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has had the back of truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that are relevant to the trucking industry front and center.Hosted b…
Speed Limiter Mandate Fight + Survivor Story with Kim Kelley [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:37
In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has had the back of truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the issues that matter to drivers front and center.Hosted by Ashley Blackford a…
Cross-Border Trucking, Emissions Reversal & Fraud Alerts [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:44
Since 1973, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has had the back of truckers. Trucking with OOIDA, hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, brings you the news, analysis, and conversations th…
Ohio’s New Trucking Caucus: A Trucker-Turned-Lawmaker Speaks Out [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:50
In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has stood behind truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA puts the most important issues in the industry front and center.This episode covers two…
Custom Rigs & Chrome Dreams: Bryan “Bossman” Martin Talks Trucking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:15
Welcome back to Trucking with OOIDA, the show that’s been putting truckers first since 1973.This episode, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson sit down with Bryan “Bossman” Martin, the man behind Chrome Shop Mafia a…
AI in Trucking & Missouri’s I-70 Expansion [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:56
In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into the tech and transportation stories that matter most to truckers.First up, Artificial Intelligence. It’s not just coming, it’s a…