On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson welcome truck driver and YouTuber Angela Griffin, creator of the popular channel Simple Livin’. Angela shares her journey behind the wheel, what inspired her to start documenting life on the road, and how she’s built a strong and supportive community through her content.

Also in this episode:

We set the record straight on the ELD pre-2000 engine exemption rumor

We share important safety tips for drivers amid increased protests nationwide

And we provide key updates on the issues that matter most to truckers

Trucking with OOIDA puts drivers first—every time.

Original Air Date: June 24th, 2025

#TruckingWithOOIDA #SimpleLivin #AngelaGriffin #TruckDriverLife #ELDExemption #TruckingNews #OOIDA #AshleyBlackford #ScottThompsonn

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into the latest trends shaping the trucking industry. Brent Hutto of Truckstop.com joins the show to discuss surprising spot market data—offering a positive sign owner-operators haven’t seen in years.

Plus, we break down a renewed push for overtime pay for truck drivers, ambitious coast-to-coast high-speed rail proposals, and Alex Leslie from the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) analyzes the latest operational costs report—and what it reveals about today’s biggest challenges for drivers and fleets.

Stay informed, stay independent. Trucking with OOIDA puts truckers first with expert insights, real stories, and the latest news that matters most to those behind the wheel.

After years of advocacy, OOIDA’s efforts in Washington are paying off. The U.S. Department of Transportation just announced nine pro-trucker initiatives—and OOIDA’s Director of Government Affairs, Collin Long, joins the show to break it all down. He takes a well-earned victory lap while reminding us the fight is far from over.

Also in this episode of Trucking with OOIDA with hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson:

In this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson dive into a major victory for truck drivers as the U.S. Department of Transportation unveils nine pro-driver initiatives. From boosting truck parking capacity and shelving the speed limiter mandate to launching hours-of-service pilot programs, the DOT’s announcement reflects years of advocacy—much of it driven by OOIDA.

Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh joins the show to explain the impact of these changes, how OOIDA helped make it happen, and what’s next for drivers across the country. Plus, we take a moment to celebrate Canada Day and salute our neighbors to the north.

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson hear firsthand from truck driver Gina Jones about her unforgettable trip to the White House—where she didn’t just attend, but spoke at the podium in the East Room with President Trump just steps away. Plus, we preview the upcoming Walcott Truckers Jamboree, discuss growing concerns over tracking technology targeting drivers, and bring you the latest news from across the industry.

On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson sit down with Andrew King, director of the OOIDA Foundation, for a candid look at the current state of the freight market—covering low rates, soft volumes, and what it all means for drivers. Plus, English proficiency is once again an out-of-service violation, and artificial intelligence is making waves in the trucking world. As always, we bring you the news, insight, and analysis that keeps you informed and on the road.

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On this episode of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson tackle key issues making waves in the trucking world.

First, energy analyst Tom Kloza joins the show to unpack the growing concerns over rising fuel prices as tensions escalate in the Middle East. With decades of experience, Kloza offers a grounded perspective on what’s really driving the market—and what truckers can expect.

Next, we dive into Shell Starship 3.0 and its surprising role in the IndyCar Series, exploring how cutting-edge fuel efficiency technology is making its way from the track to the highway.

We also take a closer look at a renewed exemption challenging the 30-minute rest break requirement, a move that could reshape hours-of-service flexibility.

And to top it off—an update on the long-promised future of flying cars, and whether it’s closer than we think.

Trucking with OOIDA brings you the news, insight, and expert voices that get to the heart of what it means to be a trucker today.

Original Air Date: 6/20/25

#TruckingWithOOIDA #FuelPrices #TomKloza #ShellStarship #RestBreakExemption #TruckingNews #OOIDA #AshleyBlackford #ScottThompson

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. Trucking with #OOIDA, hosted by Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson, aims to inform and entertain with a mix of industry experts and interesting guests, along with news and analysis that gets to the heart of what you do each and every day.

On this special edition of Trucking with OOIDA, hosts Ashley Blackford and Scott Thompson sit down with OOIDA President Todd Spencer for a fun and reflective conversation all about old trucks—and why they still matter.

From classic rigs to the timeless values they represent, Todd shares stories from the road, memories of trucks that made a mark, and his thoughts on how trucking has changed—and what shouldn’t be lost along the way. It’s a laid-back, heartfelt discussion that connects the history of trucking to the present-day fight to protect drivers’ rights.

In the spirit of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, which has supported truckers since 1973, Trucking with OOIDA continues to put drivers first with industry insight, honest talk, and a whole lot of trucking pride.

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