Interview With OOIDA’s Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh
LOUISVILLE, KY…. Lewie Pugh, Executive Vice President of the Owner/Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA); George O’Connor, Government Affairs/Director of Public Affairs for OOIDA; and Josh Klein, Deputy Communication Director for OOIDA were kind enough to share some of their valuable time with Movin’ Out at the recent Mid-America Trucking Show, updating us on changes in the trucking industry.
Lewie was very busy last year making six trips to Washington, DC and testifying before Congress on three occasions. George and Josh were most helpful providing statistics and added insight during our interview.
Movin’ Out: “What are some of the “wins” for OOIDA and the trucking industry in 2025?”
Lewie: “The introduction of Dalilah’s Law (H.R. 5688) which ends CDL mills, stops non-domicile CDL abuse, enforces English language proficiency, and fights foreign dispatch fraud. After 40 years, the trucking industry finally admitting there is no “driver shortage." $200 million dollars allocated for additional truck parking. We took on costly EPA mandates, accountability and transparency for brokers, stronger enforcement of safety including English language proficiency, eliminated speed limiters, basic respect for truckers, restroom access, and hours of service revisions.”
Movin’ Out: “How would you define working with the current administration?”
Lewie: “The Trump Administration is listening, including Transportation Secretary Duffy and FMCSA head Derek Barrs. In fact, Secretary Duffy and Dalilah Coleman paid a visit to the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS).”
Movin’ Out: “What are some of the challenges yet to come?”
Lewie: “The "highway bill," which is the legislative Super Bowl for trucking needs to be renewed before September. . It comes up every 5 years, but we may be looking at a short-term band aid if it doesn't get done this year. This is the bill we will use to push harder for broker transparency and get Dalilah’s Law across the finish line.”
Movin’ Out: “How many unqualified drivers do you think will be eliminated from the driver pool?”
Lewie: “We estimate about 200,000 drivers overall and around 7,500 CDL mills (schools). It has been too easy to get into the trucking industry causing safety and efficiency issues.
Movin’ Out: “ Are the number of Owner-Operators increasing or decreasing?”
Lewie: “Currently declining due to market conditions. I would like to see the economy turn around so Owner-Operators can start making money again. What most people are not aware of is that 52.5% of all truckload carriers are one truck companies. Here is a surprising statistic – 96% of all carriers are made up on fleets of 10 trucks or less. When economic conditions improve, we will see more Owner-Operators and small fleets grow.
At OOIDA we appreciate what Professional Truck Drivers do. We are their voice and advocate in Washington, DC. OOIDA is fighting the good fight for Owner-Operators. If you are an Owner-Operator, we welcome you to join us in this fight. If you join, use promo code FIGHT25 to get 1 year of OOIDA membership for only $25.