While diesel prices have surged to record highs, the Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) assures drivers and the public that a national truckers strike is not on the horizon. Lewie Pugh, OOIDA’s vice president, told The Center Square that a coordinated walk‑out would violate antitrust statutes and could expose participants to costly civil lawsuits.

Diesel Prices Squeeze Small‑Business Truckers

Fuel remains one of the largest operating expenses for owner‑operators. “Small‑business truckers make up more than 90% of the trucking companies in America, and they are the first to feel it when prices jump,” Pugh explained. He noted that many OOIDA members operate load‑to‑load and cannot simply raise rates when diesel spikes, unlike larger carriers. “While big oil companies have seen their profits nearly double this year, the sharp increase in diesel cost has quickly eaten up what little margin mom‑and‑pop trucking businesses have left,” he added.

National averages reported by AAA on Monday show regular gasoline at $4.47 per gallon and diesel at $6.45. The previous week set a diesel record of $6.52, with three states—California ($8.39), Washington ($7.41) and Hawaii ($7.14)—already above $7 per gallon.

Legal Barriers to a Strike

Pugh emphasized that legally chartered unions enjoy specific exemptions that allow strikes under defined guidelines. OOIDA, however, represents owner‑operators who are classified as independent small‑business operators, not employees. “For us to get together for the purpose of collectively setting rates or organizing boycotts would be a violation of antitrust laws,” he said.

Any party claiming damages from such an illegal action could pursue civil litigation, further deterring a coordinated boycott.

OOIDA’s Role and Outlook

Founded over 53 years ago, OOIDA positions itself as the largest national organization representing small‑business truckers and professional drivers. “We have worked hard to become the voice of truckers before federal and state governments,” Pugh said. He highlighted the organization’s growing membership and its strategy of influencing policy from within the system rather than through unlawful actions.

“The only sure way to affect the system is to work within the system and find ways to make it work for us,” Pugh concluded, underscoring OOIDA’s commitment to lawful advocacy and long‑term credibility.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.