Truckers commend Congressman Paul Tonko for continued efforts for safe truck parking

(Grain Valley, Mo., April 5, 2011) – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) would like to thank U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY) for continuing to stand behind the nation’s hard-working truck drivers and the need for safe parking. Tonko spoke at a hearing today where he encouraged members of the House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure to support his efforts to address the nationwide truck parking shortage.

The hearing, “Reforming the Nation’s Surface Transportation Programs,” focused on a variety of transportation issues. Tonko used his testimony to talk about Jason Rivenburg, a truck driver who was murdered while parked overnight at an abandoned gas station. The hearing is part of the effort by Congress to write a new highway re-authorization bill.

“We are hopeful that Mr. Tonko’s words will hit home with the committee and we thank him for his ongoing, bipartisan efforts,” said Todd Spencer, Executive Vice President of OOIDA. “The trucking industry faces a litany of issues and the least we can do is to make sure drivers have a safe place to rest while delivering the nation’s goods.”

Tonko had previously introduced Jason’s Law in the U.S. House to address the truck parking shortage and improve conditions at current truck parking facilities.

“Mr. Tonko truly understands the connection between truckers and the role they play in the success of all small businesses,” said Spencer. “Protecting their safety is one of many key issues that need to be addressed as more and more expectations are placed upon them.”

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is the largest national trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has more than 151,000 members nationwide. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, Mo., area.