About OOCVA

The Owner Operators Coalition of Virginia is a non-profit organization that is governed by an elected board and comprised of small business truckers that operate primarily throughout the Port of Virginia, CSX, and Norfolk Southern rail-yards based in Hampton Roads.

Formed in 2007, OOCVA is a member driven and growing association that works to represent interests and address concerns regarding intermodal drayage on both local and national levels.

Core issues are port efficiency, safe intermodal equipment, transparent and compliant trucking contracts, and member business development. In addition, the coalition has negotiated a successful group of business cost reduction plans that provide savings on truck parts, fuel, tires, maintenance, accounting needs & more. Using our group buying power, members receive save on business expenses and raise profit margins.

OOCVA quarterly driver meetings promote resource development and recruitment. Board members structure presentations based on member initiated requests and provide up-to-date information on issues for attendees. OOCVA & OOIDA have incorporated a number of educational and training based events into our meetings. These include though not limited to: security training with First Observer, air brake adjustment certification classes sponsored by Haldex, and CSA 2010 presentations. Officers from the Virginia State Police's Motor Carrier Division and OOIDA representatives are also in regular attendance. Members also have met with guest speaking industry regulators such as the FMCSA's Director of Enforcement and Compliance while providing input on the Intermodal Equipment Ruling.

Soon after forming, the coalition developed a strong association with the Owner Operators Independent Drivers Association. OOIDA, who has been representing small business truckers for over 35 years has played a key role in the development of our organization. OOCVA currently accepts memberships on a joint basis with OOIDA. Our joint dues structure combines benefits  to provide members with the best possible resources for their individual businesses. This affiliation has also been instrumental in bringing national attention to localized issues affecting our members.

OOCVA representatives remain politically active to ensure lawmakers are current on issues affecting the port and driver community. Such efforts include a coalition organized a truck convoy to Richmond in 2008 to rally against exuberant fuel prices. We have also lobbied state and federal lawmakers regarding our independent businesses, environmentally charged regulatory trends, and voiced pro-active suggestions for the changing intermodal industry. OOCVA has been featured in numerous publications and had spoken on both local and national television news programs.

The coalition oversees Port Cast Newsletter, an intermodal based publication and resource for port truckers. Production and distribution has quadrupled since 2008. This publication has been a successful endeavour in spotlighting current events while providing both members and non-members with news on coalition activities and initiatives.

OOCVA will continue working for growth and achievement. As members face new challenges in our fast changing industry, the coalition will press pertinent issues and ensure representation for indermodal industry based owner-operator concerns.