"OOIDA has tremendous influence in the United States, and its voice is taken very seriously by all levels of government in that country. OBAC is excited to be joining forces with OOIDA so we can together, address issues of concern to Canadian owner-operators and drivers on our side of the border as well," Ritchie said. "This affiliation will have a huge positive impact on moving OBAC forward; we'll benefit from OOIDA's 33 years of insight and experience, as well as the depth of knowledge represented by OOIDA's board and executive committee. And two strong associations with a common purpose will benefit truckers North-American wide."

While each organization will maintain its autonomy in name and membership, Ritchie said there will be opportunities to share resources that will benefit OBAC members.

OOIDA president and CEO Jim Johnston expressed satisfaction with the decision of his board, and said he is anxious to move forward with this affiliation. He called it a great benefit to his Canadian members.

"An OOIDA/OBAC partnership will enable us to have an increased presence with the Canadian government, which will benefit both our U.S. members who travel to Canada and our Canadian members as well," Johnston said.

OBAC was formed in 2002 in Ottawa to represent the interests of owner-operators across Canada. Ritchie is the executive director, and has more than a decade of experience as a trucking industry analyst. OBAC has a seven-member board of directors.

OOIDA was formed in 1973 in Grain Valley, Mo., as a voice for independent truckers on Capitol Hill. Since then, the association has grown to more than 144,000 members in all 50 states and Canada. Twenty-two directors serve on the OOIDA board.

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