Trucking can feel incredibly lonely. Long days on the road, away from family and friends, can take a toll on your mental health. Many truckers spend hours with no one to talk to but the radio, thinking about the miles ahead and the challenges of the job. And while being your own boss as an owner-operator is empowering, it also means you don’t always have coworkers to lean on for advice or emotional support. That’s where finding a community comes in.

Whether you're looking for professional advice, emotional support, or simply people who understand the challenges of the job, community groups can help you feel less isolated. They can also open up professional opportunities, like new broker contacts, dedicated jobs, or even business tips from those who have been in your shoes. 

Here are some of the top community groups that truckers can join for both emotional and professional support.

1. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) is one of the most well-known organizations for truckers in the U.S. It represents the interests of independent truckers and small fleets and offers members support on everything from navigating regulations to finding legal help.

Pros:

• Provides legal and regulatory support for members.
• Offers discounts on fuel, insurance, and other services.
• Actively advocates for the rights of truckers at a national level.

Cons:

• Membership fees may be steep for newer truckers.
• Focuses heavily on advocacy, which might not appeal to those looking purely for social connections.

How It Can Help You: OOIDA is a great resource for owner-operators who want to stay informed about regulations that affect their business. The association also helps members find better rates on insurance and other truck-related services, saving you money in the long run.

2. National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC)

The National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC) is dedicated to helping small trucking businesses succeed. Whether you own one truck or a small fleet, this organization offers services to help you navigate the business side of trucking, including insurance, fuel savings programs, and access to discounted products.

Pros:

• Offers fuel cards, insurance programs, and health benefits for members.
• Focuses on helping small businesses grow.
• Provides educational resources to help you run your business better.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on business operations, so may not offer as much personal or social support.

How It Can Help You: If you’re running a small trucking operation, NASTC can provide valuable tools and programs to streamline your business and save on expenses. They also offer training programs that can help you improve your operations.

3. Women In Trucking (WIT)

Women In Trucking (WIT) is a non-profit organization that supports women in the trucking industry. They offer mentoring programs, networking events, and educational resources tailored to the unique challenges women face in trucking.

Pros:

• Provides a supportive community for women in a male-dominated industry.
• Offers mentorship and educational programs.
• Actively works to improve diversity in trucking.

Cons:

• May not be as relevant for male truckers, although men are welcome to join.

How It Can Help You: WIT is a great resource for female truckers who are looking for a supportive, encouraging community. The mentorship programs can be especially helpful for women new to the industry or those looking to advance their careers.

4. American Trucking Associations (ATA)

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is one of the largest and most influential trucking organizations in the U.S. They focus heavily on advocacy, representing the trucking industry in front of Congress and other regulatory bodies.

Pros:

• One of the most powerful lobbying groups for truckers.
• Provides industry insights, news, and research.
• Offers networking opportunities with a wide range of industry professionals.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on large carriers, so it may not feel as personal or relevant to owner-operators and small fleets.

How It Can Help You: If you’re looking for industry insights and want to be on top of the latest regulations and trends in trucking, ATA is a great resource. Their advocacy efforts can also benefit your business by pushing for policies that protect the interests of truckers.

5. America’s Independent Trucker’s Association (AITA)

America’s Independent Trucker’s Association (AITA) is another group focused on helping independent truckers. They offer various member benefits, including insurance programs, discounts on truck maintenance, and a fuel card.

Pros:

• Offers a wide range of discounts and insurance options.
• Provides fuel cards with competitive discounts.
• Focuses on supporting independent truckers.

Cons:

• Smaller organization compared to others, which may limit networking opportunities.

How It Can Help You: If you’re an independent trucker looking to save money on fuel and truck maintenance, AITA’s discount programs can be a huge help. They also offer insurance options that are tailored to the needs of independent truckers.

6. Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA)

The Trucking Industry Defense Association (TIDA) focuses on providing legal defense resources for truckers and motor carriers. They offer a network of legal professionals who specialize in trucking regulations and defense.

Pros:

• Connects truckers with legal professionals who specialize in trucking.
• Provides resources on regulations and compliance.
• Helps members defend against legal claims and lawsuits.

Cons:

• Focused on legal defense, so may not provide as much social or emotional support.

How It Can Help You: If you’re concerned about the legal aspects of trucking or are involved in a lawsuit, TIDA can connect you with the right legal resources to protect your business.

7. National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT)

The National Association of Independent Truckers (NAIT) provides services and benefits to independent truckers, including insurance options, discount programs, and fuel cards.

Pros:

• Focuses on the needs of independent truckers.
• Offers a wide range of benefits, including insurance and fuel cards.
• Provides educational resources for running a successful trucking business.

Cons:

• Similar to other independent trucker associations, so may not stand out if you’re already a member of one.

How It Can Help You: NAIT offers a variety of tools that can help you save money and run your business more effectively. Their insurance and fuel card programs are particularly useful for independent truckers trying to cut costs.

8. North American Transportation Association (NTA)

The North American Transportation Association (NTA) provides regulatory compliance services and educational resources to help truckers stay compliant with state and federal regulations. They offer seminars, webinars, and other educational programs to help you understand the legal side of trucking.

Pros:

• Focuses on helping truckers stay compliant with regulations.
• Offers educational programs on trucking laws and regulations.
• Provides access to compliance services.

Cons:

• Primarily focused on regulatory compliance, so it may not offer as much social support.

How It Can Help You: NTA is an excellent resource if you’re worried about staying compliant with the many laws and regulations that govern the trucking industry. Their educational programs can help you avoid costly fines and legal issues.

Building a Community Matters

In trucking, having the right support system can make all the difference. The road can be a lonely place, but joining a community of like-minded truckers can provide both the emotional support you need and the professional opportunities that can help you grow your business. Whether you’re looking to save money on fuel, find legal assistance, or simply connect with other truckers, there’s a community group out there that will help you:

• Learn from others’ experiences: Seasoned veterans have faced many of the challenges you might be going through now. Learning from their mistakes and successes can help you avoid pitfalls and fast-track your business growth.
• Network with brokers and potential clients: Sometimes, it’s not just about what you know, but who you know. Being part of a group gives you the chance to meet brokers and companies that need reliable truckers.
• Stay informed about the industry: Regulations change, new technologies emerge, and markets shift. Community groups are often the first to share critical information that could impact your business.

So take the time to join one of these groups, attend a meeting, or participate in an online forum. You’ll be surprised by how much you can gain from being part of a community that understands the challenges you face every day.