**ODOT Wants Trucker Input — Here’s Why You Should Actually Speak Up**

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

**ODOT Wants Trucker Input — Here’s Why You Should Actually Speak Up**

Introduction – Wait... They Wanna Hear From *Us*?

Hold up. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is actually asking freight carriers, trucking companies, and independent drivers to share feedback?

Yeah, I know. Feels like a trap. But it’s legit. They’re trying to update their freight and logistics planning, and they’re asking for real voices from the road—not just boardroom buzzwords.

Problem is, if you don’t speak up... some Ivy League consultant who’s never touched a ratchet or dodged a four-wheeler will.

Let’s talk about why this matters, what they’re really looking for, and how it could actually help—or hurt—drivers like you.

Key Points – What’s This All About?

📦 Freight Strategy Refresh:
ODOT is working on their State Freight Plan, which decides where the money goes for highways, bridges, truck routes, rest areas, and more. Think of it like the blueprint for the next 5–10 years of trucking in Ohio.

🧠 They Want "Stakeholder Input":
Translation: They’re collecting opinions from people and businesses that rely on moving freight. That means drivers, dispatchers, fleet owners, logistics nerds, and the folks turning wrenches all get a voice.

🚨 Why Now?
Between supply chain chaos, infrastructure stress, and more freight than ever hitting U.S. roads, states like Ohio are under pressure to get it right. And they can’t afford to base decisions off outdated guesses.

Multiple Perspectives – Who’s Got Skin in the Game?

🛻 Company Drivers:
You know where the pinch points are. You sit in construction for hours. You’ve seen the exits with no food or safe parking. If you don’t speak up, how will they know what’s actually broken?

🚛 Owner-Ops & Small Fleets:
Y’all feel the grind harder than anyone. Every detour, weight restriction, or broken road costs fuel, time, and money. If policies are written without your input, guess who pays for it later?

🏢 Big Fleets & Brokers:
They’ve already got reps lined up for calls like this. They’ll talk automation, intermodal expansion, clean energy—yada yada. Some of it’s good. But if it only serves the big players, guess who gets squeezed out?

👀 Dispatchers & Mechanics:
You may not drive the load, but you see where delays start and how policies affect repairs, downtime, and load planning. If your view isn’t in the mix, the picture ain’t complete.

Industry Response – Will Drivers Actually Speak Up?

Honestly? Most drivers don’t bother with these surveys. Why?

“They won’t listen anyway.”

“I’m too busy making money.”

“Government never helps drivers.”

Fair points... but here’s the flip side:

If you don’t fill it out, someone who doesn’t represent you will. And they’ll shape the laws, routes, and budget around what’s profitable for them—not what’s practical for you.

Let’s be real: change takes time. But bad change happens fast when you’re silent.

What You Can Do – It’s Easier Than You Think

ODOT usually offers:

Online surveys (takes 5–10 mins)

Virtual or in-person roundtables

A public comment email

You don’t need to be fancy—just be real. Drop gems like:

“We need more safe parking near major corridors.”

“Stop funneling 80K lb trucks through cities without turn lanes.”

“Fix weight-restricted bridges that kill routing efficiency.”

Short. Blunt. Effective.

Bottom Line – This Is Your Chance to Be Heard

Look—ODOT’s not perfect. No DOT is. But when a state actually opens the door and asks for input, and truckers don’t say a word?

That’s how we get stuck with dumb laws, no parking, weight limits that make zero sense, and roads that beat up our rigs.

It’s your chance to say something before they spend millions guessing wrong.

And if nothing else... It’s better than just yelling on the CB or ranting on TikTok.

Call to Action

Want to protect your voice AND your wallet? Speak up in freight policy—and start building income off the road too.

👉 LifeAsATrucker.com
– Learn the game, from getting started to surviving long-term in the seat.
👉 OffDutyMoney.com
– Make money online while you’re off duty, parked, or planning your next move.

Silence costs. Speaking up pays. Grab your seat at the table—before someone else speaks for you.