Rules, regulations, and best practices related to trucking security and safety have undergone major changes since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.  Major efforts have also been made nationally to leverage the knowledge and awareness that truckers possess from their normal day-to-day activities to assist law enforcement in performing its duties.  Additionally, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina exposed a need for coordinating logistics between charitable organizations and truckers willing to donate their time and resources to help in recovery efforts. 

OOIDA has developed the Transportation Alert Communication and Emergency Response (TRACER) program to leverage the keen awareness and dedication of the driver community and make available useful on-line training to enhance awareness and educate.  The on-line training modules will encompass subjects such as hazardous materials, food security in transportation, and general security awareness.  A key component of TRACER will be the ability to communicate via text messaging and email in real time certain actionable alerts for program participants.  Some of the alert categories are:

- Stolen Truck/Trailer and cargo thefts

- Missing or overdue drivers

- Significant criminal BOLO’s (Be On the Lookout)*

- Amber Alerts

- Department of Homeland Security and Transportation Security Administration alerts

- USDA/FDA food related recalls

As TRACER is further developed, a transportation logistics clearinghouse is being designed for use during natural or manmade disasters.  The clearinghouse will aid truckers who wish to donate their time and equipment during a time of crisis by connecting them to certified charitable organizations assisting in recovery efforts and need transportation of needed goods into an affected zone.

*In 2002, the Washington Metropolitan area was terrorized by two individuals, Lee Boyd Malvo and John Allen Muhammad, also known as the Beltway snipers.  They were ultimately captured based upon information and observation supplied by a trucker.