Truck drivers planned a three-day protest beginning October 11, 2013, aimed at drawing attention to their economic difficulties and opposition to federal policies. Organizers of “Truckers Ride for the Constitution” said participants would circle the Capital Beltway around Washington, D.C., potentially disrupting traffic while leaving a lane open for emergency vehicles.

The drivers cited low wages, high diesel costs, fees and industry regulations among their grievances. They also objected to fuel-efficiency standards, anti-idling laws, required technology updates and what they saw as declining privacy protections for truckers. Their broader concerns included government surveillance, national debt and the conduct of elected officials.

The group framed its protest as an effort to restore constitutional government, using language reminiscent of the early Tea Party movement. Its materials accused political leaders of ignoring the public and described President Barack Obama, Secretary of State John Kerry and Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham as “domestic enemies.”

Organizer Earl Conlon initially said drivers would occupy three lanes of the Beltway and that he would seek the arrest of officials he accused of violating their oaths. He and fellow organizer Zeeda Andrews also accused Obama of treason over alleged weapons support for Syrian rebels. An update to the report stated that truckers were no longer planning to arrest members of Congress.

Organizers reported substantial interest in the ride, though its eventual effect on traffic was uncertain. A similar three-day trucker protest in 2007 had caused less disruption than feared.