Truck drivers organized a protest around Washington, D.C., to draw attention to economic pressures on their industry and their dissatisfaction with federal political leaders. Calling the event “Truckers Ride for the Constitution,” organizers planned a three-day demonstration beginning October 11, with tractor-trailers circling the Capital Beltway.

The truckers complained of low wages, high diesel prices, fees and regulations, including federal fuel-efficiency standards and state and local anti-idling laws. They also cited insurance costs, technological requirements and concerns about privacy in their cabs. Organizers said independent truckers were struggling to make a living despite their role in keeping commerce moving.

The protest also embraced broader political grievances, including government surveillance, national debt and claims that elected officials had disregarded the Constitution. The group’s rhetoric echoed the early Tea Party movement, portraying the demonstration as an effort to restore a constitutional republic and pressure lawmakers to respond to the public.

Earl Conlon, a trucker coordinating logistics, initially said participants would drive three lanes deep around the Beltway at the speed limit, leaving a lane open for emergency vehicles. He suggested that vehicles displaying a supporter sticker could pass and threatened a roadblock if police interfered. Organizers said they hoped the demonstration would remain peaceful.

Protest leaders gave differing accounts of their demands. One called for President Barack Obama’s impeachment; Conlon instead said the group wanted officials accused of violating their oaths arrested. Organizers accused Obama and others of wrongdoing over support for Syrian rebels, though the passages do not establish those allegations. An update to the report said truckers were no longer planning to arrest members of Congress.

The size and traffic impact of the protest remained uncertain. One organizer said 3,000 truckers had responded, while a Facebook page promoting the ride had nearly 50,000 likes. A similar trucker protest in 2007 had not significantly disrupted Washington-area commutes.