Your Member Monthly News & Updates

FMCSA Officially Publishes its Final Rule 
on Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

FMCSA officially published its final rule on ELDs on December 16, 2015.  The final rule has a phased compliance period.  The first compliance date is December 18, 2017.  Language was included in the House THUD bill report requesting USDOT/FMCSA to review and determine whether there is a need to delay the compliance date.  On July 19, 2017, Congressman Brian Babin introduced H.R. 3282, a bill to delay compliance for 2 years.  See the complete bill  here.

FMCSA has since streamlined the ELD section of their website to create a more user-friendly system and highlight critical ELD information.  New FAQs, a Resource Page, and a new website for ELD manufacturers have been added to the site.  To stay informed, sign up for the ELD Newsletter or visit http://fmcsa.dot.gov/eld.


Speed Limiters Mandate on Buses and Trucks in Limbo
A revised "unified agenda" published last month by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) indicates that a speed-limiter rule is no longer on the near-term agendas of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  "By amending and eliminating regulations that are ineffective, duplicative, and obsolete, the administration can promote economic growth and innovation and protect individual liberty," the OMB said when it posted the revised agenda.
Under the proposed rule, maximum speeds could be set at 60, 65 or 68 mph. The exact speed has yet to be determined.  Manufacturers would be given three years from publication of a final rule to meet the proposed requirements.  Many motorcoach operators already use speed limiters on their fleets, and industry officials said the impact of the requirement on passenger carriers would depend on whether they operate in the western or eastern United States.  On the East Coast, where traffic is more congested, it is often difficult for a bus to exceed 60 or 65 mph. In the West, which is more wide open and where speed limits can exceed 80 mph, motorcoach drivers would be forced to stay well below those limits.  Read the full article from Bus & Motorcoach News  here.
GNJMA would like your opinion on the Speed Limiters Mandate.  Please complete of survey by clicking here (or on the image above).

Member News

Lakeland Bus Lines has been honored with the Best Friend Award from The Arc's Morris Chapter!  For over 10 years, Lakeland has been providing its bus trip services to individuals from The Arc's residential programs.  Lakeland has gone above and beyond to ensure that participants get the best service possible on their trips.  Not only do these individuals enjoy themselves, but they have the opportunity to meet other travelers and make new friends along the way. Congratulations to Lakeland Bus Lines on this achievement!

If you have a story you'd like us to share, please email us at pcowley@gnjma.com!


Special Guest Speaker
Are You Registered Yet?

October 11:  Annual Golf Outing
October 11:  Meet & Mingle 
October 12:  Annual Member Meeting & Mini-Marketplace
October 12:  Group Leader Appreciation Day & Marketplace

 



Sponsorship Opportunities Available

Golf-Hole Sponsor (12 available)
 "19th Hole" Golf Sponsor (2 available)
Beverage Golf Cart Sponsor (6 available)
Meet & Mingle Entertainment Sponsor (2 available)
Meet & Mingle General Sponsor (4 available)
Group Leader Directory Sponsor (no limit)
Guest Speaker Sponsor (2 available)


The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Urges Drivers to Prepare for Total Solar Eclipse Travel on August 21st

For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse will occur across the entire continental United States on August 21st, potentially affecting millions of drivers.  Lasting around two minutes, the eclipse will darken the country during the middle of the day when millions of Americans are on the roads.  FHWA joined the National Park Service and other federal agencies to emphasize the importance of viewing the eclipse safely.  The only safe way to look directly at the uneclipsed or partially eclipsed sun is through special-purpose solar filters, such as eclipse glasses or solar viewers.  

FHWA urges drivers to not pull over at unsafe locations, such as stopping on an interstate at the last minute.  They also encourage drivers to be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, who may also be looking skyward.  August is also the peak of highway construction season.  While construction workers may not be present in work zones, safety devices - like barrels and message signs - will be in place, posing a potential risk for distracted drivers.  Drivers are encouraged to be watchful, alert, and conscientious of others on the road.  Read the full article here.

*Member Alerts*

Member Alerts are sent out to our Members as needed.  

These alerts are for Members only and are more urgent or important in nature then other correspondence.  We hope you find these of value.

Since our July newsletter, we sent one alert regarding various topics including the August 5th Atlantic City Traffic Advisory, the NYC Proposed Penalty Change, and Leadership Changes at Port Authority. 


Register for the Annual Driver Safety Meeting

October 26, 2017 at  Sands Bethlehem

Start time: 11:00AM

 

This is a free training event for our Members which includes excellent educational content provided by Lancer  Insurance, giveaways, and a delicious lunch.   Register here!


 


Did You Know?

Membership Renewal is September 1st.  Please expect your invoice in your mailbox soon.

For your convenience, GNJMA is now accepting credits cards for payments.  If you're interested in paying via this method, please call us at 908-835-0935 extension 105.


* Save the Dates *

March 12, 2018 - Annual Appreciation Dinner

March 13, 2018  Spring Association Meeting & Motorcoach Professional Awards Luncheon 

More Information including event registration, presentation topics, and how to submit nominations for awards coming soon!!


            Like GNJMA on Facebook!


Show your GNJMA pride and add our logo to your website! Simply right click on the logo above to save it as an image!
Contact:  Pattie Cowley, Executive Director | Greater New Jersey Motorcoach Association
 908-835-0935 x105 | pcowley@gnjma.com | www.gnjma.com