On March 23, 2020 DOT provided guidance for motor carriers and drivers who were having difficulty completing mandatory drug testing requirements, such as random testing. The guidance, found in the link below, called for motor carriers to document why random testing was unable to be completed, but to complete testing as soon as possible.

Maine Motor Transport Association encourages motor carriers in our testing programs to ensure that all random selections are completed and that those that were delayed due to legitimate COVID concerns are documented as required. We are unaware of any testing site in Maine where testing is not possible due to COVID. We are also happy to assist motor carriers with finding mobile collection services if that option is more feasible.

MMTA would also like to emphasize that the guidance clarifies that carriers unable to carry out pre-employment testing when required must not utilize the driver in a safety-sensitive position until they are able to do so.

We encourage all testing to be completed no later than December 31^st for the 2020 calendar year, and to make sure documentation exists for COVID related delays. 

Please contact DISA – FORT WORTH compliance at compliance.ftw@disa.com or by calling 817-310-9448 if you have questions regarding outstanding test selections.

As always, you may contact MMTA at 207-623-4128 if you need assistance with this or any of your compliance needs.

A federal advisory panel is recommending that the next round of coronavirus vaccines be given to teachers, first responders, correction officers and grocery store employees, along with people 75 and over.

The vaccine is currently being given to group 1a, health care workers and residents and staff at long-term care facilities. Group 1b will include “frontline essential workers.” Truck drivers and other transportation workers fall into Group 1c as “essential workers.” They are only recommendations, made by Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, but many states are expected to follow them.

But even as the ACIP made its recommendations Dec. 20 on who should get the vaccine next, officials acknowledged that there still isn’t enough vaccine available for people who make up the second and third round of vaccinations.

The final resting places of 1.7 million American veterans were adorned with holiday wreaths this year — just as they have been in years past — as organizers of the annual Wreaths Across America Day worked to ensure the nation’s fallen received this honor despite challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

Across 2,557 cemeteries, including Arlington National Cemetery just outside Washington, the military, truck drivers, volunteers and cemetery employees worked together to make it happen. Attendance was severely limited at many cemeteries to help quell the spread of the virus, but the event proceeded Dec. 19 despite earlier fears of cancellation.

In fact, in November, the Arlington event was canceled only to be reinstated the next day after Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy decided that it could be held safely.

We will keep MMTA members posted as new information comes in. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to email Tim, Randy or Brian if you have questions.