View as Webpage | December 2021
TRUCKING NEWS AT HOME
ISSUE UPDATE:
Maine Adoption of CA Advanced Clean Trucks Program Postponed
MMTA
As a follow up to our blog posts in October and November, the adoption of the California ACT has been postponed for at least a year due to the efforts of a coalition of Maine business groups.
Collins urges President to remove cross-border mandate for professional truck drivers
MMTA
MMTA is concerned with the impacts these vaccine mandates would have on our members, the Maine economy and the nation’s supply chain and we thank Senator Collins for standing up for Maine’s trucking industry.

Winter Driving - Be Prepared
MMTA
Talk with your drivers about the winter driving season using these safety tips.
Changes to agricultural exemption for Hours of Service for livestock transportation include lobster
MMTA
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 extends the Hours of Service exemption for livestock haulers by 150 additional air-miles.
NATIONAL TRUCKING ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOU
Appeals court lets vaccine mandate live on
Fleet Owner
The latest in the vaccine mandate legal challenge. Expedited appeals have been filed at the US Supreme Court by the ATA and other business groups.
Biden administration unveils plan for helping fleets with driver recruitment, retention
CCJ
The Biden-Harris Trucking Action Plan is a 90-day push to strengthen the trucking workforce by emphasizing apprenticeship programs and recruiting former military members.
Pandemic Relief Bill gives tax breaks to owner-operators
MMTA
In past years, meals were only 80% deductible whereas now, with IRS interpretation, meals are 100% deductible through 2022.
Border congestion feared as vaccination requirements change in January
Transport Topics
The flow of freight between the United States and its neighbors Canada and Mexico could slow beginning in January, as all three countries adopt more stringent COVID-19 vaccine requirements for cross-border truck traffic.
Trucking cheers bipartisan bill to curb lawsuit abuse
American Trucking Associations
The Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2021 will protect trucking companies from the financial burdens of defending against or settling fraudulent insurance claims resulting from staged collisions among other protections for motor carriers.
Self-driving technology won't endanger truck driver's role, developers say
FleetOwner
What happens to over-the-road truck drivers as we know them when an SAE Level 4 automated truck is ready for the long haul? It’s a common question that comes up in industry conversations, but autonomous truck technology developers are intent on making one message crystal clear: Those interested in becoming truck drivers today can still retire as truck drivers in the next several decades.
Wife, mom and truck driver working to bring more women into the industry with viral TikTok videos
CBS News
Clarissa Rankin is a wife, mother of two and a truck driver who has 1.5 million followers on TikTok. Now she wants to use that fan base to encourage more women to pursue trucking as a career. CBS News' Errol Barnett took to the road with her.
2.5 million truckers say they'll quit over vaccine mandate, industry warns Biden
Washington Examiner
America is currently short approximately 80,000 truckers compared to pre-pandemic levels. If Biden’s Jan. 4 vaccine deadline is enforced, the industry will lose 37% of its truckers, or 2.5 million people, according to an ATA survey.
FMCSA's Emergency Declaration on maximum drive time extended
FMCSA
The Declaration, originally set to expire on November 30 is now extended to February 28, 2022. You are urged to review the applicability, restrictions, and limitations listed within this waiver.
WHAT'S NEW AT MMTA
We need your help to promote the John W. Austin Memorial Scholarship
MMTA
Do you know a high school senior who is planning on a career in a trucking-related industry? After the New Year, we will be opening up the scholarship program for applications. If that student is looking at colleges or technical training, financial help is always a part of the plan. We need your help to spread the word! Download the poster and stay tuned for sharable social media posts on Facebook and Instagram!
MMTA
There are many benefits to becoming an MMTA Annual Sponsor. We provide recurring exposure at our events and on our publications all year long. Take advantage of bundled pricing and hassle-free advertising! Learn more on our blog.
MMTA announces 2022 Training & Event Schedule
MMTA
The 2022 Training & Event Schedule has been completed and registrations are now open. Hours of Service training is January 28. Save the date and reserve your seat today!
MMTA adds Electrical Diagnostics training to 2022 schedule
MMTA
We’ve recently added a new training for 2022 as requested from our members. This training provides you with the theory of electricity, Ohm’s Law, and the skills need to correctly use volt meters, amp meters and ohm meters. Registration is now open for ALL classes!
Zero percent loans for approved CDL school training
MMTA
Students attending approved CDL schools are eligible to apply for tuition loans to attain their Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License at an amazing ZERO percent interest.
Follow MMTA on social media
MMTA
If you or your company is on social media, be sure to follow us today to get the latest news, events, recognition, and more from the trucking industry in Maine and beyond.
Thank you MMTA annual sponsors
MAINE MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION www.mmta.com