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MMTA Annual Banquet Recap
Award Winners Announced!!
Each year, we recognize trucking companies and drivers for their commitment to highway safety with an evening of awards. This year's Annual Banquet was held January 9th at the Sheraton Sable Oaks in South Portland with more than 450 in attendance.
For more information on the winners and to see our amazing list of sponsors, go to our event result website link: https://www.mmta.com/2025annualbanquet/. Congratulations to the winners and we thank you for supporting highway safety and the trucking industry in Maine!
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MMTA Driver of the Month Program Adds New Feature
MMTA
As we recognize the safest drivers and the safest fleets from the MMTA Annual Banquet on January 9th, we are pleased to announce the addition of dash camera video submissions to the 2025 MMTA Driver of the Month nomination process. This addition is meant to compliment the already easy nomination process to be used as a way to provide objective evidence of the driver’s skill and professionalism in the face of adversity on our highways.
We can’t think of a better way to recognize and thank the best professional drivers in Maine for all their hard work, dedication and for all the sacrifices they make every day to get the needs of customers met safely and professionally.
You are just a few minutes from nominating a great professional truck driver... just go online to https://www.mmta.com/driver-of-the-month-program/... It is that EASY!!
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John W. Austin Memorial Scholarship Fund – Application Now Open
MMTA
The John W. Austin Memorial Scholarship Fund has grown over the years and now awards up to nine recipients a one-time scholarship for up to $2,500 each. The application deadline is May 1st and will be accepted online only.
The criteria to be selected for one of the nine scholarships reflect an emphasis on careers and instruction specific to the trucking industry in an attempt to focus on technical training. See below for the qualifications and requirements for applicants.
Read more...
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INDUSTRY ANNOUNCEMENT FROM MAINE BMV
Early Reinstatement For CDL Drivers Who Have Served 10 Years of a Lifetime Suspension
New! Effective January 1, 2025, BMV will offer eligible commercial drivers who lost their CDL as part of a lifetime suspension (in accordance with 49 CFR 383.51) an opportunity to apply for a new rehabilitation and reinstatement program. To learn more, call BMV at 207-624-9000, ext. 52104, or email us at OUI.BMV@maine.gov.
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REAL ID and ME - Enforcement will begin on May 7, 2025
Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles
The standard Maine credentials (driver's licenses and IDs) will be accepted as valid identification for federal purposes, such as entrance to federal facilities and boarding commercial aircraft, through May 7, 2025.
The Maine Bureau of Motor Vehicles began issuing Real ID-compliant driver's licenses and State identification cards on July 1, 2019. Any person who desires a Real ID-compliant license or ID can now obtain one at their local BMV office. In addition to the standard license requirements, Real ID applicants must have their photograph taken and provide the following documentation (for a complete list download the REAL ID Checklist), copies of which will remain on file with the BMV:
Read more...
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MMTA RELEASES 2025 TRAINING/EVENT SCHEDULE
MMTA has released our 2025 training and events calendar. While the schedule may change, we thought it was important to get the dates and training topics out as early as possible so members can make their plans for the year. As always, you can register for trainings and events online at www.mmta.com as well as find sponsorship opportunities that are available.
Read more...
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New Paid Family and Medical Leave Employer Portal Launches
Maine Dept. of Labor
Any employer with at least one Maine-based employee must have begun payroll withholdings for their employees January 1.
AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Labor announced today that the new Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) Portal - https://pfml.maine.gov/contributions/_/, the online system for employers to register, designate a payroll processor, file quarterly wage reports, and remit quarterly premium contributions, has launched.
Read more...
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2025 MMTA Employee Benefits Program Rates/Plans Now Available
We are excited to announce the details for the 2025 MMTA Employee Benefits Program!
Are you taking advantage of MMTA’s group employee benefits? MMTA works with some of the most respected insurance carriers in Maine to create a diverse employee benefits program to offer our members. The program includes a variety of plan options, including dental, vision, short-term disability, and life insurance, for all budgets.
Read more...
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TSA to simplify background checks
Fleet Owner
The federal government passed the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act into law late last month, streamlining background checks for commercial carriers.
The law cuts redundancies across the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and the Hazardous Materials Endorsement programs. Congress passed the bill on December 18, and President Biden signed the bill into law on December 23.
Read more...
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California drops pursuit of Advanced Clean Fleets rule
CCJ
The state of California has withdrawn its remaining outstanding request for waivers that would have allowed the state to enact emissions limits that exceed federal standards as the sun sets on President Joe Biden's administration, which had been an ally in the state's fight for some of the world's most stringent air quality regulations.
Had a Biden-led White House granted those requests, as it had others, the expectation was that they would be revoked under President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office Monday. Lee Zeldin, Trump's nominee to lead the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), had previously pledged to prioritize efforts to "roll back regulations" that he sees impeding American business.
Read more...
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Trucking's AI outlook: What solutions await in 2025
Fleet Owner
“AI is the aggregation of a lot of data and creating useful workstreams around that data,” Kahn explained. “If you can take a lot of information and apply some reasoning against it, then there should be growing opportunities around where to buy fuel or what routes to assign to a vehicle.”
When technology leaders discuss the potential of AI applications for carriers, there are six areas that stand out: data analysis, fuel efficiency, route optimization, asset management, safety, and autonomous driving.
Read more...
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Trucking 2024: The Emissions War Heats Up
Heavy Duty Trucking
Perhaps THE news story in trucking for 2024 was the near-revolt that erupted over the looming diesel exhaust emissions regulations coming at heavy trucks.
To sure, something along these lines was going to happen sooner or later.
There are two sets of regulations coming at fleets.
Federal Phase 3 Greenhouse gas emissions regulations will start their phase-in beginning in 2027.
In addition, new federal NOx (Nitrogen Oxides) reduction mandates from the Environmental Protection Agency kick in effectively in 2026 with the model-year 2027 heavy-duty trucks.
Read more...
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Study shows almost all fleets struggle with cost of maintaining compliance
CCJ
The cost of compliance is the top challenge faced by motor carriers with regard to compliance, safety, and administrative-related tasks, according to a survey conducted by Fleetworthy, with 96% of respondents reporting reducing costs in other areas of their business to cover compliance-related expenses over the past 12 months.
Read more...
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UPCOMING MMTA TRAINING & EVENTS | |
Thank you MMTA Annual Sponsors | |
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.
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