Recently FMCSA highlighted upcoming changes effective 1/6/23…involving the FMCSA CLEARINGHOUSE (CH) requirements. Specifically, beginning 1/6/23 motor carriers must not manually check with previous employers and must utilize only the CH to obtain violations of drug and alcohol testing regulations within the previous three years. While this is not a new requirement, the notice has caused some confusion with the requirements for investigations and inquiries that are also required by regulation.

As part of the Maine trucking industry’s ongoing commitment to playing a proactive role in critical environmental concerns, the MMTA is looking for members to consider participation in the EPA’s SmartWay program. We though we would offer a top 5 list of reasons why you should join:

For more than 40 years, the American Cancer Society has hosted the Great American Smoke-out on the third Thursday of November.

According to the American Cancer Society there are approximately 34 million American adults that still smoke cigarettes, and smoking remains the largest preventable cause of death and illness in the world. Smoking causes on or about 1 in 5 deaths annually. No matter how long a person has been smoking they can improve their health by stopping.

SAN DIEGO — Fuel prices overtook the driver shortage as the top issue of concern expressed by drivers and motor carriers in the American Transportation Research Institute’s 2022 Top Industry Issues survey, made public here on Oct. 22.

The pair ranked No. 1 and No. 2 on the list, and were followed in descending included by a lack of available truck parking; driver compensation; the state of the economy; long detention times; driver retention; the Compliance, Safety Accountability safety scoring system; speed limiters and lawsuit abuse reform.

WASHINGTON — While the American Trucking Associations (ATA) estimates in 2022 that the truck driver shortage will remain near its historical high at nearly 78,000 drivers, other industry leaders say that there is no shortage at all.

According to a new report, the ATA calculates its shortage estimates by determining the difference between the number of drivers currently in the market and the optimal number of drivers based on freight demand

Throughout mid- and into late-2020, truck drivers and fleets saw a surge in respect and appreciation because, tagged as an essential business, consumers saw – some for the first time – just how all the things that fill their pantries and refrigerators get to the grocer, and that trucking couldn't take the pandemic off because, frankly, we'd all starve to death.

Clarissa Rankin is challenging stereotypes.

The 36-year-old, Charlotte, North Carolina, resident is a professional truck driver hauling an array of goods from diapers to TVs to canned goods across the East Coast.

According to the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada, Manitoba, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, Ontario and Yukon will begin enforcement of Canada’s federal electronic logging device (ELD) mandate on Jan. 1, 2023. The ELD mandate has been in place since June 12, 2021; however, enforcement has been delayed.

TWIC, hazmat endorsement fees get more affordable. The Transportation Security Administration announced recently it is reducing the fees associated with obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) and a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME). The new lower fees took effect Nov. 3.

FMCSA is issuing this interim guidance to inform the public and regulated entities about FMCSA’s interpretation of the definitions of ‘‘broker’’ and ‘‘bona fide agents’’ as it relates to all brokers of transportation by motor vehicle. FMCSA is taking this action to better define the terms in response to a mandate in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). After consideration of public comments received, FMCSA is providing clarification on its interpretation of the definitions of ‘‘broker’’ and ‘‘bona fide agents,’’ in addition to meeting other criteria required by the IIJA. While this interim guidance is effective immediately, FMCSA is also seeking comments in response to this interim guidance and may issue updated guidance if comments demonstrate a need.

SAN DIEGO — Cooperation among stakeholders will be necessary to help propel trucking industry adoption of battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, experts said.

“Our world is changing as we begin a monumental shift to new technologies,” said Rakesh Aneja, vice president of eMobility at Daimler Truck North America, during an Oct. 23 panel discussion at American Trucking Associations' Management Conference & Exhibition. “It’s the beginning of an entire paradigm shift for our nation, our world and our industry. One that includes a move to complete decarbonization, improved sustainability and, of course, zero-emission trucks.”

Focusing on highway fast-charging in Massachusetts and New York, the study found that light-duty charging alone will mean some stations will require as much power as a stadium – and when MHD ZEVs are factored in, some of these stations will need as much power as a small town.

...Michigan’s largesse -- and Tennessee’s and Kentucky’s -- was made possible in part by hundreds of billions in federal aid pumped into US states as part of President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. The money was meant to soften the blow of a pandemic-induced fiscal apocalypse that never happened. Instead, it’s left states flush with cash, supercharging competition to win the automotive jobs of the future and cushioning the bottom lines of companies like Ford, GM, and Panasonic Holdings Corp., a battery supplier to Tesla Inc.

Early last month Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company would finally kick off deliveries of its oft-delayed all electric Semi. We've heard that claim more than once before, but this time his declaration came with a date – Dec. 1.

We don't know how many Semis Tesla is going to build and deliver this year – hell, Tesla might not even know – but we know where they're going: to PepsiCo.

In an effort to streamline the MVR and Criminal Record history request process for our members, MMTA has moved the order process online. The new process allows our members to easily and efficiently order MVR’s and Criminal Record requests through our website in the program/services link: MVR & Criminal Records Orders – MMTA without having to reach staff by phone in order to process the request.

Fear not, we recorded it. Click on the video link to the right to watch it on the MMTA's YouTube channel or click on the link below.

January 12, 2023

Sheraton Sable Oaks, S. Portland