View as Webpage | October 18, 2024

MAINE & MMTA NEWS

Dear MMTA Member,


Registration and sponsorships are now open for January’s MMTA Annual Banquet – the largest gathering of the year for Maine’s trucking industry. Last year we had a great crowd at the Bangor Cross Insurance Center and this year we are hoping to max out attendance at the Sheraton Sable Oaks in South Portland. We are limited to the first 500 registrations for our January 9, 2025 banquet with the following order of events:


2:00pm – MMTA Membership and Board Meetings (Portland Room)

5:00pm – Hospitality Reception sponsored by Volvo Trucks (Casco Bay Ballroom)

6:30pm – Dinner and Awards (Grand Ballroom)

8:00pm – Keynote Address sponsored by Maine Commercial Tire


We are pleased to have former Commander of the USS Benfold, Mike Abrashoff, deliver his powerful message about leadership, communication, purpose-driven discipline and empowerment. Join us to hear how a ship that was plagued by low morale, high turnover and abysmal performance was transformed into “the best damn ship in the Navy.”


Tickets are on sale for $50/each or tables of 10 for $500. As always, this event is made possible by the generosity of sponsors so if you would like to support the night’s festivities, we would appreciate it.


We look forward to seeing you on January 9th!

A MESSAGE FROM MMTA'S NEWEST TEAM MEMBER - DEREK KENNEDY, INDUSTRY IMAGE & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Hello MMTA family,

 

I am Derek, the new Industry Image and Marketing Coordinator. I’m really excited to be here, and I wanted to take the opportunity to share more about myself, as I hope to get to know more about all of you.

 

I was born and raised in Bangor and graduated from Bangor High in 2014. Afterward, I was accepted to the University of Maine in Orono, where I studied Business Management and Military Science through the Army ROTC program. It was during college that I developed a passion for physical fitness, specifically weightlifting and strength training. Outside of work, you’ll often find me at the gym.

 

Upon graduating with my bachelor’s degree, I commissioned into the Maine Army National Guard as a Transportation Officer. I currently serve as the Executive Officer for the 1136th Medium Transportation Company.

 

My role in the National Guard has shown me what being part of a great team truly means. The truckers I have the pleasure of leading bring real meaning to the phrase “Nothing without Trucking.” I take pride in seeing their enthusiasm for any training that involves being behind the wheel.

 

I hope to apply the lessons I’ve learned in my time in the Guard and combine them with what I’ll learn in this new role. I have an open-door policy for anyone who would like to offer advice, present ideas, or even just say “Hi!” Please feel free to call or stop by anytime.

 

I believe that with a positive attitude and effective communication, we can inspire a new generation of professionals in the transportation industry by sharing the success and importance of each member’s contributions.

 

Thank you for your time, and I’m glad to be a part of the team!

Upcoming Traffic Impacts on Western Avenue at I-95 in Augusta

MaineDOT


AUGUSTA - The Maine Department of Transportation project to replace the bridge that carries Western Avenue (Route 202) over I-95 in Augusta is going to begin having significant traffic impacts later this month.


Beginning on Monday, October 28th, the ramp that carries eastbound Western Avenue traffic to the interstate will be closed. Eastbound traffic will be able to use one of three detours to access I-95:


Read more...

SAVE THE DATE!!


MMTA/APTA TRANSPORTATION SAFETY CONFERENCE

September 29-30, 2025

Optional Golf on 9/28/25

Samoset Resort in Rockport, Maine

2025 UCR REGISTRATION PERIOD BEGINS ON OCT 1st

MMTA


UCR stands for Unified Carrier Registration program. It is a federally-mandated system for registering operators of commercial vehicles who are involved in interstate and international travel. This annual registration must be renewed by December 31st each year.


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NATIONAL NEWS

Will a Rise in In-Store Shopping Aid Freight’s Recovery?

Transport Topics


An accelerated transition toward in-store shopping from ordering online is underway and set to aid the nascent freight environment recovery, according to observers.


In-store shopping was already on the rise as the retail sector reset after the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the upcoming holiday season is likely to expedite the trend.


Read more...

ATA Economist Anticipates Freight Market Rebalancing Pains

Transport Topics


American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello on Oct. 14 highlighted how the freight market is set to slowly improve as equipment and demand rebalance.


“I think you’re going to be not thrilled with my presentation, but you’re not going to go away depressed either,” Costello said. “It’s not easy folks, every cycle is different, this one included. I feel like we’ve been a little snakebitten. We think this thing is going to turn around and so forth. But my theme today is really sort of back to normal. We haven’t seen normal since what, pre-pandemic.”


Read more...

How AI Is Transforming Trucking in the Wake of COVID

Transport Topics


The trucking industry has emerged as a leader in adopting artificial intelligence, largely due to lessons learned from the coronavirus pandemic, according to a panel discussion Oct. 13.


American Trucking Associations hosted the panel as part of its 2024 Management Conference & Exhibition. The discussion explored how post-pandemic efficiency needs have driven carriers to adopt AI technologies.


Read more...

DOT Publishes Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for Electronic Signatures, Forms and Storage for Drug and Alcohol Testing Records

U.S. Department of Transportation Bulletin


Today, October 15, 2024, the Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register proposing to amend its regulations for conducting workplace drug and alcohol testing for the federally regulated transportation industry to allow, but not require, electronic signatures on documents required to be created and utilized under the regulations, the use of electronic versions of forms, and the electronic storage of forms and data. 


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The economy is again trucking's top concern, driver shortage continues to fall

CCJ


For the second consecutive year, the economy is the transportation industry's top concern, according to American Transportation Research Institute's (ATRI) 20th annual Top Industry Issues report released Saturday at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition in Nashville. 


Read more...

UPCOMING MMTA TRAINING & EVENTS

Drug and Alcohol Supervisor

October 25, 2024

8:30am

MMTA Office, Augusta

FMI and Registration

Surviving A Compliance Review

November 1, 2024

8:30am

MMTA Office, Augusta

FMI and Registration

Creating/Maintaining DQ Files

November. 15, 2024

9:00am

MMTA Office, Augusta

FMI and Registration

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.

MAINE MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION www.mmta.com
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