DECEMBER 31, 2019
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FMCSA increasing random drug testing rate to 50%
Change takes effect January 1, 2020
Drug test report_ Medical stethoscope with clipboard and black pen
WASHINGTON, DC – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced that it will increase the annual percentage rate for random controlled substances testing for CDL holders to 50%. The percentage increase takes effect January 1, 2020.

The December 26 notice states the percentage of testing must increase “when the data received under the reporting requirements for any calendar year indicate that the reported positive rate is equal to or greater than 1.0%,”. The estimated positive random controlled substance test rate in 2018 is 1%. For 2016 and 2017, the estimated positive usage rate for drugs was estimated to be 0.7% and 0.8%, respectively.
The requirement stems from the “Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing” rule issued in 2001 that indicates that the decision on whether to increase or decrease the percentage rate would be based upon the motor carrier industry’s overall positive random controlled substance test rate, as reported by motor carrier employers to FMCSA.

The minimum annual percentage rate for random alcohol testing will remain at 10%.

To view the full notice from FMCSA, visit https://federalregister.gov/d/2019-28164.

Forty under 45 roundtable seeks newcomers
Nominate a professional to shape industry's future
The 40 Under 45 Bus and Motorcoach Industry Roundtable will take place at UMA Motorcoach EXPO in Nashville next month and the group is seeking new participants to join the effort.

UMA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner stated “We at UMA are so excited for this program that was launched a year ago. It has become a vehicle to allow the newest generation of leaders for the bus and motorcoach industry to connect, share ideas, consider trends and serve as one of our thinktanks for the future of our industry.”
 
The initial meeting for the roundtable will be held on Sunday, January 19 during UMA’s Motorcoach EXPO in Nashville, TN. During the roundtable meeting, the group will hold facilitated discussions about industry trends and challenges they are facing along with solutions they have discovered. Additionally, the group will be determining how they want to connect and see the roundtable develop for the future, both virtually and in-person.
How to Nominate

If you would like to nominate someone to the 40 Under 45 Bus & Motorcoach Industry Roundtable, requirements are:

  • Must have been a manager or operator at a bus or motorcoach company for at least one year

  • Should be under 45 years of age (exceptions can be made if someone is close in age)

  • Is willing to serve and participate at their own expense (or on behalf of their company)

Please send nominations or questions to UMA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner via e-mail at   [email protected]
REMINDER
UMA has compiled member resources for FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse mandate
Operators need to start using the clearinghouse by January 6, 2020. Learn how to navigate this system now, before the deadline, which is less than a month away.

If you missed our live online meeting about the Clearinghouse, click the video below to catch our recorded session and to find more resources. The video running time is about one hour in length. It includes a brief welcome from UMA Board Members Matt Dance and Bethany Schubert and a presentation from Gian Marshall of FMCSA.

The information is available on the uma.org website on the following page:
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Bus & Motorcoach News  is mailed twice monthly to all UMA members. In addition, it's available online 24/7 at  www.busandmotorcoachnews.com and by email, on a schedule you choose! Invite everyone on your staff to stay informed about the industry by signing up for email updates from  Bus & Motorcoach News .  Sign up here. You can choose daily or weekly updates! Below is a sampling of what's in our latest digital and print editions.
Foundation turns to Discovery Charters to transport 9,000 8th graders to see "Hamilton"
Watch a short video about how Discovery Charters created a plan to make the plan happen.
Bus & Motorcoach News | Dec. 30, 2019 |
by Shandra Martinez

In 2019, The Dan and Lillian King Foundation of Monterey, California, committed to underwrite an ambitious goal: Take every eighth grader in Monterey County to San Francisco to see “Hamilton” as a lesson about the U.S. Constitution and civic engagement.

It turned out that buying 9,000 tickets to the hottest musical in the country was considerably easier than figuring out the logistics of transporting that many students more than 250 miles round-trip.

NPS won't implement onerous new charter
and tour fees in 2020
Bus & Motorcoach News | December 30, 2019 | by Ken Presley
The National Park Service has dropped plans to impose controversial admission fees and new commercial use authorization regulations for 2020.

While awaiting formal confirmation, a coalition of travel organizations has been apprised that David Vela, deputy director exercising the authority of director for the National Park Service, has stated the new commercial use authorization (CUA) requirements planned for 2020 will not be implemented.

NPS has been consulting on the changes with organizations including the United Motorcoach Association, International Motorcoach Group, American Bus Association, National Tour Association, Ontario Motor Coach Association, Interel Group, Trailways and United States Tour Operators Association.

Motorcoach Industry Calendar
Don't miss out! Sign up now!
JANUARY 2020
  • 15 Maryland Motorcoach Association Legislative Reception, Gov. Calvert House
  • 19-23 UMA Motorcoach EXPO, Nashville, TN www.motorcoachexpo.com
  • 21 National Association of Motorcoach Operators Semi Annual Members Meeting, Nashville, TN (During UMA Motorcoach EXPO)
  • 27-29 Tennessee Motorcoach Association Convention and Marketplace, Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, Florence, AL https://tnmca.net/

FEBRUARY 2020

MARCH 2020
APRIL
  • 5-7 Northwest Motorcoach Association Annual Mechanics & Tech, Location TBD www.northwestmotorcoach.com
  • 19-22 Ontario Transportation EXPO, The International Centre, Mississauga, ON, Canada www.omca.com

JUNE 2020
  • 21-24 PBA Annual Meeting, Wind Creek, Bethlehem, PA Details
  • 25-28 New England Bus Association Annual Conference, Northfalmouth, MA www.newenglandbus.org
AUGUST 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020

OCTOBER 2020
YOU ARE UMA
Remember, as a UMA member you have the power of discounts on the best products and services, access to relevant education, targeted professional resources, and colleagues all over the map. Remember to consult your member directory when you need help on the road, access to more vehicles to meet demand, or services out of your area. We are UMA! Want to find other members to do business with? Use the online directory.

Reach the UMA staff by calling (703) 838-2929 or by email at [email protected] . We love to hear from our members!