NEWS ON WHEELS
Special Edition
Links to COVID-19 trucking resources on MCS webpage
Drivers and carriers operating in response to the nation’s efforts to combat the novel coronavirus can find links to the federal emergency waiver of Parts 390 – 399; Governor Parson’s executive orders 20-02 and 20-04; and information about weight waivers and a special permit all listed as links at https://www.modot.org/mcs .
Please check this site for extensions and updates that might occur.
Missouri Department of Revenue extends CDLs and medical certificates
MoDOT keeps truck parking, rest areas open as much as possible

To ensure the continued transportation of essential supplies, equipment, and individuals, the Missouri Department of Revenue has also issued the following extensions in coordination with MoDOT:
  • Sixty-day extension of driving privileges: This extension applies to individuals with CDL or non-CDL license expiration dates of March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2020. For example, an individual with a CDL expiring March 1, 2020, will have until May 1, 2020, to complete the required license renewal in their local license office.
  • Extension of CDL medical certificates: This extension applies to individuals holding a CDL or CLP with a current medical certificate that has been issued for a period of 90 days or more and has an expiration date of March 1, 2020, through April 30, 2020. These individuals have been granted an extension of their medical certification until June 30, 2020. This relief will give Missouri’s commercial drivers additional time to complete the required medical exam and to submit an updated medical certificate to their local license office so their Missouri driver record can be updated.
  • Both of these extensions have been applied automatically, so no additional action is required by eligible drivers to qualify.

In addition, MoDOT is making an effort to keep interstate highway rest areas open to the traveling public and commercial motor carriers. The rest areas are being cleaned and disinfected on a more frequent basis. 
UCR enforcement begins July 1
UCR recommends delayed enforcement due to COVID-19
UCR registration is open, and more than 250,000 carriers in the United States, Canada and Mexico already registered for this year. State enforcement of UCR registration requirements commonly begins January 1.

However, because the opening of the 2020 registration period was delayed by several months due to a delay in the approval of fees, and with the recent crisis brought on by the widespread outbreak of COVID-19, UCR requests that states delay enforcement until July 1, 2020 .

Those who have not completed UCR registration can visit www.ucr.gov to register and pay or can hire a service to do so. MoDOT MCS agents can answer your UCR questions. Call us at 1-866-831-6277.
Construction of climbing lanes at I-70's Mineola Hill starts in July
Design-Build project to be completed by Nov. 30, 2021
 
By the end of next year, drivers will have a third lane on both east and westbound Interstate 70 in Montgomery County in the area known as Mineola Hill (MM 168-169).

The project will construct eastbound and westbound truck climbing lanes that enhance safe traffic flow and will replace the bridges within the project area. This project was made possible by a federal Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in combination with the replacement of the I-70 Missouri River Bridge at Rocheport (MM 114-115).

Construction will begin this July. The Mineola project completion date is Nov. 30, 2021.
More information about the project can be found here.
Work Zone season is underway
Travelers are noticing several large- and smaller-scale projects already underway on Missouri highways and shoulders. Highway maintenance season is in full swing

The theme of National Work Zone Awareness week, April 20-24, is Safe Work Zones for All: Protect workers. Protect road users. It serves as a reminder that work zones are areas of risk for both workers and travelers. Following too closely, inattention and improper lane changes are the top work zone crash causes in Missouri according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics. Traveling too fast for conditions also causes many crashes.

MoDOT asks you to take special care in and around work zones - from the approach through the exit.

Alternate route safety
Also, please be certain that any alternate route you take to avoid a work zone is safe. For example, drivers might wish to avoid the I-44 bridge rehabilitation work near Halltown (MM 58) and see Missouri Route 266 runs nearby. It looks good on a map, but this route is NOT an option for many CMVs due to a bridge with a load limit of 25 tons on the route.
Highway Safety Even More Important During Pandemic

In these trying times of the coronavirus pandemic, the emergency room is the last place you want to find yourself. That’s why the Missouri Department of Transportation is sending a strong message that now, more than ever, it’s vitally important to drive safely and obey the rules of the road. MORE
Changes coming to MoDOT Carrier Express log in practices
Due to required computer server updates and a desire to strengthen security, MoDOT must make background changes to the way customer and employee access MoDOT Carrier Express, our 24/7 online service. In the next few months, all users will notice minor changes.

What will users see?
Users will log in to MCE the same as they always have. MoDOT is developing the MCE log in screen to look and function the same as it does today. However, at login, you might be asked to provide additional information or to change your password before proceeding.

When will this happen?
The projected cutover date is June 1. More details will be provided in May. 
MoDOT Motor Carrier Services remains open for online & telephone service
Motor Carrier Services' investigators and agents remain available from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Reach them by telephone at 1-866-831-6277.

By using MoDOT Carrier Express, our online service, telephone, email, fax and U.S. mail, carriers are able to complete all business with MCS. Credentialing, IFTA return processing, compliance reviews and other business continues with one exception - visitors are prohibited in state office buildings at this time. Walk-in service is not available until at least April 24.

We appreciate the efforts of drivers, dispatchers, mechanics, carrier employees and all who help trucks continue to supply the nation with all the essentials - and more.

Stay safe. Stay healthy!
Dates of Note
April
1- 30 - IFTA 2020 1st quarter file filing period
1 -Carriers with apportioned plates that expire June 30 must file an IRP renewal application by this date. After this day, a late fee applies.
15 - Last day for Household Goods and Passenger Intrastate motor carriers to submit annual financial statements.
20-24 - National Work Zone Awareness Week
May
8 - Truman Day - MoDOT offices are closed.
25 - Memorial Day - MoDOT offices are closed.
June
1 – Carriers whose apportioned plates expire June 30, pay by today to avoid a late fee.
July
1 - UCR 2020 enforcement begins.
3 - Independence Day (observed). All MoDOT, federal, city and county offices are closed.
1-31 – IFTA 2nd quarter 2020 fuel tax filing period.
MISSOURI STATE HOLIDAYS
MoDOT Offices Closed

Fri., May 8 - Truman Day
Mon., May 25 - Memorial Day
Fri., July 3 - Independence Day (Observed)
Mon., Sept. 7 - Labor Day
OSOW HOLIDAY RESTRICTIONS
During these periods, oversized loads are not allowed to use Missouri highways.
Memorial Day - May 22 - May 26
Independence Day - July 3 - July 6
Labor Day - Sept. 4 - Sept. 8
Thanksgiving - Nov. 25 - Nov. 30
Christmas - Dec. 24 - Dec. 28
Restricted periods begin at noon on the first day and end 30 minutes before sunrise on the last day.
MoDOT Motor Carrier Services
1-866-831-6277
Connect with us