The latest information for STA Members

STA E-News
August 22, 2018
Statewide Towing Association E-News for STA Members
Intrastate motor carriers - as of September 1, 2018 - will be required to obtain and display a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number per 540 CMR 2.22, the Commercial Marking section of the Registry of Motor Vehicles regulations.

Applicability
This requirement applies to motor carriers operating the following commercial motor vehicles (CMVs):
  • Engaged in intrastate commerce having a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 or more pounds; or
  • Used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding; or
  • Designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, used in intrastate commerce in Massachusetts.

Compliance
If your company operates a subject vehicle it must be permanently marked with a USDOT number assigned in a manner conforming to the provisions of 49 CFR 390.21.

To obtain a USDOT Number, we urge you to go to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) website. There, you may follow the Registrations links that will enable you to obtain an intrastate USDOT number. Your company will be issued a USDOT number that will be displayed on all CMVs as defined above that your company operates, including leased vehicles. There is no charge to obtain this number from the USDOT-FMCSA.

Penalties
After September 1, 2018, failure to obtain and display a USDOT Number on your vehicles may result in a civil fine and/or placing your CMVs Out of Service until such time as your company obtains a USDOT Number.
2018 STA Golf Event & Charitable Fund Awards
STA's 9th Annual Golf Event was held August 7, 2018. This was out largest golf event to date with 152 golfers participating.

This event raises funds to support the STA Charitable Fund, the STA Scholarship funds and to help defray for member services.

At the event this year, the STA Charitable Fund awarded three $5,000 awards to tow families in crisis. The first award was to the family of the grandson of a long time STA member, supporter and volunteer. The 4 year old grandson is fighting leukemia and is currently receiving chemotherapy. His mom has had to quit her job to care for her son, The award was made to the 4 year old's parents.

The second award was made to another long time STA volunteer. The 52 year old man is struggling with leukemia and was hospitalized and unable to attend the award ceremony. He was able to video chat the ceremony and received a standing ovation for his dedication and determination. Since his job is his source of income and he has been unable to work, the award will assist him with living and medical expenses.

The third award was to single mom with an 18 month old son from an STA member family. This young woman has volunteered at STA events since she was a child and has volunteered at the last 5 Golf Events including this year's event. She is currently battling an aggressive form of breast cancer having completed 20 weeks of chemo therapy just 6 days prior to the Golf Event. Due to her treatment she has had to significantly reduce her work schedule so the award will be used to help with living and medical expenses.

Next year with be our 10th Anniversary Golf Event to be held August 13, 2019. We hope you can join us, support the event or volunteer to help us raise funds so we can continue to help fellow tow families in crisis.
Rebuilt Salvage Repairable Vehicle Inspections
Please note the MA Registry has imposed a new requirement relative to repaired salvage titled vehicles.

If you purchase a Salvage Repairable title vehicle for parts to repair another Salvage Repairable title vehicle, you must obtain a Parts Only title for the vehicle purchased for parts prior to re-inspection of the repaired salvage vehicle. Parts Only Titles can only be obtained in person at the MA Registry offices in Boston or Quincy. 

The additional costs and labor associated with this policy change may put downward pressure on Salvage Repairable vehicle values.
Older Motorhome & Camper Tows
We have received reports from member and non-member tow companies regarding motorhome and camping trailers tows. The companies report receiving private and motor club calls for tows of older motorhomes and camping trailers. The vehicles in question are being used by transients and the homeless as residences. The typical request is to have the motorhome/camping trailer relocated to private property. The issue is the owner/occupant of the motorhome or camping trailer may not have permission of the real estate property owner to place the vehicle on the property.

Protect your company by checking with the real estate property owner prior to delivering an older motorhome or camping trailer to private property.

Also many campgrounds will no longer accept motorhomes or camping trailers over 10 years old. Always confirm directly with the campground regarding their policy before attempting to deliver a motorhome or camping trailer over 10 years old.

Please note - Some of these vehicles are being used for illegal drug manufacturing or contain significant effluent material. This poses a potential health hazard for you and your employees. Please be careful. 
Hybrid & Electric Vehicle Disposal  
The disposal of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles is becoming an issue. We received a report form an STA Member that they received notice from a salvage yard indicating the salvage yard would be charging a fee to dispose of Hybrid and Electric Vehicles.

The STA Office contacted the MA Auto Recyclers Association and several independent salvage yards and researched the issue. Our research the international market is flooded with these batteries hence the market has dried up. China and Europe are experiencing a dramatic increase in decommissioned, end-of-life EV and hybrid vehicles. The United States has been slow to develop reuse, refurbish and recycle industries to address the issue. Over the next 3 years, the U.S. will see a dramatic increase in decommissioned EV and hybrid vehicles as models reach end of life. Without domestic or international pipelines to reduce the number of batteries from these end-of-life vehicles, disposal of these vehicles will becomes more difficult and costly.

STA will continue to reach out and research updates and alternatives. 

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