MMTA Member NewsView Archived News

FMCSA Proposes Requiring Inspection of Rear Impact Guards April 8, 2021

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing to add rear impact guards to the list of items to be examined during yearly inspections of commercial motor vehicles.  Rear impact guards have been required on CMVs for nearly 70 years but are not included on the list of components in Appendix G for required inspections. This means that a CMV can pass an annual inspection with a missing or damaged guard.  The agency is accepting comments on the proposal until March 1, 2021.  More information will be provided as this progresses.  Read More

Upcoming Events April 5, 2021

April 22nd, 2021Topic: A Review of the Biden Administration’s First 100 Days – Impacts on Trucking and What to Expect Next!WebinarTime: 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.Cost: Free with your Membership. (Non-Members $50.00. Please call to register).Printable RegistrationOnline Registration  **************************   April 27th, 2021 Topic: Drug & Alcohol Summary:  DOT regulations require ALL supervisors of drivers to be trained in drug and alcohol testing rules.  This seminar meets all DOT training requirements!  It includes all materials and covers pertinent rules such as: how to make a reasonable suspicion judgment, developing company policies, responding to positive tests, return-to-duty procedures and SAP requirements.    Cost: --per… Read More

Status of Major MMTA Events March 25, 2021

The pandemic continues to wreak havoc on MMTA’s ability to hold in-person events.  As vaccinations continue to roll out, the Association is optimistic about resuming normal activities in the latter half of 2021.  Below is an update on the status of our major annual events.  Oyster Roast & Trade Show (normally in February) - Postponed until October 14 Person of the Year Banquet (normally in April) - Postponed until August 27 Golf Tournament (normally in May) - Will be held on May 5 Supertech Maryland (normally in June) - Tentatively postponed until August 7 or 14, but still being evaluated… Read More

Apportioned Motor Carriers Traveling in Virginia May Owe Additional Registration Fees March 18, 2021

The Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration recently discovered that, due to a change in Virginia’s registration fees, 1,954 motor carriers with apportioned Maryland tags were not billed correctly for their miles traveled in Virginia.  Maryland is obligated to collect the fees due and remit them to Virginia in accordance with the International Registration Plan.  The MVA is sending letters to the impacted carriers with bills for the additional fees due.  Maryland is offering carriers the option to either pay the bills now or at their next renewals. Read More

Industry Issues Being Debated in the General Assembly March 11, 2021

Maryland’s General Assembly kicked off January 13.  Although there was hope that legislators would restrain themselves since the entire session is virtual, the pandemic has not stopped elected officials from introducing more than 2,000 bills.  Some of the key issues MMTA is working on include legislation that would: Increase the mileage frequency between preventive maintenance inspections for Class F tractors that are 5 years old or newer from 25,000 miles to 35,000 miles. (Support) Remove enforcement of the state’s following too closely laws for trucks that are electronically platooning. (Support) Require motor carriers to provide prospective drivers with their USDOT… Read More

Guard Against Unemployment Insurance Fraud February 24, 2021

MMTA was recently a victim of a fraudulent unemployment insurance (UI) claim.  With the record number of claims filed during the COVID-19 pandemic, many states have seen an increase in fraudulent activity.  If you believe that your information has been used to fraudulently file a claim, please contact the Division of Unemployment Insurance’s Benefit Payment Control Unit (www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/uibpc.shtml) by completing a “Request for Investigation of Unemployment Insurance Fraud” form and e-mailing it to ui.fraud@maryland.gov. If you are an employer and believe a fraudulent claim has been charged to your account, please file a benefit charge protest through your employer portal at https://employer.beacon.labor.md.gov/. Read More

Bill Nearhoof of Pitt Ohio --- Maryland’s 2020 Driver of the Year! February 9, 2021

On February 8, 2021 Willard “Bill” Nearhoof III of Pitt Ohio was selected as Maryland's 2020 Truck Driver of the Year.  Bill is the longest serving employee in the history of Pitt Ohio, having started with the company when it was formed in 1979.  He was chosen as the Driver of the Year by the Maryland State Police based on his extraordinary record, which includes: 44 years of safe driving, traveling 3.7 million miles. Training more than 100 other Pitt Ohio employees in the Smith System driver safety program. Actively contributing to charities such as the Maryland Food Bank, Colonial… Read More

MMTA’s Consortium can help with Your Drug Testing Needs! January 25, 2021

Your CDL drivers are required under federal law to be in a random drug & alcohol testing pool.  MMTA’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium, in partnership with ARCpoint Labs of Southern Maryland, can help members comply with the federally mandated drug and alcohol testing rules.  The rules are often misunderstood and a frequent cause of violations.  Do you have problems with: Spending too much for tests? Employees waiting forever for a test? Chasing drug testing paperwork? Dialing 1-800 numbers and getting voice mail? MMTA's program is here to help.  Benefits include: Inputting and maintaining your driver pool. Random selection of… Read More

Truck Parking at Hollywood Casino in Perryville January 18, 2021

Did you know that trucks are allowed to park at the Hollywood Casino in Perryville?  They have food, bathrooms, and 12 designated spots for trucks with reinforced concrete.  These spaces are FREE and frequently not in use.  The location is also near the Pilot Travel Center, which has fuel and extensive other services available for drivers. Read More

Armand Patella Joins MMTA January 18, 2021

MMTA is pleased to announce the addition of Armand Patella to our staff as our new Executive Vice President.  Armand joins the Association after previously serving in key volunteer leadership roles including Chairman of the Board and Intermodal Council Chairman.  He can be reached at armand@mdtrucking.org.  Welcome aboard! Read More

MMTA Announces Safety Award Winners! December 31, 2020

MMTA is pleased to announce the winners in its 2020 Fleet Safety Competition, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company. These awards recognize those companies with the lowest accident frequency rate in various mileage classes.The winners were: 0 – 250,000 Miles: Denver Companies 250,001 – 500,00 Miles: Town & Country Movers 500, 001 – 1,000,000 Miles: FTC Aggregate Supply Over 1,000,000 Miles: Pitt Ohio The Fleet Safety Grand Championship went to FTC Aggregate Supply for having the lowest overall accident frequency rating.Congratulations to all winners and thank you to Great West for sponsoring this important recognition! Read More

Maryland Toll Updates. December 28, 2020

Since March, the Maryland Transportation Authority has temporarily paused mailing Notices of Toll Due for travelers on its toll roads without E-ZPass.  However, the agency recently resumed processing and mailing toll notices for customers with unpaid trips.  On January 1, 2021 it will reinstitute video toll rates (150%) for those customers who go through a toll facility without E-ZPass.  Read More

New Baltimore County Law Outlaws Overnight Truck Parking within 1,000 Feet of Residences. December 15, 2020

As of November 2, a law passed by the Baltimore County Council prohibits the parking of any “tractor, trailer, or combination tractor-trailer” from parking or standing for more than one hour between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on any public road, street, alley or way that is within 1,000 feet of a residential zone.  Fines are $250 per day.    Read More

Expiring Background Checks for Hazmat Drivers. December 11, 2020

Last month the Transportation Security Administration extended the exemption for renewal of hazmat background checks through December 31, 2020.  This allows states to extend the expiration date of hazardous materials endorsements (HMEs) that expire between March 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 for 180 days from the date when they were scheduled to expire if a background check has not been completed.  This means the expiration date is different for each driver.  For example, a driver with a HME that expired on July 1 would have 180 days from then to complete his background check and renew his HME.  Read More

2020 Emergency Response Guidebooks are Available. November 4, 2020

Hot off the presses – for the first time since 2016 new Emergency Response Guidebooks are available.  These help to satisfy 49 CFR 172.602, the Department of Transportation’s requirement that hazardous materials shipments be accompanied by emergency response information to aid in preparedness, planning, and training.  This go-to manual helps quickly identify emergency response procedures in the event of a hazmat transportation accident.  MMTA members get special pricing.  To place an order, call 410-644-4600.   Read More

Saum Elected MMTA Chairman of the Board September 25, 2020

On Thursday, September 24, Jack Saum was named the 79th Chairman of the Board of Maryland Motor Truck Association at the organization’s virtual annual meeting. Saum is the dealer principal of Beltway Companies, which operates 7 new and used truck dealerships in the Mid-Atlantic and provides leasing services through its Idealease of Baltimore location. Saum has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2013. He replaces 2019-2020 Chairman Armand Patella of Preferred Services.Also elected at the annual meeting were MMTA’s new Board of Directors and the Association’s Officers. The 2020-2021 Officers are: Chair: Jack Saum, Beltway Companies Vice… Read More

Email Phishing Scam is NOT FROM MMTA! September 21, 2020

This morning several of our members reported receiving an email that appeared to be from Maryland Motor Truck Association with the subject "Update Invoice!".  The email indicates that MMTA is going through an audit of our bank records and asks for certain financial records to be sent.  Please be advised that this email is not from MMTA.  It is being sent from an "andrk@earthlink.net" address.  A copy of the actual text is below.  We urge you to simply delete this message should you receive it. Thank you,Louis CampionPresident & CEOMaryland Motor Truck Association ************************************************************************************************************ Fake Phishing Email Text From: Maryland… Read More

No More Cash Tolls in Maryland August 18, 2020

Earlier this week, the Maryland Transportation Authority announced that all-electronic (cashless) tolling is now permanent across Maryland.  Since the outbreak of COVID-19, no cash has been accepted at the state’s toll plazas.  The announcement means that Marylanders now must either use E-ZPass, video toll (which is a premium charge), or enroll in a new “pay-by-plate” system that will soon be available.  Using E-ZPass offers the best savings on tolls.  Companies who want to enroll in E-ZPass can do so directly through MMTA by contacting Dottie Duvall, dottie@mdtrucking.org.  Read More

Do Your Drivers Ever Need a Doctor While on the Road? December 2, 2019

MMTA is pleased to announce a new offer for members brought to you by Kelly & Associates.  Kelly has partnered with Teladoc to give our members special pricing to provide access to doctors via the internet or on the phone.  Your drivers can access a doctor 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year from anywhere in the country.  Medications can even be prescribed from your virtual exam. Want to learn more?  Call Kelly at 443-589-1713, or go to www.mdtrucking.org/files/FinalTelaDoc.pdf. Read More

MMTA Members Now Save on Shell Lubricants! October 24, 2019

MMTA is pleased to announce its latest partnership with Shell Lubricants. Shell's coolants, engine oils and grease can help your company improve fuel economy, save on maintenance and increase equipment life. As an MMTA member, new Shell customers are eligible for special pricing with our purchasing program. Fill out the Printable Form  and return it to MMTA to have your Shell representative contact you to discuss your product and pricing needs. Read More