MMTA Member NewsView Archived News

Upcoming Events June 9, 2021

************************** FREE MMTA MEMBER WEBINAR: Learn how FMCSA’s PSP helps motor carriers make more informed hiring decisions! June 30, 2021, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Cost: Free with your MMTA Membership. Speaker: Amara Charles, NIC Federal, LLC. Online Registration **************************   Missing the Truck Driving Championships?  Join us for a fun night of Virtual Trucking Trivia!  No Entry Fees! WIN CA$H Prizes! July 31st, 2021 *** 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The top 10 finishers from Maryland will compete at the virtual national competition, in August, with prizes up to $10,000. Registration deadline July 23rd! Prizes:1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $2504th… Read More

MMTA Person of the Year Banquet is August 27th! June 9, 2021

Person of the Year Banquet!Honoree: Gary Rudy, Richard B. Rudy, Inc.Reception 6 p.m., Dinner 6:45 p.m.Musket Ridge Golf Club *** Myersville, MDPlease R.S.V.P by August 13, 2021. Online Registration/Sponsorship Printable POY Invite POY Sponsorship Read More

Beware of this Toll Scam June 9, 2021

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) recently put out a warning that the agency is not currently affiliated with any third-party bill payment services (i.e., Prism, Mint, etc.)  MDTA has not granted any of these third-party services the legal authority to use the agency’s name, logo, or materials.  Some toll users who have received video toll bills (where a picture is taken of your license plate and mailed to the vehicle owner) have been taken by Internet search engines to third-party payment sites that are charging a processing fee to pay your toll.Maryland’s tolling system (www.DriveEzMD.com) does not charge any fees… Read More

Mandatory Information Sharing with Prospective Drivers June 8, 2021

Beginning October 1, 2021, any FMCSA regulated employer with more than one driver and a place of business in the state must provide a driver with its U.S. DOT number and the website address for FMCSA’s Safety and Fitness Records (SAFER) system when it makes an offer of employment.  The legislation was introduced in response to a tragic fatal crash involving a company that has since had its operating authority revoked by FMCSA.  MMTA supported this effort because it will help drivers identify and avoid working for those companies that have subpar safety records, thereby benefitting the many safe trucking… Read More

FMCSA Updates SMS Website June 4, 2021

FMCSA has updated the SMS Website with the April 30, 2021 results. Complete SMS results are available to enforcement users and motor carriers that are logged into the SMS Website.  Read the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Monthly Report FMCSA has released the March 2021 Clearinghouse Monthly Summary Report (PDF).This report includes information on Clearinghouse registrations, queries conducted, violations reported, and drivers in the return-to-duty process. This report and previous reports are available on the Clearinghouse Learning Center under “News and Events.” If you have not yet done so, register for the Clearinghouse so you can meet your querying and reporting requirements. (If… Read More

Preventive Maintenance Inspections for Trucks June 1, 2021

MMTA’s top priority was changing the frequency between Maryland Preventive Maintenance (PM) inspections.  Current law requires a PM annually or every 25,000 miles, whichever comes first.  Starting October 1, 2021, the new requirements will be: Annually or every 35,000 miles (whichever comes first) for Class F tractors if they are no more than 5 years old; and  Annually or every 50,000 miles (whichever comes first) for Class E straight trucks if they are no more than 5 years old and are powered by a zero-emission fuel source (e.g., electric, hydrogen, etc.). Note: This mileage increase does not apply to tow… Read More

Missing the Truck Driving Championships? May 25, 2021

**************************Join us for a fun night of Virtual Trucking Trivia!  No Entry Fees! WIN CA$H Prizes! July 31st, 2021 *** 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. The top 10 finishers from Maryland will compete at the virtual national competition, in August, with prizes up to $10,000. Registration deadline July 23rd! Prizes:1st - $1,0002nd - $5003rd - $2504th - $1005th - $100 Question categories include: Federal & State laws Facts for Drivers Trucking History & Culture Local Topics Trucking Trivia What was Jerry Reed’s handle in the Smokey and the Bandit films? What was the name of the chimpanzee who played Billie Joe “B.J.”… Read More

How Long After Notification Does a Driver have to Proceed for a Random Drug Test? May 19, 2021

Once an employer notifies a driver that he/she has been selected for a random drug or alcohol test the driver must proceed to the test site immediately.  This means that all of the driver’s actions, after notification, lead to an immediate specimen collection.  The time the driver spends traveling to and from the collection site, and all time associated with providing the specimen, must be recorded as on-duty time for purposes of compliance with the hours of service rules. Read More

Take Advantage of MMTA Fuel Prices With Carroll! May 18, 2021

$ave BIG on fuel with member discount pricing! No contracts or minimums! No more fuel cards – Use your phone! No more paper receipts! Complete on-line fuel management system for immediate access to driver information, reports, vehicles, and transactions!************************************* Customer intro video  Carroll Information Flyer Questions: Email armand@mdtrucking.org or call 410-644-4600 Read More

Does Your Company Information (MCS-150) Need Updated with FMCSA? May 18, 2021

Any time a carrier or other regulated entity changes its name or address, or other details in their record, they must update their US DOT and operating authority record with FMCSA in a timely manner. In addition, FMCSA requires all entities under its jurisdiction to update their information every two years. You are required to complete this update every two years using the MCS-150 form even if your company has not changed its information.  One MMTA member recently received a fake solicitation indicating it was on a “list for deactivation due to failure to complete the Biennial Update.”  Our member… Read More

Has Your Company had an IRP Audit? You May be Entitled to a Refund. May 12, 2021

If you had an International Registration Plan (IRP) audit conducted by the state of Maryland in the past four years using GPS system records and received either an Inadequate Records Assessment Penalty or were assessed additional fees, you may be entitled to a refund of the audit fees paid.  Many of the IRP audits conducted in 2017 (83%) and 2018 (80%) were deemed to have inadequate records.  One MMTA member had an IRP audit and, it was recently determined, was improperly assessed an Inadequate Records Assessment Penalty.  The motor carrier challenged the penalty to the IRP's Dispute Resolution Committee.  The… Read More

The Maryland State Truck Driving Championships are Cancelled May 11, 2021

The COVID pandemic continues to negatively impact our ability to hold many events.  Unfortunately, one such event is the annual Maryland Truck Driving Championships.  Because the national competition was cancelled, and the Maryland state fairgrounds is being used for mass COVID testing and for set up as a vaccination site, there is no way to proceed this year.  We look forward to seeing all of our members and their drivers in 2022. Read More

Expiring Driver Medical Qualifications May 6, 2021

Many drivers are reporting delays with the processing of their medical qualifications at the Motor Vehicle Administration.  In some instances, drivers have submitted information to the MVA, but the agency indicated it was not received even though the driver has a confirmation.  To avoid possible downgrade, drivers should submit new medical cards early and print confirmation receipts for verification purposes.  Information should be faxed (410-787-7959) or emailed (cdlmedcert@mva.maryland.gov).  Drivers should then verify receipt by calling the MVA at 410-424-3777. Drivers with medical qualifications that expired after December 1, 2020 have until May 31, 2021 to submit new cards.  With the… Read More

Solicitation Email April 26, 2021

MMTA Members: Several of you reported receiving a solicitation email earlier today offering to sell you a copy of Maryland Motor Truck Association's membership list.  I am reaching out to clarify several items regarding this solicitation. MMTA does not offer its membership list for sale.  Our directory/member list is only distributed to member companies.  It is available for FREE to members (and ONLY to members) as a benefit of membership. We have no idea who this is or what list they are selling, but I want to reaffirm this email DID NOT COME FROM MMTA.  I do regularly receive similar… Read More

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

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

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

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

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

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