MMTA Member NewsView Archived News

FMCSA extends and modifies HOS emergency declaration through August 14, 2020 June 15, 2020

FMCSA hereby declares that the continuing national emergency warrants the extension of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002. This extension continues the exemption granted from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for the fifty States and the District of Columbia as set forth below.Note:This notice extends the exemption through August 14, 2020, subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Extension.Direct assistance means transportation and other relief services provided by a motor carrier or its driver(s) incident to the immediate restoration of essential services (such as medical care) or essential supplies related to COVID-19… Read More

Update: FAQ for FMCSA Emergency Declaration & more! June 15, 2020

FMCSA has recently updated the FAQ page for: Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions & Permits. For more information, visit:https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations Read More

Have you completed the training and received your Spotted Lanternfly Permit? June 15, 2020

Last year MMTA reported on efforts to prevent the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly and limit the damage it can do to agriculture.  This invasive species has been spotted in areas of Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Virginia.  To slow its spread, any truck that stops (other than for fuel or at a traffic signal) in quarantined areas of Pennsylvania and New Jersey must go through Lanternfly training and obtain a permit.  The training and permits are FREE online; however, the Pennsylvania State Police is enforcing this requirement against trucking companies and issuing penalties for non-compliance.    … Read More

Update: Emergency Funding for Business! June 4, 2020

Congress has taken action to remove some of the restrictions surrounding the Paycheck Protection Program, which make the program more flexible and enhance its appeal to businesses seeking federal loans. On Wednesday, the Senate passed the PPP Flexibility Act, and the House passed it last week by a vote of 417-1. These tallies show the high level of bipartisan support behind improving PPP in both chambers. A short summary of changes: The legislation extends the duration of PPP loans to 24 weeks from eight weeks Extends the deadline to rehire workers to Dec. 31 to qualify for loan forgiveness.  However, the forgivable amount must be determined… Read More

COVID-19 Update Hub April 13, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly evolving situation with ramifications for the economy, interstate commerce and America's trucking industry. The American Trucking Associations has created a COVID-19 Update Hub at www.trucking.org/COVID19# to provide members and industry stakeholders with timely, fact-based information to answer frequently asked questions and address common challenges that arise from the pandemic and national response. The page is updated regularly with information and guidance provided by government officials and other stakeholders involved in response efforts.Items include information on: State Declarations: OS/OW, SDLA Closures, CDL Expiration, etc. Commercial Parking and Driver Facilities Federal Hours of Service Waivers Congressional Action: Emergency… Read More

Families First Coronavirus Response Act March 25, 2020

MMTA members:   On March 18, 2020 the “Families First Coronavirus Response Act” became law.  This new federal law contains important changes to paid sick leave and family and medical leave that all employers need to know.  The law is effective from April 2, 2020 until December 31, 2020.  For the benefit of our members, Maryland Motor Truck Association has put together a 2-page summary of this new mandate.  Please access the full document at http://www.mdtrucking.org/files/FamiliesFirstSummary.pdf.   Thank you, Louis Campion President & CEO    Read More

Governor Hogan Announces 15% Truck Weight Increase in Maryland March 19, 2020

Today Governor Larry Hogan announced a 15% axle and gross vehicle weight tolerance for motor carriers delivering relief supplies.  This will apply on all roads, including the Interstate system.  A copy of the declaration is available at www.mdtrucking.org/files/HoganWeightDeclaration.pdf. Please review it for details. Members are reminded that, if you are traveling across state lines, the weight tolerances being declared vary by state and you may be cited if you exceed that state’s limit.  For example, Virginia is allowing 90,000 lbs. on 5 axles, whereas Governor Hogan’s declaration will allow 92,000 lbs. 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 form at http://www.mdtrucking.org/files/ShellFlyerFinal.pdf and return it to MMTA to have your Shell representative contact you to discuss your product and pricing needs. Read More

Save on Your Tolls with MMTA! September 25, 2019

What's one great benefit of MMTA membership? Members may enroll in the E-ZPass electronic toll collection system to automate the passage of their trucks through toll facilities across Maryland, as well as other participating states such as Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Members who enroll in E-ZPass through the Association receive a discount on their Maryland tolls that is greater than the rate a member can individually receive on its own if it enrolls in E-ZPass through the Transportation Authority (unless the member is receiving the maximum discount of 20%). The MMTA discount rates are… Read More

MMTA Launches New Drug & Alcohol Consortium January 7, 2019

MMTA's recently launched its new Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium, in partnership with ARCpoint Labs of Southern Maryland, to help members comply with the federally mandated drug and alcohol testing requirements in 49 CFR Part 382 and the collection procedures in 49 CFR Part 40.  The rules are often misunderstood and a frequent cause of violations during audits by law enforcement. 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? Poor customer service? MMTA's program is here to help.  Benefits include: Inputting,… Read More