MMTA Member News ArchiveView Current News

Thank You Conference Sponsors! September 28, 2022

MMTA's annual conference was held on September 27, 2022.  This event is not possible without the support of our numerous sponsors.  We thank them for their support! Platinum SponsorsBeltway CompaniesKelly BenefitsScott Taylor Gold SponsorsCowan SystemsFedExHale Trailer Brake and WheelPorts America ChesapeakeSilver Sponsors Baltimore Freightliner Breg Environmental Carroll Motor Fuels Franklin & Prokopik Great West Casualty Company Lightning Transportation Richard B. Rudy Solera Fleet Solutions The Pete Store UPSWABCBronze SponsorsAC&TAIM LeasingBaltimore Potomac Truck CentersBest BatteryDOT Exam ExpressHansen & AdkinsMack TrucksRoss ContractingSpecified Commodity CarriersThe Selzer CompanyTruck Enterprises HagerstownVolvo Trucks Read More

2022 Annual Meeting at Turf Valley August 21, 2022

*********************************** 2022 Annual Meeting at Turf ValleySeptember 27, 20229:15 am – 10 am Registration & continental breakfast10 am– 3 pm Speakers, luncheon, & general membershipNote: In-Person EVENT!$65 thru Sept 9th *** $85 starting after September 9 *** Non-member rate is $185Turf Valley Resort, 2700 Turf Valley Rd, Ellicott City, MD Online Registration Printable Registration Flyer (2 pages) Sponsorship Read More

John Kidd is 2022 Maryland SuperTech Champ! June 27, 2022

Thank you all participants, sponsors, and volunteers for making this event a great success! Congratulations to Maryland's SuperTech Grand Champion, John Kidd of TravelCenters of America. SuperTech Winners PDF SuperTech Event Photos   Read More

FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Until August 31 June 14, 2022

FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration that was set to expire on May 31 has been extended through August 31, 2022. The declaration was also modified. It currently covers transportation of: Livestock and livestock feed; Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment, including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19; Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; Food, paper products, and other groceries for emergency restocking… Read More

Bain Wins 2022 MD State Truck Driving Championships June 6, 2022

After a two-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, 60 of Maryland’s finest truck drivers gathered in Timonium, MD to test their skills as they competed for the coveted title of Grand Champion of the Maryland State Truck Driving Championships.  On June 4, 2022 Joyce Bain of FedEx became only the second woman in the event’s history to be named the Grand Champion.     Joyce competed in the Sleeper Berth Class. This was her 5th time competing at the Maryland competition. She previously won the Sleeper Berth Class in 2015. Joyce has 32 years in the trucking industry and has driven… Read More

Shipley Receives MMTA's 2022 Person of the Year Award April 13, 2022

2022 Person of the Year: MMTA’s Person of the Year is Ray Shipley of Shipley Transport.View event pictures at the MMTA Facebook page.All proceeds for this event provide financial support for students enrolled in trucking-related programs at MMTA-member community colleges. Read More

Eastwood Named Maryland’s Driver of the Year March 4, 2022

On Thursday, March 3, Gary Eastwood of Pitt Ohio was named Maryland’s truck driver of the year by the Maryland State Police.  Eastwood was one of 12 drivers recognized by Maryland Motor Truck Association as the 2021 Drivers of the Month, with the State Police choosing him from among the 12 winners as the Driver of the Year.  Eastwood has driven for 32 years, traveling 3.2 million safe miles.  His outstanding service includes: Helping another driver whose trailer was on fire, saving the tractor and the load. Assisting the police and emergency medical personnel when he was the first on… Read More

MMTA's Bull & Oyster Roast, Trade Show January 4, 2022

February 24, 2022 Martin's West 6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD 21244 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. *******************************************Reward your employees, network, catch up with friends, enjoy delicious food, and tour the latest products at the trade show booths!*******************************************Ticket Cost: Tickets purchased up to February 11 are $60.00 (after February 11 --- $65.00) Table of 10 up to February 11 are $550.00 (after February 11 --- $600.00) Reserved seating is ONLY AVAILABLE for purchased tables of 10. *******************************************Trade Show Booth: Early Bird Booth purchased by February 11 is $475.00 (after February 11 --- $600.00) Electricity is $35.00 extra. Trade Show Booths must be paid in advance! ******************************************Donations:… Read More

Maryland Tolling Update – Possible Duplicate Tolls and Trailer Plate Violation Issues December 28, 2021

Three years ago the Maryland Transportation Authority announced it had selected TransCore as its new contractor to provide customer service for its toll system. Much of the transition to TransCore occurred earlier this year. Since that time, MMTA has received numerous complaints. Some of the biggest issues include:   Examples where members were receiving notices of tolls due in the mail for tolls that actually charged to a company’s E-ZPass account. MMTA has confirmed with the agency that this did occur on a limited basis for some tolls in June and July 2021. Violations where photos were taken of trailer… Read More

Infrastructure Bill Creates Path for 18 – 20-Year-Old CDL Drivers December 22, 2021

Also included in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a three-year pilot program that establishes a training and apprenticeship program to allow 3,000 CDL drivers younger than age 21 to haul interstate freight and travel across state lines. Although all of the continental states allow drivers to get a CDL at age 18, federal law has restricted them from hauling interstate freight. Industry believes the pilot will show that, with appropriate training and safety technology, these drivers can be as safe as those older CDL operators who have more experience. Read More

Congress Passes Infrastructure Bill. What’s in it for Maryland? December 21, 2021

Congress passed the $1.2 trillion Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The bill represents the most meaningful investment in infrastructure in several decades. Below is a summary of how funds are expected to be allocated to Maryland. $4.1 billion for highway improvement. $1.7 billion towards public transportation. $884 million to improve water infrastructure. $409 million for bridge repairs and replacement. $158 million to improve Maryland’s airports. At least $100 million to expand rural broadband and bring internet to families who do not have access. $63 million to enhance and create more electric vehicle charging stations. Read More

Special JJ Keller Pricing for MMTA members November 18, 2021

MMTA Members Get Discounted Pricing!Featured this month:JJ Keller NEW Handbooks! NOTE: Limited time offer! Promotion ends soon!  Prices on handbooks can be aggregated for volume pricing! Read More

Fleet Safety Contest Now Open November 4, 2021

Does your company have an outstanding safety record? If so, you should enter MMTA’s annual safety contest, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company. The contest recognizes those companies in various mileage classes with the lowest accident frequency rates.  To enter, a company must provide its accident frequency rate based on Maryland miles only and DOT recordable accidents that occurred in Maryland between October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2021.   Plaques will be presented to the winners in each of four divisions.  Contest division winners will also be automatically entered to win the Chairman’s Safety Award grand trophy. To enter, please complete… Read More

*** IN PERSON *** Western MD Legislative Dinner November 3, 2021

*** IN PERSON *** Western MD Legislative Dinner Dec 8th at 6:00 p.m. Meet Greg Slater, MD Dept of Transportation! Online Registration Printable Flyer Meet your elected officials! Dutch's Daughter 581 Himes Avenue *** Frederick, MD 21703COST:$70 per person (Advance Payment Preferred) Bar Sponsors: Frederick Brickworks  Lightning Transportation Mark's Equipment Read More

When Do Drivers Need to Submit Medical Certifications to the MVA? October 14, 2021

Some members have contacted MMTA asking if drivers need to submit their medical qualifications to the Motor Vehicle Administration.  The MVA website has a link at https://mva.maryland.gov/drivers/Pages/cdl-faqs.aspx implying that drivers do not need to submit their medical information unless the agency requests it.  Please be advised that is NOT correct.  Questions? MMTA Members please call the MMTA office at 410-644-4600 Read More

2021 MMTA Boosting Your Business Conference Sponsors September 27, 2021

Thank you!MMTA Would like to thank the 2021 Boosting Your Business Conference Sponsors.2021 Boosting Your Business Conference Sponsors Read More

2021 MMTA Management Conference Thank you September 23, 2021

MMTA would like to thank all our sponsors and participants for attending the 2021 Boosting Your Business Conference.Conference Pictures 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

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

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

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

Your Company is Safe. Why not be Recognized for It? October 9, 2020

Does your company have an outstanding safety record? If so, you should enter MMTA’s annual safety contest, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company.    The contest recognizes those companies in various mileage classes with the lowest accident frequency rate.  To enter, a company must provide its accident frequency rate based on Maryland miles only and Department of Transportation (DOT) recordable accidents that occurred in Maryland between October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020.    The criteria for DOT recordable accidents are those accidents that result in: A fatality; Bodily injury requiring immediate medical attention away from the accident scene; or… 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

MMTA Celebrates National Truck Driver Appreciation Week! September 24, 2020

The trucking industry spent the last week recognizing those drivers across the country who have kept delivering the goods America uses in this unprecedented year.  MMTA has been at the forefront of these celebrations.   A few of the Association’s efforts include: Partnering with ATA to hand out goody bags with water, face masks, snacks, hand sanitizer, t-shirts and challenge coins to drivers at the Travel Centers of America in Jessup. Coordinating a visit with Howard County Executive Calvin Ball to Von Paris Moving & Storage. Arranging for a citation presented by the Cecil County Council recognizing the drivers of Burris… Read More

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is September 13-19, 2020. August 25, 2020

The nation’s 3.5 million truck drivers have played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their efforts deserve recognition.  Take the time to honor them during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, being held September 13 – 19, 2020.  Learn more at the official NTDAW website. 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

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

Are you receiving the MMTA E-News? March 27, 2020

MMTA E-News:MMTA emails e-news relating to your DOT vehicles and transportation. The latest issues are focusing on the Covid crisis. If you are not receiving the membership emails, feel free to check your spam and/or reach out to mab@mdtrucking.org.Thank you.Topics include: New Coronavirus Labor Law Poster Required Starting April 2. Do My Drivers/Employees Need a Letter Saying they are Essential? Yes, Your Drivers Can Still Deliver in New York. Expiring Medical Qualifications of CDL Drivers. MMTA General Counsel Offering Free Coronavirus Webinars. FMCSA Issues Guidance for Drug & Alcohol Testing During Emergency. Maryland Delays Inspection Mandate for Trucks with Exceptional… Read More

MMTA's Oyster, Bull Roast, & Trade Show January 3, 2020

Thursday *** February 27, 20205:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.****************************************************************************************************************************Reward your employees, network, catch up with friends, enjoy delicious food, and tour the latest products at the trade show booths! Printable Registration FlyerOnlineKathy Norris at kathy@mdtrucking.org Office: 410-644-4600 Table of 10 up to February 13: $500.00 (after February 13: $550.00)Reserved seating is ONLY provided for purchased tables of 10.**************************************************************************************************************************** Trade Show Booth:Early Bird Booth purchased by February 13: $425.00, after February 13: $525.00. Electricity is $35.00 Extra.Trade Show Booths must be paid in advance! Donations:Donations of door prizes are welcome! 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

MMTA Annual Management Conference is Sept. 26th! August 30, 2019

MMTA’s annual meeting is Thursday, September 26, 2019 at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City.  Meeting registration and sponsorship opportunities are now open!  Early bird pricing ends September 10.  Speakers/subjects will include: ATA President Chris Spear – driver shortages, younger driver options, increasing transportation infrastructure FMCSA Deputy Administrator Alan Hanson – safety initiatives, CSA changes, hours of service updates, etc. Shapiro Negotiations Institute – negotiating more effectively Jim Mathis – reinventing your business to improve your results. Registration materials are available at www.mdtrucking.org/files/RegistrationMaterials.pdf. Sponsors are needed!  www.mdtrucking.org/files/SponsorshipFlyer.pdf. Read More