MMTA Member News ArchiveView Current News

When Will Maryland Truck Drivers be Eligible for COVID Vaccines? March 4, 2021

Currently Maryland is in Phase 1C of its vaccination plan.  Essential transportation workers, including those in trucking, are in Phase 2.  This is the next eligible group.  Several weeks ago, MMTA wrote Governor Hogan, urging him to move truck drivers into Phase 1C because, “Without the trucking industry’s heroes, there is no food on the grocery shelves, there are no medical supplies in hospitals, and there are no vaccines in pharmacies…We must ensure that the trucking industry’s employees have priority access to the vaccine to minimize the potential for supply chain delays and disruptions.”  To date the Governor’s office has… Read More

Weather Related Emergency Declarations! February 18, 2021

In response to the winter weather, both FMCSA and the Maryland Department of Transportation have issued Emergency Declarations related to the transport of various products.  FMCSA Declaration of Regional Emergency - FMCSA's Emergency Declaration provides for regulatory relief from Parts 390 to 399 from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for commercial motor vehicle operations while providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting people, supplies, goods, equipment, heating fuels (propane, natural gas, heating oil), and other fuel products into numerous affected states.  Please read the declaration carefully.  A copy is at www.mdtrucking.org/files/FMCSAEmergency021721.pdf.  This declaration is currently in effect. Maryland… Read More

You Must Query Your Drivers in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse! January 19, 2021

As a reminder, all motor carriers with CDL drivers were required to complete a limited query those drivers in FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse by January 5, 2021. The Clearinghouse is a record of those CDL drivers who have violated the federal drug and alcohol testing program.  Instructions are at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Conduct-Limited-Query-Employer.  For questions, call Brenda Tharp at MMTA. Read More

Urgent Action!!! MMTA Members Please Respond to COVID Vaccination Surveys by January 20! January 15, 2021

For several weeks, MMTA has participated in weekly meetings with the MD Emergency Management Agency, MD Department of Health, and various other agencies regarding the roll out of the state’s COVID-19 vaccine.  To support the state’s efforts, it is critically important that our members respond to the two surveys below.  Please do your best to reply by January 20.  Although your responses will not entitle you to immediate vaccines, providing the information requested will better assist the state with prioritizing and coordinating mass vaccination distribution efforts. Your responses will help MMTA’s efforts to prioritize trucking as an early vaccine recipient.… Read More

FMCSA Extends Emergency Declaration January 12, 2021

Last week, FMCSA announced that they have expanded and extended the Emergency Declaration that was set to expire on December 31. The expanded declaration adds the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines and related supplies/kits for the administration of the vaccines to the list of eligible commodities. The declaration is effective now and expires on February 28, 2021 or end of the national emergency, whichever is sooner.   The declaration now applies to the transportation of following commodities hauled as part of direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to the pandemic.     Livestock and livestock feed; Medical supplies… Read More

You Must Query Your Drivers in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse by January 5, 2021! December 9, 2020

You Must Query Your Drivers in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse by January 5, 2021! FMCSA’s Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse launched January 6, 2020. The Clearinghouse is a record of those CDL drivers who have violated the federal drug and alcohol testing program. Under the law, within one year all motor carriers must complete an annual limited query of all of its CDL drivers to see if they have any violations.  Your queries must be completed by January 5, 2021.  Instructions are at https://clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov/Resource/Index/Conduct-Limited-Query-Employer.  For questions, call Brenda Tharp at MMTA.     Read More

DEADLINE Dec 10th for for the 2020 Drivers of the Month/Year nominations! December 3, 2020

MMTA is now accepting 2020 Drivers of the Month/Year nominations! Entry Deadline: December 10, 2020! Printable Nomination Form Don’t sell your driver short! Submit a high quality nomination! Questions? Email Brenda Tharp at brenda@mdtrucking.org or call 410-644-4600 Here's your chance to reward your driver's hard work and dedication!!!! Do you have Maryland's BEST Driver? Does he/she help the community? Have recommendation letters for service and going beyond the call of duty? Have an accident free driving record? Read More

MMTA 2020 Golf Outing October 16, 2020

MMTA would like to thank all participants and sponsors for the annual golf outing! 1st Place – Evan Transportation FoursomeJoe JaroszRoger MainLes QuilletBernie Summer 2nd – ASR Solutions FoursomeChris CoppageJason MoroskoTom TrzeciakShahin Yousefi Closest to the Pin Brian Berry, United Brokerage Packaging Longest DriveShahin Yousefi, ASR SolutionsFor pictures, visit MMTA's Facebook Page at:https://www.facebook.com/mdmotortruck 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

2021 UCR Registration is Open! October 5, 2020

Registration for the 2021 UCR registration year opened on October 1, 2020.  Fees remain the same as they were for 2020 and are currently listed on the UCR website (www.ucr.gov).    As a reminder, all interstate for-hire and private motor carriers, as well as brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies that operate in a participating UCR state are required to annually register and pay UCR fees.  Although Maryland is not a participating state, jurisdictions such as VA, PA, WV, and DE do participate. Therefore, if you travel into one of those states you are required to register and make payment.… Read More

FMCSA Extends Medical Certification Waiver! September 28, 2020

FMCSA just announced an extension for drivers with expiring medical qualifications due to the challenges of getting your medical certification completed during the pandemic.  Those drivers whose medical certifications expired after March 1 but before June 1 will have until October 31 to complete their medical exams. Drivers whose medical certifications expired after June 1 will have until December 31 to complete their medical exams. Go to www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/2020-09/NEDD%20on%20Expiring%20CDLs%20-%20FINAL%20-%20Sep%2018.pdf for the full announcement. 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

Legal Challenge to Hours of Service Filed. Rules Still Slated to Take Effect September 29, 2020! September 22, 2020

Less than two weeks before revised hours of service rules are set to take effect, a coalition of anti-trucking groups and the Teamsters union have filed a legal challenge in court.  On September 16, the groups filed a petition with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit seeking to invalidate the rule. However, unless an emergency stay is granted, the rules are still slated to become effective SEPTEMBER 29, 2020.  A summary of the changes is below.   Short-Haul Operations Extends drivers’ maximum on-duty period from 12 to 14 hours. Extends the air-mile radius within which… Read More

Thank You Letter from State DOT’s to Trucking Companies and Drivers. August 26, 2020

Over the past few months, truck drivers and their companies have been exceptional in moving supplies and perishable goods throughout America in the difficult conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  The Eastern Transportation Coalition (formerly the I-95 Corridor Coalition) recently sent a letter to MMTA thanking the trucking industry for its commitment to move goods efficiently and safely in the face of many health risks and challenges.  The letter is signed by the Secretaries and Commissioners of each state’s Department of Transportation.  A copy is at www.mdtrucking.org/files/TETCAppreciationLetter.pdf.   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

Face Masks Now Required at Major Truck Stops August 24, 2020

In the last few weeks several major truck-stop operators announced new requirements aimed at stemming the spread of the coronavirus. Pilot, Love's, and TravelCenters of America all now require truck drivers to use face masks at the more than 1,500 facilities they operate across the United States. Read More

New Hours of Service Changes Take Effect September 29, 2020 August 19, 2020

As a reminder, on June 1, FMCSA published its changes to truck driver hours of service rules in the Federal Register.  The new changes – outlined below – become effective SEPTEMBER 29, 2020. Short-Haul Operations Extends drivers’ maximum on-duty period from 12 to 14 hours. Extends the air-mile radius within which CDL drivers may operate from 100 air miles to 150 air miles. 30-Minute Rest Break Requires a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours of driving time have elapsed. Allows a break to be taken in an on-duty, not-driving status.  Sleeper Berth Exception Allows drivers to split their required 10-hours… Read More

Current Declarations and Waivers Impacting your Drivers and Vehicles August 18, 2020

Since COVID-19 there have been many regulatory declarations, waivers and deadline extensions.  The current status of several waivers that are most important to our members is below.  Please call MMTA for questions. Maryland issued drivers licenses and vehicle registrations - Status is active; Remains for 30 days after Governor Hogan declares an end to State of Emergency. 15% axle and gross weight tolerance on Maryland roads - Status is inactive; Ended July 11. Exemption from Parts 390 - 399 for delivery of relief supplies (including hours of service) - Status is active; New expiration date is September 14. Medical certification… Read More

FMCSA Extends Emergency Declaration – Groceries Added Back. August 17, 2020

FMCSA has again extended its emergency declaration that was set to expire August 14, 2020. The notice extends the emergency declaration to September 14, 2020 and returns food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores to the short list of covered commodities.  Deliveries of these products are exempt from Parts 390 – 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  Currently the following four commodity classes are covered by the declaration. Livestock and livestock feed Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19; Supplies and equipment necessary for community… 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

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: 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

Governor Hogan Announces Facial Coverings Requirement in Maryland. May 6, 2020

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has issued an executive order that requires all customers and employees in retail stores and foodservice establishments, as well as on public transportation, to wear face masks or coverings, effective at 7 a.m. on Saturday, April 18.  Although MMTA member trucking companies likely do not operate the type of businesses that are covered under the order, you are encouraged to consider the close proximity of your workforce and take appropriate steps to protect your employees. The order specifies that a “face covering” means a covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth but is not… Read More

New Mask Requirements Mandated in Several Maryland Counties and DC April 15, 2020

With no hearings and little notice, several Maryland counties and the District of Columbia have announced mandatory requirements for the use of face masks by both customers and employees at certain essential businesses. Most of these requirements only apply to retail establishments, but many of our members do operate retail facilities and/or may be making deliveries to retail stores. Depending on your operations, some of your employees may be covered under these orders. Several other jurisdictions, including Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Howard County and Frederick County are expected to issue similar orders soon. Courtesy of the Mid-Atlantic Petroleum Distributors Association,… 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

MMTA Cancelled Events April 10, 2020

Due to the COVID crisis, the following events are now cancelled: TDC & Supertech. 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

Chassis Per Diem Waiver March 27, 2020

In an effort to help minimize the impact of PAC’s decision to close SMT Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31, the MMTA Intermodal Council requested chassis providers to consider a waiver of their regular per diem charges for this period.TRAC IntermodalFor any Metro Pool chassis on-hired from a Baltimore facility and on the street billing as Merchant Haulage as of Friday, March 27, 2020 and returned to Marine Repair Services (MRS) on Wednesday, April 1, 2020, per diem relief will be granted for Monday, March 30, 2020 and Tuesday, March 31, 2020. The credit will not apply to per… 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

Non-essential businesses must close at 5 p.m! March 23, 2020

Governor Hogan announced that all non-essential businesses must close at 5 p.m. and remain closed indefinitely until further notice given the coronavirus outbreak. Visit: http://www.mdtrucking.org/files/CISA.pdf for guidance as to what is considered essential and may remain open. Read More

Nash is Maryland's Driver of the Year! January 29, 2020

On January 28, 2020 John Nash of UPS was selected as Maryland's 2019 Truck Driver of the Year.  Nash was honored with 12 other outstanding drivers as the 2019 Maryland Drivers of the Month by Maryland Motor Truck Association.  He was selected as the Driver of the Year by the Maryland State Police after a careful review of the winners.  Nash was selected based on his extraordinary record, which includes: 31 years of safe driving, traveling 1.4 million miles. Volunteering at Maryland New Directions to help unemployed and underemployed citizens find careers in trucking. Winning the 3 axle class at… 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

Driver of the Year Nominations Now Open! December 2, 2019

Maryland's top truck driver could be yours! Do you have a driver with an outstanding safety record? Is one of your drivers active in his or her community? Does he or she train and mentor new employees? You have a candidate for Maryland’s Drivers of the Month/Year awards. Each year MMTA recognizes 12 outstanding drivers as its Drivers of the Month, with the State Police selecting one winner as the Driver of the Year. Applications for these awards are being accepted until December 10! The Driver of the Year gets numerous prizes! Nomination forms are online at www.mdtrucking.org/files/doty2019Application.pdf. Read More

Patella Named MMTA Chairman October 18, 2019

Armand Patella was elected the 78th Chairman of the Board of Maryland Motor Truck Association at its annual meeting on September 26. Patella is the president of Preferred Services LLC, a company he formed after previously spending over 35 years in the maritime and intermodal trucking industries. Armand has been the Chairman of the MMTA Intermodal Council for the past 10 years. He also: Serves as Treasurer of MMTA’s Political Action Committee Is past Chairman of the Baltimore Metropolitan Council’s Freight Movement Task Force Is actively involved in the Baltimore Port Alliance’s Executive Steering Committee. Was named the 2019 Baltimore… 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

2019 SuperTech Maryland Winners June 24, 2019

John Kidd of Travel Centers of America was named the Grand Champion at the 7th annual SuperTech Maryland competition on June 22, 2019.  For the second year in a row, Kidd also won the CSA Compliance skill station. Other winners were recognized in skills like brakes, engines, electrical, wheel end, and more. A record 41 technicians and students training to become diesel techs ("FutureTechs”) competed in 2019. Joshua Gerber of Washington County Technical Institute won the FutureTech competition. A complete list of winners is available at www.mdtrucking.org/files/2019SuperTechWinners.pdf. Read More

Royer is Maryland’s TDC Grand Champion! June 3, 2019

Kurt Royer of YRC Worldwide was named Grand Champion of the 2019 Maryland Truck Driving Championships on Saturday, June 1. For 72 years Maryland's finest truck drivers have gathered to test their skills as they compete at the championships. Royer, who drives for YRC, topped 102 drivers for the title. He competed in the 4 Axle Van class. This is the 5th time he has won his class, and the first time he has been recognized as the Grand Champion! The team competition was won by Giant of Maryland, who narrowly edged out XPO Logistics. Victor Carter of UPS Chesapeake… Read More

Gaumer is MMTA's 2019 Person of the Year! April 29, 2019

On Saturday, April 27, Wayne Gaumer of Lightning Transportation was recognized as Maryland Motor Truck Association’s Person of the Year at a banquet with over 140 attendees in Ellicott City, MD. Gaumer has spent 53 years in the trucking industry and is currently Lightning’s President Emeritus. His many contributions to MMTA and the trucking industry include: Serving as a longtime MMTA Board member and former Executive Committee member. Representing Maryland as the state’s representative on the Board of the American Trucking Associations for the last decade. Service on the Intermodal Motor Carriers Conference of the American Trucking Associations, as well… Read More

Perdue's Steve Williams is Maryland's Driver of the Year! January 30, 2019

On January 29, 2019 Steve Williams of Perdue was named the 2018 Maryland Truck Driver of the Year. Williams was one of 12 drivers honored as the 2018 Drivers of the Month by Maryland Motor Truck Association and was selected as the Driver of the Year by the Maryland State Police. His extraordinary service record includes: Driving for over 29 years and traveling 3 million safe miles. Serving as a volunteer with disabled children through the Special Olympics Truck Convoy and Operation Teddy Bear. Being recognized in 2018 by the National Private Truck Council as a National Driver All-Star for… Read More