MMTA Member NewsView Archived News

Major Detour Starts September 12 Near Harper’s Ferry. September 5, 2023

On September 12, West Virginia will begin a project to address safety issues associated with rock-falls along US 340 at the convergence of the Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia state lines near Harper’s Ferry. The road will be closed for three months. A detour has been laid out that will add 22 miles and 35 minutes of travel time. For more information, please go to https://us340harpersferry.com/docs/US_340_Rock_Slide_Handout_20230821.pdf and advise your drivers. Read More

New Research Shows State Association Membership Improves Safety September 5, 2023

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released a new study that validates that motor carriers who are active in their state trucking associations, such as Maryland Motor Truck Association, are safer than both former association members and carriers who have never been members. It has always been assumed that membership supports safety, but the necessary industry data had never before been assessed. This new empirical research processed public data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) to confirm the relationship between association membership and safety performance by comparing crash and violation data for motor carriers that are current… Read More

Aviles is Supertech 2023 Grand Champion! June 26, 2023

On Saturday, June 24, Manny Aviles of Travel Centers of America won the 2023 SuperTech Maryland Championship.  Aviles earned the top prize after having placed 2nd in 2022.  He also won the Electrical Skill Station and will now go on to compete at the national SuperTech competition in Ohio in September.More than 30 technicians and students gathered at CAT North High School in Severn to compete in this annual test of technician skills.  Stations included brakes, preventive maintenance inspection, wheel end, fifth wheel, fasteners, engines, service information, electrical systems, and precision measuring. Technicians also completed a written test based on… Read More

Citations Being Issued for Failure to Pay UCR Fees June 20, 2023

Reminder – all interstate motor carriers, as well as brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies, are required to annually register and pay UCR fees.  This means that even if your company never leaves the state of Maryland, but your shipment originated in or is destined for another state (including international shipments processed through U.S. ports), you must register under the UCR plan.  Enforcement of UCR is on the rise.  Recently one MMTA member was cited in Virginia for not being registered.  You may complete your registration online at www.ucr.gov. Read More

New Resource Outlines Return-to-Duty Process for CDL Drivers. June 14, 2023

A driver with a drug and alcohol program violation is prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, including operating a commercial motor vehicle, for any DOT-regulated employer until the return-to-duty process is complete. Beginning November 18, 2024, drivers with a “prohibited” status in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will also lose or be denied their state-issued commercial driving privileges. FMCSA recently added a new resource to the Clearinghouse Learning Center that outlines the return-to-duty process that drivers with a “prohibited” status must complete so they can get their status back to “not prohibited.” For more information about the return-to-duty process, visit the… Read More

Miltenberger Wins Truck Driving Championships for 3rd Time! June 5, 2023

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, Mike Miltenberger of Pitt Ohio surpassed more than 75 drivers as he was named the Grand Champion of the Maryland State Truck Driving Championships. It was Miltenberger's third time winning the event, having previously been the Grand Champion in 2017 and 2018. Other winners included: Rookie of the Year - Michael Nichols, Ruan Team Champion - PItt Ohio A complete list of winners from all 10 classes is below, and may be downloaded at https://www.mdtrucking.org/files/2023Winners.pdf. Read More

MMTA Online Supply Ordering Now Available May 31, 2023

MMTA sells a wide array of trucking supplies, mandated forms, and compliance products from J. J. Keller. Member prices are lower than buying from Keller directly.  Members can now order our most popular products directly from our website!  Order supplies online at https://www.mdtrucking.org/shop or call MMTA at 410-644-4600 to place an order or to get pricing on an item not listed. Read More

Help MMTA Make Sure Every Veteran’s Grave is Marked with a Wreath May 3, 2023

Help us to remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach the value of freedom by sponsoring wreaths through MMTA at https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/Marylandmotortruck.Each December, Wreaths Across America (WAA) coordinates ceremonies placing wreaths at the graves of military veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as at more than 3,700 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad. Many trucking companies support WAA through donations of equipment, fuel, staffing, and time to deliver sponsored veterans’ wreaths to their final resting places on the headstones of our nation’s servicemembers.  This year Maryland Motor Truck Association is partnering… Read More

Dennis Morgan Honored as MMTA Person of the Year May 1, 2023

On April 29, Dennis Morgan of Cowan Systems was honored as MMTA’s 2023 Person of the Year. Dennis was recognized for his many contributions to MMTA and the trucking industry, which include: Serving on the Maryland Motor Truck Association Board of Directors from 2007 through 2021. Serving as the Chairman of the Board from 2015-2016. Helping with the Association’s lobbying efforts by participating in the Call on Washington program, speaking before the General Assembly’s minority caucus on the state of the trucking industry, and hosting legislators and regulators at Cowan Systems. Testifying on key pieces of legislation in Annapolis, such… Read More

Upcoming Events April 24, 2023

June 3, 2023 Maryland Truck Driving Championships!Watch the best drivers compete!Maryland State Fairgrounds, TimoniumDriver registration now open!This form MUST be returned to MMTA by close of business on May 10, 2023 to allow time for electronic scoring preparation.Online RegistrationPrintable Registration***********************************June 24, 20232023 SuperTech MarylandCat North, Severn MDA hands-on contest where technicians gather to test their abilities against their peers. It showcases theknowledge, training and skill needed by today’s maintenance professionals.Online RegistrationPrintable RegistrationVolunteer Form***********************************Topic: Compliance SeminarVirtual: TBD *** 9:30 AMIn person: TBD *** 9:30 AMSummary: Make sure your company is in compliance with the various federal and state motor carrier safety regs. This seminar covers the Federal Motor Carrier Safety… Read More

Maryland Adopts California's ZEV Sales Mandate for Trucks, But With Some Caveats April 21, 2023

With the passage of Senate Bill 224, Maryland will join at least seven other states in adopting California’s Advance Clean Trucks Rule (ACT). This rule will require an increasing percentage of medium and heavy-duty truck sales in Maryland to be zero emission vehicles (e.g., electric or hydrogen fuel) beginning with the 2027 model year. Manufacturers who do not meet the percentages may be fined. Despite the passage of this new law, with heavy lobbying from the trucking industry, Maryland became the first state to impose restrictions on the ACT by requiring a needs assessment from five different agencies prior to… Read More

General Assembly Extends CLP Expiration Date & Makes Vision Screening Easier for CDL Drivers April 21, 2023

The trucking industry’s current and future drivers should benefit from the passage of Senate Bill 709. Starting October 1, 2023 this new law: Extends the expiration date of a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) from 180 days to one year. Removes duplicative state vision screening procedures for CDL holders who have a valid medical qualification. Those drivers will not have to take the vision screening test when renewing their CDLs as long as their medical qualifications are up to date. Read More

Rate Setting for Towing of CMVs Passes General Assembly April 21, 2023

In 2022 MMTA successfully pursued legislation that provides basic consumer protections for motor carriers, truck drivers, and insurers against excessive towing bills when the tow company is dispatched by the MD State Police (MSP). Under legislation that passed this year, the MSP will now have to establish a rate setting committee that includes an equal number of trucking companies and tow companies, along with some government agencies. The MSP must publish the maximum allowable tow rates that may be charged when they dispatch a tower by January 1, 2024. Read More

Pitt Ohio's Kahl is 2022 Driver of the Year January 27, 2023

On January 26, 2023 Ricky Kahl of Pitt Ohio was named Maryland’s truck driver of the year by the Maryland State Police. Kahl was one of 12 drivers recognized by Maryland Motor Truck Association as the 2022 Drivers of the Month, with the State Police choosing him from among the 12 winners as the Driver of the Year. Kahl has driven for 33 years, traveling over 3 million safe miles. The combined records of the Drivers of the Month equal 287 years of experience and over 18 million miles of safe driving. Congratulations to all of our winners for their… Read More

Fleet Safety Contest Winners January 27, 2023

On January 26, 2023 MMTA announced the winners of its fleet safety contest at the Association's annual Safety Awards Banquet. They were: 0 - 250,000 Miles Division - Digging & Rigging II 250,001 - 500,000 Miles Division - Comer Construction 500,001 – 1,000,000 Miles Division - Town & Country Movers Over 1,000,000 Miles Division - Pitt Ohio Pitto Ohio received the grand trophy for having the lowest accident frequency rate among all winners. Congratulations to all of our companies for their outstanding safety records! Read More

MMTA Grassroots Effort. Which Elected Leaders do You Know? January 11, 2023

From the Governor down, dozens of new elected officials will soon be taking office in Annapolis. As part of MMTA’s efforts to continue providing power advocacy for trucking, we are embarking on a grassroots strategy to identify relationships members have with their elected officials. Your outreach to a key senator or delegate that you know can be the difference in a vote on an important industry issue. Therefore, we are asking all members who have relationships with their elected officials to please submit them to MMTA President Louis Campion, louis@mdtrucking.org. Please provide the following: Your name and company List the… Read More

Previous Employer Drug & Alcohol Testing Query Changes January 6, 2023

On January 6, 2023, three years of violation data will be stored in the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse. Therefore prospective employers will no longer have to conduct manual inquiries with a CDL driver’s past employers; the query of the Clearinghouse will satisfy that requirement and will be the sole source for drug and alcohol histories.   However, if a prospective employee was subject to drug and alcohol testing by a U.S. Dept. of Transportation mode other than FMCSA (e.g., Federal Railroad Administration, Federal Transit Administration, Federal Aviation Administration), prospective employers will still have to request drug and alcohol violation… Read More

Trucks with 2009 and Older Engines No Longer Allowed in California December 29, 2022

Beginning January 1, 2023, California will implement the final phase of its Truck and Bus Regulation. On that date, only trucks with 2010 or newer diesel engines may operate in the state. Noncompliant trucks registered in California will be notified as part of their registration renewal, while enforcement against trucks registered outside the state will be through roadside inspections. Fleets and brokers should ensure any contract freight is compliant with this regulation. Read More

Reminder - Connecticut Highway User Fee Starts January 1, 2023 December 29, 2022

Starting January 1, 2023, Connecticut will impose a new Highway Use Fee on carriers operating vehicles weighing 26,000 lbs. or more. The fee is calculated based on a vehicle’s weight and number of miles driven in the state. It ranges from 2.5 cents per mile to 17.5 cents per mile. The first Highway Use Fee Return is by February 28, 2023. Carriers traveling in the state must register with the CT Department of Revenue Services by January 1. Go to https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Businesses/Highway-Use-Fee/HUF.  Read More

MMTA’s Consortium can help with Your Drug Testing Needs! November 10, 2022

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

Baumgart Elected New MMTA Chairman September 28, 2022

On September 27, 2022, Eric Baumgart was named the 80th Chairman of the Board of Maryland Motor Truck Association at the organization’s annual meeting in Ellicott City, MD.Baumgart is the Director of Operations, Corporate Safety & Compliance for Carroll Motor Fuels, a 4th generation, family owned and operated commercial petroleum business based out of Baltimore, Maryland that was founded in 1907.He replaces 2020-2022 Chairman Jack Saum of Beltway Companies.Also elected at the annual meeting were MMTA’s new Board of Directors and the Association’s Officers. The 2022-2023 Officers are: Chair: Eric Baumgart, Carroll Motor Fuels Vice Chair: Scott Pauchnik, FedEx Secretary:… Read More

Make Sure You Pay Your Highway Use Tax if Operating in New York September 28, 2022

Recently one MMTA member was cited for not paying the New York state highway use tax (HUT). New York imposes the HUT on motor carriers operating qualified motor vehicles on its public highways (excluding toll-paid portions of the New York State Thruway).  HUT certificates of registration are required for any truck, tractor, or other self-propelled vehicle with a gross weight over 18,000 pounds. An automotive fuel carrier (AFC) certificate of registration is required for any truck, trailer, or semi-trailer transporting automotive fuel. You must also affix a decal to each vehicle that is required to have a certificate of registration… Read More

MVA Increases Locations with IRP Services July 12, 2022

The MVA recently increased the number of branches where International Registration Plan (IRP) transactions can be completed. A list of the branches is below. These will show up when someone goes to make an appointment. The agency is also adding some Saturday appointments for CDL skills tests where available. Annapolis  Beltsville  Cumberland  Elkton Glen Burnie  Hagerstown  Largo Salisbury  Waldorf Read More

Baltimore City Truck Restriction Along Broening Highway June 21, 2022

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation contacted MMTA with concerns about repeated trucks traveling along Broening Highway northbound from Cardiff Avenue to Boston Street. Broening Highway is restricted to trucks between these two roadways. Signage is posted but is being ignored. Police will be aggressively enforcing the restriction due to complaints from residents with homes along the route. Trucks are not allowed north of Cardiff Avenue. The only exceptions are oversize/overweight vehicles with an approved permit for travel along the roadway. Read More

Sign Up for MMTA Text Messaging Services. June 9, 2022

In an effort to better communicate with our members, MMTA is launching a text messaging service. We’ll provide brief updates on our most timely news, such as compliance tips, enforcement issues, legislative alerts, and event reminders. If you’d like to enroll, complete the form at www.mdtrucking.org/files/TextMessagingConsentForm.pdf.   Read More

A Compliance Checklist for You December 15, 2021

As a benefit of MMTA membership, the Association has created a checklist of the major compliance items your company must follow when running trucks.  Although not intended to be “all inclusive”, MMTA’s new flyer at www.mdtrucking.org/files/Usingtruck.pdf can help you do a quick scan of the many areas where we see members with compliance questions and concerns.  Take a look, then contact Brenda Tharp at MMTA with any questions at 410-644-4600. Read More

FMCSA Adds Rear Underride Guards to Inspection List November 18, 2021

On November 9, FMCSA published a rule adding rear underride impact guards to the list of items in Appendix A that must be examined as part of the required annual inspection in Part 396.17 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS CHANGE IS DECEMBER 9, 2021. THEREFORE IF YOU ARE USING A FORM THAT DOES NOT SHOW REAR IMPACT GUARDS AS ONE OF THE ITEMS INSPECTED, YOU WILL NEED TO MANUALLY ADD THAT TO YOUR FORM. For questions, contact Brenda Tharp at MMTA, brenda@mdtrucking.org, 410-644-4600. Read More

E-ZPass & Video Tolls Keep Your License Plates Current to Avoid Problems. October 20, 2021

Due to the pandemic, the MTA paused mailing Notices of Toll Due to drivers who used the toll facilities without E-ZPass, or whose transponders did not read properly when passing through a toll facility. MDTA has now resumed the processing of these backlogged tolls. As a result, MMTA is receiving calls from members who have received a large number of notices in the mail indicating toll payments are owed. For questions, contact Louis Campion at MMTA, 410-644-4600. Read More

Take Advantage of MMTA Fuel Prices With Carroll! June 16, 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 Carroll Form Questions: Email armand@mdtrucking.org or call 410-644-4600 Read More