MMTA Member News ArchiveView Current News

I-695 Key Bridge Collapse! *****UPDATE***** March 26, 2024

Route alternatives due to Key Bridge collapse. As a result of the I-695 Key Bridge collapse due to ship strike, motorists must avoid the southeast corridor of I-695. The I-695 Outer Loop is closed at MD 10 (exit 2) and the Inner Loop is closed at MD 157/Peninsula Expressway (exit 43). Alternate routes will be the I-95 or I-895 tunnels; however, trucks should be aware of the following restrictions on those roadways. Hazardous materials are prohibited in the tunnels and should use the western section of I-695. This includes vehicles carrying bottled propane gas in excess of 10 pounds per… 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

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

FMCSA Proposes Changes to the Crash Preventability Program May 23, 2023

FMCSA is proposing changes to its existing crash types and considering adding four new crash types to those it will review for preventability. These proposed changes are expected to double the size of the current program and provide more data for analysis of the impacts of a carrier's non-preventable crashes on its overall safety. The four new crash types that would be added are: CMV was struck on the side by a motorist operating in the same direction. Currently, the crash type is limited to side strikes at the very rear of the vehicle. CMV was struck because another motorist… Read More

Safety Measurement System Changes May 17, 2023

FMCSA recently announced it updated its Safety Measurement System (SMS) Website with the March 31, 2023 results.  With those results, FMCSA has updated the SMS methodology. Carriers can log in to preview their results and see the impact of the new methodology on their CSA scores at https://csa.fmcsa.dot.gov/PrioritizationPreview. 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

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

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

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

2023 Bull & Oyster Roast, Trade Show January 3, 2023

Thursday, February 23, 2023*** Tickets on $ale *** Online Printable Registration MARTIN’S WEST6817 Dogwood Road, Baltimore, MD5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. 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

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

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

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

MD State Police Launch Diesel Emission Inspection Team December 2, 2021

MD State Police Launch Diesel Emission Inspection Team. Recently the MD State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division conducted a diesel emissions certification course in preparation to deploy roving crews to enforce the state’s diesel emissions law. When a Maryland registered diesel vehicle fails a roadside smoke emissions test the driver will be issued a Diesel Emissions Safety Equipment Repair Order.  Owners must have that vehicle repaired and retested within 30 days or face having that vehicle's registration suspended.  More about Maryland’s Diesel Vehicle Emissions Control Program is at https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/Air/MobileSources/Documents/Diesel_Brochure.pdf. 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

*** 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

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

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

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

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

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