MMTA Member News ArchiveView Current News

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

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

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

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

*** 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