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Welcome New Members!
We are pleased to announce new members who have joined our Association since January 1st:
Sylvia Jackson
434-594-4810
Dale McMichael
717-464-2767
610-594-2664
Anthony Terranova
732-219-8611
Robert Davey
201-935-0425
Bill Kaiser
706-321-8133
Jason Sharenow
973-635-2374
Joseph Patella
201-868-8994
Al Dellinger
609-267-0763
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Executive Director's Corner
Have we spoken yet? When I started as the new Executive Director in January, I reached out to all of our Members to say hello and introduce myself.
For those Members I was unable to connect with, I would LOVE to speak with you to hear your suggestions on how we can improve the value of membership for your company.
Also, you may not be aware of some special services we provide currently. For example, do you know we have a special agreement with the South Jersey Transportation Authority for the handling of violations? Do you know we have a special service for fighting your parking tickets in NYC? I want to be sure you're maximizing the benefits of the Association. Give me a call at 908-835-0935 x 105.
Also, please look for our Spring Newsletter coming out in May. Further, if you have anyone you would like to add to our email or mailing list, please forward that information to me at [email protected].
Lastly, make sure you have marked your calendar for October 26-27th for our Fall event in AC!
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Have You Marked Your
Calendar?
October 27th
Group Leaders Marketplace
Mini-Marketplace
Association Meeting &
Luncheon
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Refer A Member & Get 50% Off of Your Membership!
Do you know a fellow Motorcoach operator who may
benefit from joining our Association?
Refer a member, and if they join, your membership dues for 2016-2017 will be discounted by 50%!
We are serious about growing membership!
Contact Pattie Cowley
for more information.
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A Note From Our President
Dear Members,
I attended UMA's "Fly-In" April 13-14th in Washington, DC. The two issues we are supporting the opposition of is the Safety Fitness Determination (SFD) and the Lease & Interchange of Vehicles.
SFD Concern: the rule proposed by the FMCSA is built on the flawed foundation of the CSA program which Congress just directed the agency to significantly reform in the FAST Act. We are asking all Members to support the language in the FY 17 DOT Appropriations Bill to ensure the SFD rule is not finalized until CSA reforms are fully implemented.
Lease & Interchange of Vehicles: the rule proposed would disrupt a longstanding practice in the industry of contracting with other carriers for supplemental or emergency service. The rule would require carriers to assume full responsibility for safety compliance of carrier they have no control over. We are asking all members to support language in the FY 17 DOT Appropriations Bill to ensure that contractual arrangement between carriers with valid operating authority are deemed compliant with the rule.
I urge you to be sure to sign and return the letters when you receive them. We need your support.
Note as a reminder, ABA is hosting their event in DC May 4-5th.
Tim Stout
President
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Update from GNJMA Meeting with New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (NJMVC) Regarding CDL Testing Concerns
On April 14th, representatives of the GNJMA met with the leaders of the NJMVC in Trenton. The meeting was requested by the Association in response to the growing problems regarding CDL testing for our members in NJ and the industry overall. These issues were outlined in a letter to Blaine Steen on January 28th.
Attendees from GNJMA were Tim Stout, Joe Simonetta, Tom Dugan, Alan Glickman and Pattie Cowley. Attendees from NJMVC were Ray Martinez, Chair and Chief Administrator, Jim Ferguson, Director, Robert Grill, Deputy Administer, Jeanne Ashmore, Deputy Chief Administrator, Bob Grill, Deputy Administrator & Blaine Steen, Coordinator.
The NJMVC shared the following:
- The failure rate of testing has dropped from 90% to 62% but it still isn't enough. Prior to mandated testing changes and testing sites being closed, it was normally around 33%.
- There were 30 test sites with 10 courses and now there are 8 testing sites plus 10 mobile testing trucks but the courses increased to 13.
- 180,000 new CDL's were granted in 2015.
- The biggest problems they see contributing to the delays for initial testing are double-booking of license testing from the businesses and then the no-shows that happen as a result.
- The other major problem they are seeing is with drivers being unprepared to take the test.
- It was also mentioned the new med cert regulations aren't helping the driver shortage issue since 15% of older drivers are failing due to not being able to be medically certified (also a federal issued rule).
- In March there was an average 67 day wait for testing.
- Third-party testing companies are not currently on NJ's radar due to cost, duplication of efforts and new organizational concerns. NJ does accept licenses that were obtained out of state (i.e. PA has third-party testing). However, they can be reviewed by NJ.
- Department of Education dictates the criminal background check 3 month life.
The group further discussed the topic of proper training. One of the biggest obstacles we need to address is the training of our drivers universally based on the requirements of NJMVC and FMCSA. Currently, because of FMCSA regulations when our drivers fail, we are not notified why. If we were able to have a train the trainer program that could participate in the same training as a NJMVC inspector, we would be able to better prepare our drivers to pass the requirements that are necessary. This would help both parties satisfy their needs.
Potential solutions discussed included:
- The Association's help with sharing open testing sites when NJMVC communicates and possibly becoming a filter for coordinating testing.
- Have the Association develop a training course for members.
- Blaine will be our point of contact with testing issues and he will do everything possible to get testing date help for our members. Pattie will be our primary contact with NJMVC.
- Batch or bulk test scheduling is preferred and most advantageous to getting a quicker testing date via Blaine. For example, 10-15 appointments per location.
- Have further discussions with ABA and UMA to help with Federal Mandates, and anything else that they may assist with this issue.
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