View as Webpage | October 2021
TRUCKING NEWS AT HOME
Looking back on the life of Bob Chamberland
RF Chamberland Inc Facebook @RFCTRUCKS
It is with deepest sadness we announce the passing of our family patriarch and company founder, Robert F. Chamberland, from complications due to COVID-19. RF passed away [on October 7, 2021] at a Fort Kent healthcare facility, surrounded by his family. Personally, Bob was a lifelong resident of St. Agatha, and was beloved by the community in which he lived. Bob was a veteran Firefighter, a Town Selectman, and a Board of Directors member for the Acadia Federal Credit Union in St. Agatha, among many other accomplishments. He was a much loved and celebrated Husband, Dad, Pe Pere, Uncle, Cousin, and friend. Professionally he was a trucking pioneer, known affectionately far and wide in trucking’s early days on the CB radio as, “The Ginger Bread Man”. Bob was instrumental in the growth of Maine’s trucking industry, earning the respect of industry leaders, law enforcement, politicians, and other trucking companies. Creating a company which became an example of safe and legal operations, Bob and his Wife Viola were the founders of his namesake company, RF Chamberland, Inc. in 1977, and through hard work and determination grew his trucking firm from humble beginnings with one truck, serving local farmers hauling potatoes to market. Under Bob & Vi’s leadership, RF Chamberland has grown into a third generation family business hauling freight throughout the United States and Canada. We will miss his smile, his support, his encouragement, and his wisdom, as we carry on his dream and care for the family legacy he held so dear. You were a man among men Bob, and we will never forget who you were, and where we came from. Although the Ginger Bread Man has signed “10-7 on the side” for the last time here, we are confident that if freight in heaven moves by truck, Bob Chamberland will “Keep On Truckin”.
Maine DEP proposes adoption of CA “Advanced Clean Trucks” program
MMTA
MMTA has some obvious concerns about the practical realities of adopting California's Advanced Clean Trucks program, the timeframe of implementation, the likely (and foreseeable) impacts on the supply chain, and the Maine economy.

Public hearing is November 4 with comments due by November 15.

Governor's small business recovery plan includes insurance premium relief to eligible employers
Acadia Benefits
Starting November 1, and running for 18 months, employers with qualifying health plans, may receive monthly premium payment relief.

Cross Border Travel – Vaccination Status
MMTA
The United States and Canada have recently made announcements regarding the re-opening of the border for non-essential travel and have updated requirements for essential travelers

NATIONAL TRUCKING ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOU
2022 UCR registration period has begun
Unified Carrier Registration, or UCR, Plan is a federally-mandated system for registering operators of commercial vehicles who are involved in interstate and international travel. This annual registration must be renewed by December 31 each year.

How electric vehicles could contribute to highway trust funds
ATRI
Through a small tax on the electricity that is used in transportation, research identifies a way to fund growing number of electric vehicles on the road.

The importance of cleaning and disinfecting your trucks
FleetOwner
COVID-19 and the high cost of business insurance have made it more important than ever for fleets to be aware of protecting the health and safety of their employees.

FMCSA to require states to ban drivers with drug, alcohol strikes
Overdrive
The agency will begin requiring states to downgrade the licenses of drivers who have a positive drug or alcohol test that lands them in the Clearinghouse, while also prohibiting states from making certain CDL transactions for drivers in the database.

Transport Topics
With shoppers already starting to purchase gifts and other items earlier than usual for the upcoming holiday season, concerns are growing that the already strained international supply chain will not be able to handle the crush of goods being shipped and consumers may be disappointed regarding selection and availability of items to buy.

WHAT'S NEW AT MMTA
Driver of the Month - September 2021
On behalf of H.O. Bouchard, we congratulate Aaron Walker for being recognized as MMTA's Driver of the Month for September 2021. Thank you, Aaron, for your professionalism.
Driver of the Month - October 2021
On behalf of RF Chamberland, we congratulate Aaron Paul Libby for being recognized as MMTA's Driver of the Month for October 2021. Thank you, Aaron, for your professionalism.
Traveling... Turns you into a storyteller
An op-ed submitted to the Bangor Daily News by the Chairman of the MMTA Executive Committee, Ed Therrien, Julie French and their canine co-pilot, Ryder.

MMTA's Membership Meeting Summary
MMTA had our Board and Membership Meetings via Zoom on October 13 covering a wealth of topics and updates.

Zero percent loans for approved CDL school training
Students attending approved CDL schools are eligible to apply for tuition loans to attain their Class A or Class B Commercial Driver’s License at an amazing ZERO percent interest.

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