Member NewsFlash: Thursday, August 20, 2020

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UMA Members' efforts add critical CERTS co-sponsor, Sen. Grassley

Today's Town Hall featured an unexpected but very welcome announcement that represents a big step forward for the CERTS Act. Sen. Charles Grassley (R-IA). chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee committed to co-sponsor S.4150. Efforts by UMA Members in Iowa were instrumental to this development and Windstar's Jeff Greteman and CIT Signature Transportation's Kim and John Grzywacz shared the good news. All three have been working hard to expand support for both the Senate and House versions of the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services Act.

In addition to this important step for the CERTS Act, Ken Presley updated Members on developments related to the proposed so-called 'skinny' relief measure in the Senate, another proposal to allow a second dip at PPP, and news about the RESTART Act. Watch our recording for the details.

UMA Member Paige Balsinger of All Around Charters & Tours shared ways she's been successful selling tours that do not rely on destinations being open.

Learn more about Paige's ideas, Ken's update and much more by downloading the video of today's Town Hall.

2 . Keep the pressure on Congress and help us add co-sponsors

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3 . UMA Partner Panel shares ways they can support industry, operators

Today's Town Hall panel featured UMA Associate Members who are key industry partners who truly champion our industry and provide services that help operators. Mike McDonal of Saucon Technologies, Mark Szperski, of On Your Mark Transportation, and Sylvia Jackson of AMBEST recounted their history with the industry and offered ideas for ways they can help right now.

UMA Board Member Bob Greene of Amaya-Astron Seating helped welcome the panelists who represent the non-coachbuilders among UMA's Members.

Sylvia Jackson explained that many AMBEST fuel locations have dining areas for groups available, even in a time when groups that are traveling often find few options for places to eat. AMBEST offers UMA Members exclusive discounts on fuel which really comes in handy when fleets are rolling. "We sure do miss you," she said, considering that so few buses are on the road right now.

Mike McDonal of Saucon explained that 98 percent of Saucon's business is in the motorcoach industry. "Right now we are trying to take technology and apply it to what you are going through," he said. With staff's being downsized, he's trying to find ways to use technology to help operators become more efficient.

Mark Szyperski of On Your Mark Transportation suggested operators "look for website ideas that don't cost you money." His ideas were recently featured in an article in Bus & Motorcoach News. He remarked that many sites go without updates for long periods of time and that an out-of-date website can be give a bad impression.

4 . UMA Member CIT Signature remembers the power of gratitude in these challenging times

5 . Senate Republican 'skinny' proposal may yield productive negotiations toward relief efforts

Bus & Motorcoach News | August 19, 2020 | by Ken Presley

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators and House Members home on the August recess must be getting an earful Inasmuch as the Democrat leadership and White House negotiators have reached an impasse in negotiations.

Enter the “skinny” plan, a proposal floated by Senate Republicans that could be attached to a budget continuing resolution but is half of the original spending in the HEALS Act.

The proposal has spurred conversation on the House side as Speaker Pelosi as ordered the House to return this Saturday to address propping up the U.S. Postal Service.

Meanwhile, the Speaker said today she would be open to trimming down the House’s $3.5 billion stimulus proposal, the HEROES Act, in order to reach a deal with Republicans.

6. Retention of no defect DVIRs about to become history

By Ken Presley

Washington, D.C. – In a noticed published yesterday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has rescinded the current requirement that drivers of passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce submit, and motor carriers retain, driver-vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) when the driver has neither found nor been made aware of any vehicle defects or deficiencies.

The revision is part of a directive from President Trump to reduce the regulatory burdens on businesses. One less item to retain for audit purposes is certainly welcomed news. Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the U. S. Department of Transportation has led the effort in reducing regulatory burdens.

The effective date of the revised rule is September 17, 2020. Motor carriers must retain all DVIRs prior to that date.

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7 . UMA Member Quick's Bus Company promotes CERTS Act with local media story about industry

WHSV | August 19, 2020 | by Chelsea Church

STAUNTON, Va. (WHSV) — The motor-coach industry is still fighting for financial relief. Quick’s Bus Company in Staunton said business is not getting any better.

The bus company typically averages abut 500 rides per month. So far in August, they have only had about five rides.

President Jason Quick said most bus companies probably won’t make it through the pandemic, and he doesn’t anticipate being even 50 percent operational until march of 2021.

That’s why he hopes the Coronavirus Emergency Relief for Transportation Services, or CERTS, Act gets passed with the next stimulus package. And he said he hopes it comes sooner rather than later.