Special Edition V.18 (March 2020)
CORONAVIRUS NEWS
Size & Weight Information by State
As of March 30, 2020

The American Trucking Associations has provided a spreadsheet breakdown of size and weight exemptions and restrictions by state. To download the Excel document, click HERE.
FMCSA: Three-Month Waiver in Response to the COVID-19 Emergency – For States and CLP Holders Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles
March 30, 2020

FMCSA has published a waiver related to Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). The official notice can be found here. The waiver does the following:

  • Waives the requirement under 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that a CLP holder be accompanied by a CDL holder, with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder operates a CMV on public roads or highways. Under the terms, conditions, and restrictions of this waiver, a CLP holder may operate a CMV on public roads or highways without an accompanying CDL holder present in the front seat of the vehicle, provided that the CDL holder is elsewhere in the cab, the CLP holder is in possession of evidence from the testing jurisdiction, including an authorized third-party tester, that the CLP holder has passed the CDL driving skills test, and, unless the FMCSA waiver issued on March 24, 2020 applies, that the CLP holder has a valid non-CDL driver's license, CLP, and medical certificate.
 
  • Waives the restriction under 49 CFR 383.79(a) that limits a State to administering a driving skills test, in accordance with subparts F, G, and H of 49 CFR part 383, to a nondomiciled CDL applicant who has taken driver training in that State. Under the terms, conditions, and restrictions of this waiver, a State may elect to administer a driving skills test to any nondomiciled CDL applicant, regardless of where the applicant received driver training.
Portland TWIC Enrollment Center Hours Change
March 30, 2020

Effective Tuesday, 3/31, the Portland, ME-Lancaster St Universal Enrollment Center will have new hours of operation. The center will be open: Tuesday-Friday: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM & 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM. 

Please visit https://universalenroll.dhs.gov/ to schedule or update an appointment; to check TWIC card status, locate other enrollment centers; and for additional information on TWIC, HTAP, and TSA PreCheck(tm).
Maine State Police Extend Grace Period for Inspections
MSP

State Police have issued an extended grace period for inspections that expired during the COVD-19 State of Emergency declared by Gov. Janet Mills. 

“It is the opinion of the Maine State Police that when LD 2167 was signed into law on March 18th it granted an extension on all inspections until 30 days after the end of the emergency declaration,” said Lt. Bruce Scott in an email to all Maine State Police employees. [The law] states only vehicles required to be registered must be inspected and therefore during the period of time that the emergency declaration is in effect and for 30 days after, vehicles are not required to be inspected either. Current Maine Motor Vehicle Inspection rules require vehicles be currently registered before the vehicle can be inspected therefore it would be impossible for those with expired registrations to have their vehicles inspected.”

HAZMAT Guidance
Courtesy NTTC

NTTC has collaborated with the American Chemistry Council to compile and distribute example guidance for chemical shippers, carriers, and the general public to reduce the spread of COVID-19. You can download the document here. 

This is shared solely for informational purposes, recognizing that the current virus status, as well as individual company circumstances, will determine to what extent this approach may be appropriate for a given member.
PHMSA Assistance to the Public During COVID-19
March 27, 2020

The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) remains fully operational and ready to assist the American public. PHMSA will continue to be on duty and available for its stakeholders and government partners during the current COVID-19 national public health emergency.

During this emergency, PHMSA reminds it stakeholders that many of its employees have been asked to work from home for their safety and the safety of their families until the emergency declaration is lifted. Until employees can return to their normal duty stations, PHMSA asks stakeholders to utilize electronic methods for submitting requests from staff, in lieu of sending hard copies of correspondence and other mail directly to its offices.

The “Related Documents” section of this page provides a consolidated list of group email addresses, followed by a brief description of the available support each email group provides (e.g. cylinder requalification approvals, special permit applications, regulatory petitions, interpretation requests, etc.). The PHMSA Portal also remains as an available electronic resource, and we strongly suggest stakeholders continue using the portal for Special Permit and Approval renewal applications. 

For additional information on PHMSA operations during this public health emergency, please contact phmsapublicaffairs@dot.gov.  
REMINDER - PPE for the Trucking Industry
March 27, 2020

The Governor’s Office has indicated they have put in MMTA’s request for PPE needed for the trucking industry, which is greatly appreciated. They have also indicated their desire to have us make a specific request through a “Materials Order Form” through the Maine CDC.

In order for us to have an accurate idea of the PPE your company needs, we have developed an online form for anyone who needs PPE to submit. The deadline to submit your order (for this round anyways) is Wednesday, April 1st by COB. We will turn around and submit the official order first thing Thursday morning and, if supplies are received by MMTA, we will make arrangements with members to get the PPE.

The types of PPE we envision our members requesting includes:

  • N95 Masks
  • Nitrile Gloves (S, M, L, XL)
  • Disposable Shoe Covers
  • Sanitation Wipes

When ordering, please only order the PPE you need and that you know you will use. Our industry understands the fact that healthcare professionals and first responders have priority when it comes to PPE, so we want to make sure any PPE we get we are going to put in use to protect our drivers who are delivering relief supplies.

Please be advised that this is only a wish list – we cannot guarantee we will receive the necessary supplies we request, but we need to start someplace. And this is it.  

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES
We will keep MMTA members posted as new information comes in. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to email Tim, Randy or Brian if you have questions.
THANK YOU MMTA ANNUAL SPONSORS
Maine Motor Transport Association
P.O. Box 857
Augusta, ME 04332-0857
ph: (207)623-4128
fax: (207)623-4096