August 3, 2020
In Brief
In this issue of the  Monday Morning Messenger , TPGA reminds you about the final extended deadline for Paycheck Protection Program applications and links some important resources for those thinking about applying and those who have already applied.

The association updates members on another regulatory compliance extension. Check out our second story of the morning for the latest hazmat endorsement extension.

Lastly, U.S. DOT is holding several general hazmat webinars to help hazmat carriers better understand the regulations. Find out more about what these informational webinars will be covering and dates in last story of the morning.

Check out our Calendar with quick links to the right. There are a lot of important deadlines coming up.
In this issue

  • In Brief
  • PPP Application Deadline
  • Hazmat Endorsement Extension
  • Informational DOT Hazmat Webinars
  • Quick Links
 Calendar
August 3-31, 2020

August 7, 2020

August 8, 2020
Deadline to apply for a
PPP Loan ( Top Story)

August 11, 2020

August 14, 2020
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Deadline is August 8, 2020
Many of you have already applied for and received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan, but several of you may not have.
TPGA wants to alert you if you were considering or planning to apply for the forgivable PPP loan. The extended application deadline is this Saturday, August 8, 2020.

No collateral is required for this loan. 
Lenders cannot charge fees to borrowers.

After the enactment of the PPP Flexibility Act, has up to 24 week loan period and is now only required (at minimum) to use 60 % on payroll (salary, wages, commissions, bonuses, hazard pay, vacation, family or sick leave & covered benefits) and can spend up to 40% on eligible non-payroll expenses (utilities, equipment leases, rent & mortgage interest).

Public information: please note borrowers who apply for over $150,000 in PPP loan funds your name will be made available to the public upon request and through the SBA website.

For more details on the loan check out both of the below TPGA member communications.
Please note although a future round of PPP funding is currently being considered in Congress, the current proposal is a lot more restrictive on eligibility to apply.
Hazmat Endorsement Exemption Extended Again
Automatic 180 extension until October 29, 2020
On Friday, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has extended its hazardous materials endorsement exemption that allows states to issue an extension of up to 180 days. The automatic 180-day exemption was due to expire on July 31, 2020.

That means the exemption will now apply to hazmat endorsements that would have normally expired between March 1 and October 29, 2020 . Hazmat endorsements that expire during this time period will have an automatic 180-day extension.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is the process of making updates to their website to reflect the extended exemption.

Although waivers are in place , the HME holder must return to the driver license office 60 days before the extension expires to begin the renewal process.

For example , if the HME expires May 1, 2020, the 180-day exemption is good until October 31, 2020. The HME holder must return to the driver license office to begin the renewal process no later than August 31, 2020.

While the Texas Department of Public Safety (TX DPS) has not resumed normal operations, TX DPS is accepting drive license applications including renewals by appointment. Click here for appointments. Appointment availability may be limited based on your geographic location.
FREE Online Hazmat Informational Webinars from U.S. DOT
The Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) of the U.S. Department of Training is offering free hazardous materials transportation informational webinars throughout the year. 

The current webinar schedule spans from
Schedule: August 4, 2020, to September 24, 2020.

Most webinars are 90 minutes in length, but some half-day sessions are also included.

These free training opportunities are for anyone who offers or transports hazardous materials in commerce. Transportation webinars provide a basic overview of the regulatory requirements - what they are, how they apply, and how to comply with them - for shipping and transporting Hazardous Materials.

Webinars include :
  • How to Navigate the DOT's Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR)
  • Hazmat Transportation Training and Security
  • Hazmat Shipping Papers and Emergency Response
  • Hazmat Packaging Requirements
  • How to Properly Placard Your Transport Vehicle (including exceptions)
  • Marking and Labeling Hazardous Materials for Transportation

For more information, the schedule and to register, visit https://opsweb.phmsa.dot.gov/hm_seminars/default_webinar.asp
Quick Links
LAST CHANCE to Order Your ProCOT Propane Safety Tip & Recipe Wall Calendar Orders
Deadline is August 7, 2020
LAST CHANCE
August 11, 2020 is the deadline to file for the retroactive alternative fuel tax credits.
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