View as Webpage | November 2021
TRUCKING NEWS AT HOME
Frank J. Wood bridge closed to commercial traffic
MMTA
Effective immediately, all commercial vehicles will face fines if crossing the Frank J. Wood bridge that connects Topsham and Brunswick.
Shortage of truck drivers slows transport of Maine potatoes
Portland Press Herald
Maine potato growers saw strong yields this season but a driver shortage is making it slower and more expensive to get the spuds to market.
USDOT releases state fact sheets highlighting benefits of the bipartisan Infrastructure Law
USDOT
The fact sheets highlight how the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver for communities across the country. The fact sheet for Maine has been posted on our blog.
NATIONAL TRUCKING ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOU
Government of Canada announces adjustments to Canada's border measures
MMTA
Truck drivers will only be allowed to enter Canada if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry.
Canadian truckers forced to choose: COVID vaccines or forfeit US runs
FreightWaves
The Canadian Trucking Alliance estimates that 22,000 of 120,000 Canadian cross-border drivers would no longer make runs to the U.S. because of the mandate.

40% of America’s trucking capacity is left on the table every day, MIT expert tells Congress
MarketWatch
American long-haul truck drivers are “seriously underutilized,” and the problem comes from the scheduling practices of shippers and receivers, an expert from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology told U.S. lawmakers on Wednesday.
Appeals Court: Trailers not covered by GHG regs
Heavy Duty Trucking
An appeals court has ruled in favor of trailer makers, removing trailers from the 2016 greenhouse gas phase 2 regulations published by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
CCJ
Rear impact guard inspections will begin Dec. 9. Trucks that fail to pass will not be placed out of service (OOS) but each violation could result in a max fine of $15,876 for carriers and $3,969 for drivers.
WHAT'S NEW AT MMTA
2022 Employee Benefits Program - Rates & plan details now available!
Acadia Benefits
For over 15 years, MMTA has worked with Acadia Benefits to offer members non-medical benefits including: dental, vision, life/AD&D, and short-term disability insurance. MMTA’s larger pool allows us to collectively negotiate with Maine top employee benefit carriers to offer better plans and rates. In fact, the 2022 rates did not change or increase from the rates in 2021!
Zero percent loans for approved CDL school training
MMTA
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.
Follow MMTA on social media
MMTA
If you or your company is on social media, be sure to follow us today to get the latest news, events, recognition, and more from the trucking industry in Maine and beyond.
Thank you MMTA annual sponsors
MAINE MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION www.mmta.com