View as Webpage | January 2022
TRUCKING NEWS AT HOME
CANADIAN VACCINATION MANDATE – MMTA MEMBER IMPACT SURVEY
MMTA

The mandate prohibiting unvaccinated foreign nationals from entering Canada, including truck drivers, took effect January 15, 2022. We have been receiving reports from MMTA members who are describing business interruptions (including loss of business) because they are unable to find enough qualified/vaccinated drivers to meet demand.
 
MMTA is continuing to advocate for an acceptable solution to the mandate in Canada and to the US mandate due to be implemented on January 22, 2022. In order to advocate, it is important that we have the latest information on the disruption to businesses and the supply chain. Please fill out a 5-10 minute survey to help us gather information about the mandate’s impacts by clicking here: 
 
 
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. We also ask that you continue to provide updated situational information to Brian Parke bparke@mmta.com and Tim Doyle Timd@mmta.com so we can advocate effectively. All information will be aggregated and kept confidential.
 
PLEASE RESPOND ASAP, BUT NO LATER THAN JANUARY 26, 2022
 
Also, please share this survey link to anyone you think is impacted by this disruptive development. The only way to make political leaders pay attention to the problem is to show objective evidence of this misguided policy’s negative effects.
Kindness enables FedEx driver to visit his family
WGME

A Buxton family and FedEx driver are proof that one act of kindness goes a long way. Check out this heart warming story.
Legal battle over new Brunswick-Topsham bridge nears end after preservationists lost in court
Bangor Daily News

Back in November, MMTA reported on the immediate closure of commercial traffic on the Frank J. Wood bridge that spans the Androscoggin River due to its aging structure. The Maine DOT planned on replacing the bridge back in 2017 but was halted by preservation groups. In a recent court ruling, the DOT plans to seek bids for bridge replacement by spring of this year.
NATIONAL TRUCKING ISSUES THAT AFFECT YOU
FMCSA Announces Truck Driver Apprenticeship Program

FMCSA has announced a Truck Driver Apprenticeship program, similar to the pilot program announced in September of 2020 and the program mandated by the recently passed infrastructure bill. This program is designed to allow drivers younger than 21 to operate across State lines, while supervised and meeting very specific requirements for vehicles, technology, and reporting.

FMCSA is in the process of implementing the program and will announce the application process and further information on their website once available. 
The amazing story behind trucking numbers
FleetOwner

According to statistics from the ATA Trucking Trends 2021, a majority of trucking companies operate six or few trucks with over 97% of fleets using less than 20. These small businesses continue to keep our economy rolling and are essential employers of professional drivers, technicians, freight handlers, and office support staff.
Six states adopt clean truck rule
Transport Topics

In our December 2021 edition of Maine Line, MMTA reported that the adoption of the California Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) program has been postponed for a least a year due, in large part, to the efforts of a coalition of Maine business groups. However, Oregon, Washington, New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts have approved the ACT rule last year requiring a growing percentage of all medium- and heavy-duty trucks sold to be zero-emission by 2025. Along with this, manufacturers must increase their zero-emission truck sales in these six states.
November Used Class 8 Prices Soar
Transport Topics

Sparse inventory of Class 8 trucks is keeping the retail prices high. According to ACT Research, average retail prices of six year old trucks are almost double what they were the year prior. Some trucks sold at auction are being purchased at higher than retail prices.
Trucking cybersecurity threat grown as more tech added to trucks
CCJ

With more technology being added to trucks with every new model year, there is a growing threat of hacks into the computer systems of the vehicles themselves because of the value of the truck itself and the value of the cargo behind it.
WHAT'S NEW AT MMTA
MMTA celebrates trucking industry’s commitment to highway safety at Annual Banquet
MMTA

Each year, we recognize trucking companies and drivers for their commitment to highway safety with an evening of awards. This year's Annual Banquet was held virtually with the comedic stylings of Juston McKinney.
 
Check out our blog for a summary of the evening's highlights. Thank you for joining us and supporting the trucking industry in Maine.
 
Register today for MMTA Board/Membership Meeting
Our quarterly Board/Membership Meeting is Wednesday, January 26 starting at 7:30 am. This meeting will be virtual! Agendas are located on registration page. Registration is required to attend.
 
Consortium Pool - We are all in it together
MMTA

Our partners at DISA recently announced policy changes to the drug testing program, aimed at keeping the number of annual test selections to a minimum. This new policy will aid members who test as required when selected. Please call Tim at MMTA if you have questions or concerns.
Do you need compliance help?
MMTA

The staff at MMTA stands ready to assist members with all of your compliance requirements.
We are now accepting applications for the John W. Austin Memorial Scholarship
MMTA

Do you know a high school senior who is planning on a career in a trucking-related industry? If that student is looking at colleges or technical training, financial help is always a part of the plan. Spread the word!
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.
Thank you MMTA Annual Sponsors
MAINE MOTOR TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION www.mmta.com