On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden. The IIJA contained a provision of law impacting the current agricultural exemption afforded to motor carriers and drivers who transport agricultural commodities. Specifically, the change added language extending the current Hours of Service (HOS) exemption […]
News
Winter Driving – Be Prepared
December 3, 2021With winter soon to be on our door step, drivers of commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers must continue to be mindful of safety, and all that winter in Maine brings with it. Talking with your drivers about the winter driving season is recommended and the following safety tips might be helpful: Allow extra warm […]
MMTA provides onsite training to members
December 3, 2021The staff at MMTA stands ready to assist you with all of your compliance requirements. Training Obtaining a DOT Number Obtaining Operating Authority/BOC-3 Registrations Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Driver Qualification Process Daily Vehicle Inspections Hours of Service – Logbooks Vehicle Maintenance Files Forms and supplies Membership provides you with the ability to call or […]
MMTA adds electrical diagnostics training to 2022 schedule
December 2, 2021Over the course of the year, MMTA provides training at our conference room facility in Augusta. These trainings are targeted towards owner/operators, safety directors, technicians, dispatchers, and drivers. All classes are open to the public but members of MMTA receive a discount. For a list of these training sessions, check out our Course Book. We’ve […]
FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration on maximum drive time extended
November 29, 2021FMCSA FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration that was set to expire on November 30th has been extended until February 28, 2022. The declaration published today is limited to the transportation of: Livestock and livestock feed; Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment, including ancillary […]
Frank J. Wood bridge closed to commercial traffic
November 23, 2021MDOT announced yesterday that the FRANK J. WOOD bridge is now closed to all commercial motor vehicles. This decision supersedes the previous posting of 10 tons. Effective immediately, all commercial motor vehicles meeting this definition are prohibited from crossing the bridge between Topsham and Brunswick. Commercial motor vehicle. “Commercial motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle or […]
Government of Canada announces adjustments to Canada’s border measures
November 19, 2021The October edition of Maine Line News announced a policy change when it comes to US vaccination requirements for Canadians coming across the border. Sometime in January of 2022, the US will require foreign nationals travelling for essential purposes (such as truck drivers) to show proof that they are fully vaccinated, which is a change […]
USDOT releases state by state Fact Sheets highlighting benefits of the bipartisan Infrastructure Law
November 19, 2021U.S. Department of Transportation sent this bulletin at 11/18/2021 04:23 PM EST Thursday, November 18, 2021 Contact: PressOffice@dot.gov Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation released state-by-state fact sheets that highlight how the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will deliver for communities across the country by repairing roads and bridges, improving transportation options, building a national network […]
Business Coalition Fights Maine Adoption of CA Advanced Clean Trucks Program
November 15, 2021MMTA November 15, 2021 As previously reported, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection is pursuing routine technical rulemaking to adopt California’s Advanced Clean Trucks (ACT) Program, setting mandatory sales thresholds of Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV’s) starting in 2025. Effectively, this adoption would put Maine on an accelerated path to electric medium and heavy-duty trucks regardless […]
Federal Vaccine Mandate
November 12, 2021November 12, 2021 We continue to hear concerns about the federal vaccine mandate and its impact on the supply chain and the trucking industry specifically. As of today, we know the ATA and the state trucking associations of the 5th Circuit have filed a lawsuit asking the court to stay implementation of the mandate. The […]