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01/25/10 | Southern Part of Northeastern Extention Reconstruction Project to Start Early 20
The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission's Northeastern Extension total reconstruction and widening project between the Mid-County (Exit 20) and Lansdale (Exit 31) Interchanges is moving forward, with construction scheduled to start in the spring of 2011 on the six-mile southern portion between milepost A20 and A26 (Berks Road) in Plymount, Whitpain and Worcester townships. The reconstruction of the two overhead bridges at Kriebel Road in Towamencin Township and Bethel Road in Worcester Township, completed in 2008, was the first stage necessary to accomodate the widening of the roadway to six lanes. Currently under construction is a $12 million project to replace the Route 202 and Walton Road bridges that pass over the Turnpike to Whitpain and Plymouth townships respectively. Both bridges are being completed in two stages and will remain open to traffic until the anticipated completion date in September 2010. This month, the $8 million contract to replace the bridge carrying Morris Road across the Turnpike at milepost A27.2 was awarded to J.F. Shea Construction, Inc., Mt. Pleasant, Pa. Sometime after March 1, Morris Road will be closed to traffic and a detour implemented. Two weeks prior to the start of construction, the contractor will place signs that read, "This bridge to be closed for construction." The newly constructed Morris Road Bridge is tentatively scheduled to open to traffic in late 2010. The northern section of the project from Berks Road (milepost A26) to the Landsdale Interchange (Exit 31) including the overhead bridge carrying Bustard Road over I-476 at milepost A 29 is tentatively scheduled to start construction in 2014. Prior to this, sometime in 2012, the bridge carrying Sumneytown Pike over I-476 will be replaced under a separate contract. This section of the six-lane widening project traverses Worcester, Upper Gwynedd and Towamencin townships and will include three newly constructed auxiliary ramps. Upon completion, motorists will be able to enter the Turnpike southbound from the intersection of Old Forty Foot Road and Sumneytown Pike (Exit 63) and esit the Turnpike northbound onto Sumneytown Pike using E-ZPass Only ramps. Additionally, an auxiliary entrance ramp will be constructed from Towamencin Avenue to allow motorists to avoid congestion at the existing Lansdale Interchange entrance at Sumneytown Pike. The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission provides a state-of-the-art website at www.paturnpike.com that provides motorists with real-time information across all 537 miles of the Turnpike. For individual projects, including the A20-30 total reconstruction and widening project, you can click on the "Major Design/Construction Projects" link to easily access project information, including detour routes.
01/26/10 | U.S. DOT announces federal ban on texting for commercial truck drivers
U.S Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood today announced federal guidance to expressly prohibit texting by drivers of commercial vehicles such as large trucks and buses. The prohibition is effective immediately and is the latest in a series of actions taken by the Department to combat distracted driving since the Secretary convened a national summit on the issue last September. "We want the drivers of big rigs and buses and those who share the roads with them to be safe," said Secretary LaHood. "This is an important safety step and we will be taking more to eliminate the threat of distracted driving." The action is the result of the Department's interpretation of standing rules. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving commercial vehicles may be subject to civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750. "Our regulations will help prevent unsafe activity within the cab," said Anne Ferro, Administrator for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). "We want to make it crystal clear to operators and their employers that texting while driving is the type of unsafe activity that these regulations are intended to prohibit." FMCSA research shows that drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. Drivers who text while driving are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than non-distracted drivers. Because of the safety risks associated with the use of electronic devices while driving, FMCSA is also working on additional regulatory measures that will be announced in the coming months. During the September 2009 Distracted Driving Summit, the Secretary announced the Department's plan to pursue this regulatory action, as well as rulemakings to reduce the risks posed by distracted driving. President Obama also signed an Executive Order directing federal employees not to engage in text messaging while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment. Federal employees were required to comply with the ban starting on December 30, 2009. The regulatory guidance on today's announcement will be on public display in the Federal Register January 26 and will appear in print in the Federal Register on January 27. The public can follow the progress of the U.S. Department of Transportation in working to combat distracted driving www.distraction.gov.
02/19/10 | PSP in Mercer seeking information on fatal hit and run
Pennsylvania State Police in Mercer County are seeking information about a fatal hit and run accident involving two tractor trailers and a passenger vehicle. The accident occurred Thursday, Feb. 18, at 6:25 p.m. on Interstate 80 near milepost 24, Wolf Creek Township, Mercer County. All three vehicles were traveling east. According to an eye witness, the passenger vehicle was stopped in the right lane with the hood up. The hood had apparently opened while the vehicle was moving. The driver was in front of the car to put the hood down. As the two tractor trailers approached the vehicle, one of the drivers in the left lane slowed down to allow the other driver to move to that lane to avoid the stopped vehicle. Just as that driver moved back to the right lane, the driver of the passenger vehicle walked into his path. Both tractor trailer drivers kept moving. The eye witness said the tractor trailers were light colors, but the witness did not notice any logos or state license plates. Please contact the Pennsylvania State Police in Mercr County at 724-662-6162 if you or your drivers have any information about this crash.
03/01/10 | PMTA announces overhaul of PennTrux
The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) will release a new and improved version of its member publication PennTrux beginning with the March 2010 issue. The enhanced version of the magazine boasts an exciting new design with full-color printing throughout, along with expanded news, columns and features. It also will move to a monthly publication schedule.
Newly designed and published by Niemczyk Hoffmann Group, Inc., an advertising, marketing and web design firm located in Shillington, PA, the magazine will provide enhanced legislative updates on the most important issues affecting the trucking industry, more comprehensive industry reporting, monthly PMTA member profiles, new product and equipment reviews, technology news, environmental updates, management tips, safety and training features, and more. Not only will the new PennTrux be easier to read, states Jim Runk, Association President and CEO, it will be filled with information transportation executives need to survive in the trucking industry as they conduct business throughout our Commonwealth and our nation. Calvin Ewell, president of H.R. Ewell, and chairman of PMTA's Board of Directors, agreed that the new publication will add value for association member. As a carrier, I read PennTrux to keep up with industry trends, and I also like keeping up with my colleagues - the members of PMTA, Ewell says.
With all the extra features and news, the new PennTrux will be the go-to source of useful information for any firm involved in or associated with motor truck transportation in Pennsylvania. The PennTrux editorial calendar for 2010 includes articles such as Roadway Safety: How Safe is Safe? How PA's Economic Development Efforts Affect You, Tax Planning Tips for Your Year-End Strategies, and Social Media and the Trucking Executive. Considering the economic impact that trucking and transportation have in Pennsylvania, these and other timely topics are increasingly important to decision makers in all transportation related industries.
With a monthly circulation of 2,500 and estimated readership of 8,000, PennTrux reaches decision makers in a wide range of transportation related industries, including trucking, shipping and freight, warehousing, fleet sales and leasing, towing, waste and recycling, fuels, retail distribution, professional services consulting, food processing and delivery, environmental, property management, truck and equipment manufacturing, and others.
Editorial suggestions and news contributions may be forwarded to Nancy Wilkes, PMTA's Communication Director and PennTrux editor, at nwilkes@pmta.org or 717-761-7122. Advertising opportunities are available by contacting Terry Meade at advertising@PMTA.org or 570-640-0839. Ad rates and the 2010 editorial calendar are available on the PMTA web site at www.PMTA.org.
03/03/10 | Obama signs bill to restore transportation funding
President Obama signed a bill reinstating transportation funding and ending a two-day furlough of 2,000 U.S. Department of Transportation employees.
The Senate passed the measure by a 78-19 vote Tuesday night after Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) ended his efforts to block the measure. It also extended unemployment benefits.
Furloughed federal workers returned to work Wednesday morning. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood applauded the Senate for extending the "critical transportation funding" that has been held up since Friday. The move disrupted work for thousands of federal and transportation workers nationwide.
American Trucking Associations had urged Congress to expedite passage of the legislation to restore the highway funding. State transportation officials had scrambled to deal with the funding stoppage.
03/04/10 | 2010 Scholarship Application
The York Adams Chapter of PMTA awards three $1,000 scholarships each year to employees and family members of those employeod by companies that are members in good standing with the chapter. They will accept applications until April 30, 2010. Successful recipients will be notified by June 15, 2010. For an application, click here.
03/09/10 | Keep up opposition to I-80 tolling
With the Federal Highway Administration remaining silent on its tolling decision, tolling proponents like House Speaker Keith McCall are using every opportunity they can to ensure the decision comes out in their favor. Please continue efforts to stop tolling of I-80. The trucking industry must do its part to ensure our message is not clouded out by other efforts.
Please reach out to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Administrator Victor Mendez. Call the Department of Transportation at (202) 366-4000 and leave your comments for Secretary LaHood. Fax letters to Administrator Victor Mendez at the Federal Highway Administration at (202) 366-3244. Please also urge friends, neighbors and colleagues to do the same.
03/12/10 | Commercial Motor Vehicle Operating Requirements 101 - Presented by PMTA
This seminar will cover "who needs and how to obtain / maintain" USDOT Numbers, Motor Carrier Operating Authority- Interstate (MC Numbers) Intrastate (PUC numbers), UCR, IFTA, non IFTA, IRP (Apportioned Registration) credentials, temporary operating permits, CDL, allowed vehicle weights, access routes for STAA vehicles and special hauling permits. So bring your pencils, bring your partners and bring your paperwork! See how it's done, here at PMTA.
March 12, 2010 - Friday... 9:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m.
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
03/15/10 | 2010 PMTA-SMC Fleet Safety Awards Entry Deadline
Enter the 2010 PMTA-SMC Fleet Safety Awards program. Registration deadline is March 15, 2010. (Absolutely no applications will be accepted after this date!!!!) This is a Members-Only program.
Visit our Forms Page for further information or a copy of the rules, (ATA Rules), or email driland@pmta.org, or call (717) 761-7122 ext.102.
03/16/10 | Hours-of-Service Compliance Seminar - Presented by PMTA
Seminar will include review of 49 CFR, Part 395, related interpretations and exemptions, along with work projects on familiarization and auditing a driver's Record of Duty Status (logbook).
March 16, 2010 - Tuesday... 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
03/18/10 | Safety Management Council Meeting
PMTA's Safety Management Council will meet on Thursday, March 18, at 10 a.m. The meeting is at the PMTA headquarters in Camp Hill. Guest speaker is Gerard Clark, Safety Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. He will address the status of UCR, the PUC's overall motor carrier program, and the impact of CSA 2010 on the PUC's efforts.
Register before March 15 and pay $20 (includes lunch). After March 15, the cost is $25. Non-SMC members must pay $30 before March 15 and $35 after March 15.
03/21/10 | PMTA TruckPAC Clays Shoot - March 21
PMTA is hosting a Pennsylvania TruckPAC sporting clays shoot at Central Penn Sporting Clays, 75 Quarry Road, Wellsville, PA. It is open to all PMTA members and non-members.
- Shooting times are 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 1 p.m. Cost is $50 per time slot and $40 for reshoot.
- Lunch is included.
There are six shooters per squad, but if you don't have a full squad, you will be placed on a team. Top shooters from each time slot will win prizes. All proceeds go directly to the Pa. TruckPAC fund.
Sponsorships are available...
- Station sponsor is $100, and it includes a sign, recognition at the event, and a listing in PennTrux.
- Lunch sponsor is $750, and it includes a sign, recognition at the event, and a listing in PennTrux.
- Awards sponsor is $500, and it includes a sign, recognition at the event, and a listing in PennTrux.
Visit our Forms Page to download the registration form or call PMTA at 717-761-7122.
03/23/10 | Recognition of Substance Abuse Training for Supervisors
Seminar will include discussion and videos to help in determining Reasonable Suspicion of alcohol misuse and/or use of controlled substances by employees. The training meets the federal requirements of Part 382.603.
March 23, 2010 - Tuesday... 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
04/06/10 | Motor Fleet Safety Basics/Managing Motor Fleet Safety Programs
This is a one-week comprehensive course on all aspects of Fleet Safety. Presented by NATMI.
April 6 - April 10, 2010... 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
04/06/10 | Motor Fleet Safety Basics/Managing Motor Fleet Safety Programs
This is a comprehensive course on all aspects of Fleet Safety. Presented by NATMI.
April 6-10, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
04/13/10 | HAZMAT Seminar - Presented by PMTA
Hazardous Materials Training is a two-day seminar, which centers on regulatory training. The unique, function specific format provides greater understanding and better retention. The seminar helps fulfill the 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H recurrent training requirements.
April 13 - 14, 2010 - Tuesday & Wednesday... 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
04/13/10 | HAZMAT Seminar
Hazardous Materials Training is a two-day seminar, which centers on regulatory training. The unique, function specific format provides greater understanding and better retention. The seminar helps fulfill the 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H recurrent training requirements.
April 13 and 14, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
04/20/10 | Motor Fleet Accident Investigation
Control costs through a complete & thorough vehicle accident investigation. Develop skills in loss prevention, data collection and analysis. Two-day class, April 20 and 21, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
04/21/10 | Motor Fleet Accident Investigation - Presented by PMTA
Control costs through a complete and thorough vehicle accident investigation. Develop skills in loss prevention, data collection and analysis.
April 20-21, 2010 - Tuesday & Wednesday... 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
05/13/10 | 82nd Annual PMTA Management Conference
O.K., the worst is over now. We THINK it￢ﾀﾙs going to be all right. As you try to gain some equilibrium after the recession, take the time to spring back and recover. Come to PMTA￢ﾀﾙs 82nd Annual Management Conference at the Omni Bedford Springs Resort, where inspiration is everywhere. For centuries, Bedford Springs Resort was the preferred meeting place for visionary thinkers and innovators, from captains of industry to Commanders in Chief. Add to the list PMTA on May 13, 14, 15, 2010. We are planning an energizing retreat with enriching educational sessions, fun networking activities, and time to enjoy the elegance and style of the historic Bedford Springs Resort.
Trucking hopes to thrive in the economic recovery, and it￢ﾀﾙs time to shift focus. We plan sessions on the current economic situation, fuel optimization programs, predictive risk modeling, hours-of-service regulations (we invited Anne Ferro, head of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), and more. We also invited ATA Chairman Tommy Hodges.
Golfers will appreciate the Bedford Springs Old Course, restored to the way in which Donald Ross last designed it in 1923. Some of the fun activities we plan are a program about animals followed by S￢ﾀﾙmores at the fire pit, a cooking class/demonstration, and the chairman￢ﾀﾙs banquet. You can hike, bike, swim, play tennis, get a spa treatment, or sit on one of the luxurious porch chairs and read a book.
Plan to join your colleagues at PMTA￢ﾀﾙs 82nd Annual Management Conference. Look for more details in the April issue of PennTrux. Register today.
05/25/10 | DOT Compliance Seminars - Presented by PMTA
Seminar will include discussion and overview of State and Federal laws and regulations governing the motor carrier industry and commercial motor vehicles e.g. Driver Qualifications Files, Commercial Driver Licenses, Hours of Service, drug and alcohol tests, etc.
May 25, 2010 - Tuesday... 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Seminar is presented at PMTA Headquarters, 910 Linda Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011
For questions, call PMTA at 717-761-7122 ext.104 or e-mail Carol at csmore@pmta.org.
06/04/10 | PMTA Truck Driving Championships - June 4 & 5, 2010
Sign up now for the annual PMTA Truck Driving Championships. This is a great event for the entire crew. Preliminary Entry Form(s) must be received by April 15, 2010 for a driver or company's name to be in the TDC program book. The driver must have appropriate CDL and endorsements for class entered.
Companies must submit all their Preliminary Entry Forms as one packet!
June 4 & 5, 2010
Harrisburg Area Community College
Gates 3& 4 off Industrial Rd. Harrisburg, PA 17110 (Just off Exit 67 of the Interstate 81)
Visit our Forms Page to download your preliminary company entry form today!
09/21/10 | DOT Compliance
Seminar will include discussion and overview of State and Federal laws and regulations governing the motor carrier industry and commercial motor vehicles e.g. Driver Qualifications Files, Commercial Driver Licenses, Hours of Service, drug and alcohol tests, etc.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
10/05/10 | Recognition of Substance Abuse Training
Seminar will include discussion and videos to help in determining Reasonable Suspicion of alcohol misuse and/or use of controlled substances by employees. The training meets the federal requirements of Part 382.603 - 3 HOURS
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
10/13/10 | Hours of Service Compliance
Seminar will include review of 49 CFR, Part 395, related interpretations and exemptions, along with work projects on familiarization and auditing a driver￢ﾀﾙs Record of Duty Status (logbook) - 4 HOURS
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
10/15/10 | Commercial Motor Vehicle Operating Requirements 101
This seminar will cover ￢ﾀﾜwho needs and how to obtain / maintain￢ﾀﾝ USDOT Numbers, Motor Carrier Operating Authority- Interstate (MC Numbers) Intrastate (PUC numbers), UCR, IFTA, Non IFTA, IRP (Apportioned Registration) Credentials, Temporary operating permits, CDL, Allowed vehicle weights, Access routes for STAA Vehicles and Special hauling permits. So bring your pencils, bring your partners and bring your paperwork! See how it￢ﾀﾙs done, here at PMTA.
9 a.m - 3 p.m.
10/19/10 | Hazmat Seminar
Hazardous Materials Training is a two-day seminar, which centers on regulatory training. The unique, function specific format provides greater understanding and better retention. The seminar helps fulfill the 49 CFR Part 172 Subpart H recurrent training requirements.
October 19 and 20, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
10/26/10 | Motor Fleet Accident Investigation
Control costs through a complete & thorough vehicle accident investigation. Develop skills in loss prevention, data collection and analysis. Two-day class, October 26 and 27, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
11/16/10 | DOT Compliance
Seminar will include discussion and overview of State and Federal laws and regulations governing the motor carrier industry and commercial motor vehicles e.g. Driver Qualifications Files, Commercial Driver Licenses, Hours of Service, drug and alcohol tests, etc.
9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
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