With the help of the attorneys at Pacific Legal Foundation, PMTA and several members are fighting to invalidate Pennsylvania regulations that automatically incorporate heavy-diesel emission standards and warranty requirements whenever California changes its standards.

PMTA's attorneys have argued that this “rolling incorporation” of California law, which has become more problematic in recent years as CA requirements become more strict, violates separation of powers. This is because it cedes the power to make law to bureaucrats in California’s Air Resource Board (CARB), who are not accountable to the people of PA. Further, this “rolling incorporation” violates the Pennsylvania Documents Law, which ensures that Pennsylvanians—in this case, trucking businesses affected by the law—should have an opportunity to comment and raise objections before the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) begins enforcing new standards.

At issue in Peters Brothers Inc. v. PA DEP are newly effective CA regulations that require increasingly more stringent emission standards for heavy diesel engines over the coming years; in addition, those regulations require more costly warranty requirements when buying new trucks—regardless of whether the buyer wants extended coverage. The Environmental Quality Board (EQB) and the DEP have responded by acknowledging that those CA standards were incorporated into PA law when finalized by CA officials; however, they defend this rolling incorporation on the view that no one can sue unless and until DEP decides to begin enforcing these new standards.

But, as PMTA argues, DEP’s short-term decision to pause enforcement is not a bar to its lawsuit. By its own terms, DEP’s notice of suspension of enforcement will expire on January 2, 2026. In any event, PMTA's attorneys are arguing that this lawsuit can move forward because the Pennsylvania Air Pollution Control Act authorizes citizen lawsuits against any company that is violating EQB regulations—regardless of whether DEP is enforcing or not. The Commonwealth Court is set to hear arguments on whether this case can move forward on June 3, 2024 in Philadelphia.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is granting  Maryland Motor Truck Association's requests to allow drivers regulatory exemptions in response to the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore. 

The following waivers apply to:

• Transportation related to the immediate restoration of essential services at the Port of Baltimore.
• Transportation of commodities re-routed due to the disruptions to vessel traffic into the Port.
• Transportation of fuel (gasoline, ethanol, propane, natural gas, and heating oil) from Maryland’s Curtis Bay terminal (within the Baltimore Marine Terminal area) for delivery to the following locations within Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Carroll County, Cecil County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Queen Anne’s County, and Washington County.

FMCSA is allowing drivers an additional two hours of driver time for deliveries of intermodal freight and fuel. Drivers, however, are still subject to the maximum allowed on-duty time. For example, a driver is allowed 13 hours of driving in a 14 hour on-duty window. 

FMCSA also granted an exemption to the electronic logging device requirement because many companies which operate exclusively at the Port of Baltimore are now being diverted to pick up cargo at other ports.  Drivers will still need to keep a paper log while operating under the waiver. 

These waivers will expire May 8 unless extended or revoked sooner. 

Click here to read the waivers in their entirety to ensure compliance: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/extension-emergency-declaration-under-49-cfr-ss-39025-no-2024-002-maryland

IFTA and IRP waivers for Maryland trucking companies

The Maryland Motor Truck Association has been notified by both the Pennsylvania and Virginia Departments of Transportation that these states will waive IRP and IFTA requirements for Maryland trucking companies hauling freight to or from a seaport.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation indicated that the Pennsylvania State Police "will not enforce as long as waivers are in place" in Maryland. 

The period of the suspension will end upon expiration of the state of emergency that has been declared by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration as a result of the situation in Maryland. Currently, that state of emergency, as extended, is scheduled to remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5T) or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), May 8, 2024, whichever is earlier.

Reminder of size limits and hazardous materials restrictions in Baltimore tunnels: 

With the closure of a portion of I-695, motorists are being encouraged to use the I-95 or I-895 tunnels as alternates; however, trucks should be aware of the following restrictions. Vehicles in excess of 13’6” in height, or 96” (8 feet) in width are prohibited from using the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel (I-895). The I-95 Ft. McHenry Tunnel restrictions are 14’6” height and 11’0” in width.

Hazardous materials are prohibited in the tunnels and should use the western section of I-695. A list of the specific prohibitions on various commodities is laid out in COMAR 11.07.01.04, which is available at https://dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/11.07.01.04.aspx. In addition, if you are operating a vehicle powered by natural gas, you are restricted from using the tunnels if the fuel capacity of the vehicle exceeds 150 pounds. See COMAR 11.07.01.03 (https://dsd.maryland.gov/regulations/Pages/11.07.01.03.aspx).

Dominic C. Marano, 81, of New Hope, PA, left us peacefully, surrounded by his family on March 29, 2024, leaving a legacy of love, wisdom and cherished memories that will forever be etched in our hearts.  

Dominic was a devoted family man whose love and dedication knew no bounds.  He was a pillar of strength, always putting his loved ones first and cherishing every moment spent together. His warm smile and gentle guidance will be deeply missed by his wife, children, grandchildren and all who had the privilege of knowing him. 

Dominic was a member of PMTA for over 50 years. He served on the Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter Board as Director and President for many years. He was active with the Chapter Board up until he passed. 

Dominic was also involved at the state level serving as Pennsylvania's American Trucking Associations Vice President.

"Dominic was a true leader with a gentle disposition. He was well respected by all who knew him," said Philadelphia/Delaware Valley Chapter official Dave Spera. "Dominic had a way to sort through the problems and find a workable solution that all board members could agree upon. His guidance, generosity and wisdom will be sorely missed."

Dominic was the loving husband of 60+ years to Marian (nee Cragg).  He was also the devoted father to Lisa White (John), Angela Marano, Nicole Haney (Chris), and Dominic Jr. (Genna), and a dear Pop-Pop to Martina, Amanda, John Jr., Alexis, Jeff Jr., Vaida, Emersyn, and Dominic.  Brother to Celeste Warner (Bud) and Victor Marano (Margaret). 

Preceded in death by his parents, Martin and Angelina Marano, brother, Martin Marano, Jr. (Janet) and sister, Rosemary Brown (Jack).

“We are so grateful for the time and commitment PMTA has made to the trucking industry as it was my grandfather's passion and our family tradition to help others in his field,” said Pennsylvania State Representative Martina White, Dominic’s granddaughter.  “Participating in meetings and celebrations brought joy to his life and he absolutely cherished the friendships he formed. He was immensely proud to have been part of all that PMTA achieved.”

Dominic was born on May 14th,1942 in Philadelphia.  He graduated from Mater Dolorosa Catholic Grade School and Northeast Catholic High School for Boys, class of 1960, before studying transportation at Temple University.  Dominic began his career in 1960 in the family business, Marty's Xpress, before branching out on his own.  He founded Marano Truck Leasing.  

Dominic was a man of honor and commitment. Not only was he an active member of PMTA, he also served in the following organizations: Holy Family University Board of Trustees, Past President of Greater Northeast Phila Chamber of Commerce, Past Board Member of Visitors Temple Podiatry School, Past President and 45 year member of Frankford Lions Club, previous Supervisor Solebury Township, Management and Co-Chairman of Teamster Local 837 Health, Welfare and Pension Fund, Honorary Doctorate Degree from Holy Family University, Honorary Lifetime Member of Knights of Columbus (Knight of the 3rd Degree), Member of St. Martin of Tours Parish, New Hope, PA and many more, each of these groups, including PMTA benefited from his dedication and passion. 

Dominic will always be remembered for his enduring legacy of generosity and high moral character.  He held an unwavering commitment to uplift those around him.  May Dominic rest in peace knowing his memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him. 

Family and friends are invited to honor Dominic's life on Friday, April 5th, from 9:00 AM to 10:50 AM at Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church in Doylestown, PA, with a Funeral Mass following at 11:00 AM. 

Interment will take place at All Saints Cemetery, Newtown, PA.

In lieu of flowers contributions in Dominic’s name may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Amyloidosis Foundation (www.amyloidosis.org).

https://www.lifecelebration.com/obituary/Dominic-Marano

Though the upper northwest corner of Pennsylvania is the only part of the state that will be directly in the path of the total solar eclipse crossing North America on April 8, travel impacts may be significant, and PMTA members are encouraged to plan ahead. The state has released plans for managing the unexpected number of visitors and their impact on traffic in the region.

While most of Pennsylvania will experience 90-99% coverage of the sun by the moon’s shadow, Crawford and Erie counties as well as portions of Mercer and Warren counties will see total coverage of the sun at approximately 3:16 p.m. to 3:20 p.m. The eclipse will conclude around 4:30 p.m.

More than 200,000 people are expected to make the journey to the City of Erie alone to experience the event. As a result, unusual travel patterns and volume may lead to unexpected challenges on the road throughout the state during the day.

State agencies are offering the following resources:

• PennDOT has developed an event-specific 511PA page to assist travelers to the Erie area during the high traffic period to see various suggested routes: https://www.511pa.com/eclipse24/.
• The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will be keeping all lanes of traffic open heading to and from Erie on I-79 via the Cranberry Interchange (Exit #28) and will add additional maintenance personnel in the event of an emergency.
• The Pennsylvania State Police will remove disabled vehicles from interstates in northwestern PA and post troopers at each exit to keep traffic moving. They will also direct people gathering at rest stops to view the eclipse elsewhere.

Stay tuned to state and local news -- as well as 511PA -- for updates. 

The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association (PMTA) named the 2023 Driver of the Year from 12 Driver of the Month finalists at the Annual Driver of the Year Banquet at the Penn Harris Hotel and Convention Center in Camp Hill, PA. 

Jason Seibert, driver for JVI Group, Inc., was named Driver of the Year after being nominated by his safety management staff. 

Each year, the Safety Management Council (SMC) chooses 12 drivers with exceptional safety records to serve as drivers of the month. Then, with help from the Pennsylvania State Police and event sponsor, Sentry Insurance, a Driver of the Year is selected and recognized for their outstanding achievement in highway safety. 

All 12 of the award winning drivers embody the dedication, leadership, positivity and unwavering commitment to safety exemplifying the mission of the Safety Management Council.

January - Gary Furman, Ward Transport & Logistics

Gary Furman, from New Alexandria, has been a professional truck driver for 46 years, logged more than 4.3 million miles and only ever been in one crash. He is the first driver in Ward Trucking history to receive the 40-year Safe Driving Award.This is his fourth time being named a PMTA Driver of the Month.

“Gary is a very dedicated Ward driver,” said Paul Bracken, manager of safety at Ward Trucking. “He never complains, just does his job safely.”

When he’s not at work, Gary is the director and life member of theSalem Gun Club of New Alexandria, PA and mentors in the PA State Mentored Youth Hunting Program. He enjoys spending time with his wife, Pam, sons Gary Jr. (who is also a driver for Ward) and Ben, and his four grandchildren.

February - Timothy Snyder, Klapec Trucking Co. 

Timothy Snyder, from Franklin, has been driving professionally since 1987 and has been with Klapec since 1996. In that time he has driven more than 1.5 million miles and in 2021 received a 24-years of Safe Driving Award from KTC and a 25-years of Accident Free Award from KTC. He is an active part of the KTC Safety Committee. “The dispatchers say Tim always comes to work with a positive attitude,” said Dean Summerville, Safety Director at Klapec Trucking. “He has exceptional attention to detail and helps fellow drivers with their loads and directions.” In his free time Tim enjoys hunting, golf and spending time with his fiancé, Kim, and kids, Matt and Jamie.

March - Samuel Sommers, Klapec Trucking Co.

Samuel Sommers, of Franklin, has been a professional driver since 2008 and has logged more than 1 million miles. In that time, he’s won an 11-year Safe Driving Award and an 11-year Safe Working Award from Klapec Trucking. He’s served on KTC’s Safety Committee for several years. “Sam is always friendly and professional with the other drivers and customers and is always willing to go out of his way to help others,” said Dean Summerville, KTC Safety Director. Sam enjoys walking, reading and spending time with his wife, Suzanne, five children and five grandchildren.

April - Thomas Richardson, Ward Transport & Logistics

Thomas Richardson, of Gibbstown, has been a professional driver since 1979 and has been with Ward Transport & Logistics since 1987. In his 43 years on the road he’s logged more than 1 million miles and only ever been involved in one crash. He’s earned awards for 5, 10, 15 and 20 Years of Safe Driving. “Tom is an outstanding employee,” said Paul Bracken, Safety MNL for Ward. “He comes in early, around 5:30 am, works the dock and then runs a very busy route in Landsdale, PA.” Tom and his wife, Cindy, have two kids, Jacqueline and Ryan. Tom enjoys spending time in the Pocono Mountains.

May - Mark Wilkinson, Pitt Ohio

Mark Wilkinson, of Phoenixville, has been behind the wheel since 1985 and has spent all but one of those years with Pitt Ohio. In his time on the road, Mark has traveled over 2.7 million miles and only been involved in one preventable crash. He received a 34-year Safe Driving Award from Pitt Ohio Express. “Mark Wilkinson has been a valuable member of the Pitt Ohio family for 37-years,” said Mark’s Terminal Manager Greg Kulp. “He is a dedicated and loyal employee, always having an upbeat attitude. Mark takes great pride in servicing and taking care of our customers.” Mark has always been physically active. He enjoys golf, dirt track racing, Nascar, and spending time on the beach and in the mountains.

June - Jason Fake, S&H Express Inc.

Jason Fake, of York, has been a professional driver since 1997 and has logged more than 2.8 million miles in his career. He’s worked for S&H Express since 2004. Jason regularly receives monthly safety bonuses and actively participates in safety meetings. He’s driven through every U.S. state except North Dakota, Alaska and Hawaii. Jason services one of S&H’s tougher runs through NYC/Long Island. “Jason is a hardworking, reliable driver,“ said his dispatcher Tina Bailey. ”Jason once brought a calf to visit the maintenance shop. Why? Because a co-worker loves cows!” Jason and his wife, April, have two children and are active in their church and community. Jason volunteers at Pleasant View Food Bank and serves his church as a deacon, choir member and greeter.

July - Todd Humes, FedEx Freight, Inc. 

Todd Humes, of Huntingdon, has been a professional driver for 30 years and has been with FedEx since 1992. He’s driven over 7 million miles in his career, 4 million of those with FedEx. In 2011, Todd won the President’s Safety Award. In 2017, he won the Master President’s Safety Award. In 2022, Todd achieved the 30-year Safe Driver Award. “Mr. Humes is very passionate about the trucking industry and the importance of being a safe and courteous driver,” said Michael Dare, Safety Advisor with FedEx Freight. “Mr. Humes has mentored young drivers and been a tremendous influence.” In his free time, Todd enjoys hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle.

August - Danny Diehl, Ward Transport & Logistics

Danny Diehl, of Altoona, has been driving professionally since 1985. He’s been with Ward Trucking since 1988. Over the course of his career, he’s driven 3.5 million miles and never been in a crash. He won the 15-year Safe Driving Award in March 2003, Driver of the Month 2009, an award for driving 3 million miles accident free, and a 35-year Safe Driving Award. “Danny is an excellent, safe driver,” said the staff at Ward. “He has the longest run out of Altoona. The fact of how far he drives and how often is incredible.” Danny spends his free time watching his grandchildren, camping with his RV, hunting and fishing.

September - Jason Seibert, JVI Group, Inc. 

Jason Seibert, from Lewisberry, has been driving professionally since 1996 and has spent the last seven with JVI Group. He has logged more than 3.3 million miles and has never been in a crash. In his 27 years driving professionally, Jason has driven a multitude of vehicle types. His employer calls him “the standard of excellence when it comes to overall job performance, knowledge and camaraderie,” and says he is always ready and willing to help. “Jason assists those in authority by identifying potential hazards, even beyond trucking and provides recommendations to mitigate,” said Sam Elicker, President of JVI Group. “He is being nominated not just for the job, which he does so well, but for the way he selflessly embraces and encourages the goals of others.” Jason talks very highly of his mom, Debra Seibert. He enjoys spending time with her and spends his vacation days taking her on cruises.

October - Daniel Marlatt, Klapec Trucking Co. 

Daniel Marlatt started his professional driving career with Klapec in 2006. Since then, he has driven over 1.7 million miles. Daniel won the 11-year Safe Driving Award from Klapec and an award for working 12-years accident free. “Dan is a great ambassador to our team and the trucking industry,” said Dean Summerville, Safety Director at Klapec Trucking. “He started his career as a driver trainee, completed the KTC finishing program and has become one of KTC’s most successful employees.” Daniel enjoys golf, football, cooking and traveling with his wife, Wendy, and daughters, Rebecca and Rachel.

November - Kalen Herbein, Lester R. Summers, Inc. 

Kalen Herbein, from Adamstown, has been driving professionally since 2010 and has been with Lester R. Summers, Inc. since July 2013. In his career, he has covered more than 850,000 miles. Kalen takes an active role in safety practices and new driver training and is an active member of the Company ESOP Committee. “Kalen has a great attitude,” said Veronica Dale, office manager for Lester R. Summers, Inc. “He enjoys being a driver trainer to train new hires concentrating on proper securement and safe acts.” In his free time, Kalen creates art on cornhole boards, enjoys tattooing, hiking with his dogs, going to the gym and working on cars.

December - Curtis Lilly, Ward Transport & Logistics

Curtis L Lilly, from Bath, has been a professional truck driver for 33 years. He’s worked for Ward Trucking since 1995. In his time on the road, Curtis has logged more than 1.5 million miles and has never been involved in a crash. He’s picked up awards for 20 years of safe driving and 25 years of safe driving. “Curtis never misses work and is always willing to go the extra mile for both Ward’s customers and for Ward itself,” said Robert Dougherty, Regional Safety Manager of Ward Trucking. He enjoys dirt track racing, bass fishing and koi fish. He and his wife, Patricia, have been married for 32 years and have a daughter, Mackenzie. “ My dad is the strongest man I know,” said Mackenzie. “He taught me not just how to drive, but how to do so safely and considerately.

Tom Kintz from Sentry Insurance presented the awards to the 12 Drivers of the Month. 

Chris Henry from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration thanked the drivers for their commitment to highway safety and Dennis McGee hosted a Roundtable event for drivers after the banquet.

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) said it would delay the first periodic testing deadline for its Clean Truck Check Program to January 1, 2025. 

This does not delay requirements to register and pay fees for 2023. 

CARB’s Clean Truck Check program replaces the state's current Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP).

It requires non-gasoline (diesel, alternative fuel, and hybrid) trucks, buses, and other heavy-duty vehicles (such as California-registered motorhomes) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds to undergo emissions testing if they operate in California, regardless of the state in which they are registered.

The Clean Truck Check Program is comprised of three phases, the first of which started in January with the use of with remote emissions monitoring technologies. The second phase, in effect since Feb. 1, required all eligible vehicle owners to register with CARB’s Clean Truck Check database and pay an annual $30 compliance fee per vehicle. The third phase, which is now delayed to 2025 but was originally planned to take effect this summer, requires the owners of heavy trucks to undergo periodic emissions testing similar to California’s passenger car Smog Check program.

Champion of the trucking industry and active member of PMTA, John Kagel, 68, passed away Friday, March 8, 2024.

He passed peacefully at home surrounded by family. 

John was battling a critical illness and fought every day to continue to participate in PMTA events and meetings and his work at H R Ewell.

John will be sorely missed and impossible to replace at PMTA.

He held positions on the Board of Directors, the Safety Management Council, the Truck Driving Championships Committee and his favorite, the Youth Driving Championships Committee. 

John participated in the Truck Driving Championships (TDC) Committee for over 30 years. He continued to volunteer at TDC until 2023. Keagel worked his way to the top of both the Board of the Safety Management Council and PMTA Board of Directors. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1999-2001.

Keagel worked as Vice President of Safety and Human Resources at H R Ewell, Inc.

“He made safety his focus in every situation,” said PMTA Safety Director John Rigney. “He was a master when it came to scoring the TDCs. He was meticulous and made sure every aspect of the data was correct because he wanted to make sure all the competitors were treated fairly.”

John was always willing to lend a hand and served PMTA until the very end. 

“This is a loss for the entire PMTA family because John touched so many parts of the association for such a long time. PMTA is a better association in all the places he worked hard to improve," said President and CEO Rebecca Oyler. "Our thoughts and prayers are with John’s family, and we hope they will take comfort in knowing PMTA is stronger today because of him.”

John was Pennsylvania State University graduate. There he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business. John was a member of First Presbyterian Church of York serving as an elder and working in youth programs. 

John was a dedicated family man who enjoyed hiking, biking, camping, and traveling with his loved ones including his beloved dogs.

In addition to his wife, John is survived by his daughter, Allison (Keagel) Matteson and her husband, Daniel of Melbourne, FL; his two sons, Michael Keagel and his wife, Chelsea of Niagara Falls, NY and Mark Keagel of York; his four grandchildren, Ace Matteson, Ian Coleman, Lucas Keagel, and Avery Keagel; his sister, Janys (Keagel) Kercher and her husband, Terry; and his brother, Jeff Keagel. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews who have many fond memories of their uncle. His absence will also be profoundly felt by a community of friends and colleagues who respected and admired him.

Following cremation, a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23 at 11:00 AM at First Presbyterian Church of York, 225 E. Market Street, York.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wreaths Across America at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. You can donate through PMTA here: www.wreathsaccrossamerica.org/pennsylvaniamotor

www.etzweilerfuneralhome.com

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PA Turnpike), in partnership with the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) began enforcing  the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program designed to crack down on drivers speeding through highway construction sites.

Previously referred to as Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement, the initial five-year pilot program was made permanent when House Bill 1284 was signed into law on December 14, 2023.

The legislation made several adjustments, including a new 15-day warning period beginning on the mail date of the first violation.

If a driver is caught speeding through a work zone by Work Zone Speed Safety Cameras, they will not receive a second violation until 15 days after the mail date of their first violation.

This allows time for the warning to be delivered to the motorist to ensure they are aware of the program and change their driving behavior. Once the 15-day warning period has ended, multiple violations can be received on consecutive days, and even on the same day.

Additionally, under the new legislation, all violations are reset, meaning every motorist will start over with a first violation, even if they had received violations under the pilot program.

Violations that were issued prior to Feb. 15, 2024, during the pilot program are still valid and will continue to be pursued.

"The Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program is about making work zones safer for both workers and motorists by reducing speeds and changing driver behavior," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "Data from the pilot program shows it was successful, and we're pleased that it's now a permanent program in Pennsylvania."

Over the course of the five years of the pilot program, there was a 38 percent reduction in speeding in work zones (one mile per hour or more over the speed limit), a 47 percent reduction in excessive speeding in work zones (11 miles per hour or more over the speed limit), and work zone crashes declined by up to 50 percent when a speed enforcement vehicle was present.

Work zones with speed safety cameras deployed are marked with signage in advance of the enforcement area. To improve driver awareness and ensure the signs are more easily noticed by motorists, new high-visibility signs are being implemented.

Pennsylvania's Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program uses vehicle-mounted systems to detect and record motorists exceeding posted work zone speed limits by 11 miles per hour or more using electronic speed timing devices.

Camera systems are only operational in active work zones where workers are present.

Registered owners will receive a warning letter for a first offense, a violation notice with a $75 fine for a second offense, and a violation notice with a $150 fine for third and all subsequent offenses.

These violations are civil penalties only; no points will be assessed to driver's licenses.

"Speed safety cameras are important tools for discouraging drivers from exceeding posted speeds," explained PA Turnpike Chief Operating Officer Craig Shuey. "Paying attention and reducing speed are critical as drivers approach a work zone where workers are inches from live traffic. The goal of this program is to build awareness and most importantly, to change unsafe driving behaviors.

In 2022, there were 1,293 work zone crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 14 fatalities, and 42% of work zone crashes resulted in fatalities and/or injuries. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 90 workers in the line of duty. The PA Turnpike has lost 45 workers since 1945.

For more information on the Work Zone Speed Safety Camera program, including a list of projects where the units are deployed, visit WorkZoneCameras.PennDOT.gov.

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) issued a request for motor carriers to participate in ATRI’s annual update to its Operational Costs of Trucking report.

ATRI’s Operational Costs of Trucking is a trusted resource in the industry for benchmarking costs and operations. ATRI collects data confidentially from for-hire motor carriers of all sectors, regions, and sizes – from owner-operators to 10,000-truck fleets – to produce insights on key industry trends that guide decision-makers of all kinds.

Cost metrics requested by ATRI include driver pay, insurance premiums, and equipment lease or purchase payments. Carriers and owner-operators can submit these costs for the year 2023 on a per-mile or per-hour basis with an easy-to-use online data entry form or an emailed PDF form. Additional questions cover operational metrics such as the percentage of empty miles, dwell time per stop, and driver turnover.

All participating motor carriers receive a customized report that compares their fleet’s costs and operations to peer carriers of the same sector and size, as well as an advance copy of the full report.

For-hire motor carriers are encouraged to provide operational cost data to ATRI by Friday, April 26, 2024. ATRI’s data collection form is available online here, along with a sample customized report and FAQ. All confidential information is protected, and it is published only in anonymized, aggregate form.

The Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association joined a coalition of business and industry organizations across PA urging Governor Josh Shapiro and state lawmakers to ensure a robust and reliable energy supply for the state’s businesses and consumers.

The letter advocated for legislative action that would create effective public policy to ensure the state maintains a reliable energy supply.

Highlighting the absence of calls for new taxes or tax increases in Shapiro’s recent budget address, the coalition said the state’s energy industry plays a key role in bolstering the state’s economic landscape.

“Pennsylvania is a global energy leader that is home to abundant natural resources, industry thought leaders, and cutting-edge innovators,” the coalition members wrote.

Additionally, the coalition said it was confident that a partnership between industry and government through public policy can enhance the state’s global energy position.

“Through bipartisan cooperation, we have the opportunity to develop and advance policies, such as permitting reform, that promote domestic energy production and its use in legacy and emerging industries,” the letter said. “The Commonwealth’s energy success story is still being written, and we all have an opportunity and responsibility to ensure current and future chapters in this story are defined by themes of innovation, global leadership, and economic growth.”

The letter was signed by the American Petroleum Institute – Pennsylvania, Associated Pennsylvania Constructors, Consumer Energy Alliance, Keystone Contractors Association, Manufacturer & Business Association, Marcellus Shale Coalition, National Federation of Independent Business, Pennsylvania Aggregates and Concrete Association; Pennsylvania Builders Association; Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, Pennsylvania Chemical Industry Council, Pennsylvania Forest Products Association, Pennsylvania State Grange, Pennsylvania Independent Oil & Gas Association, Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association, and Pennsylvania Septage Management Association.