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  • July 07, 2022 9:44 PM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    On Wednesday, July 6, the PA Senate passed SB 1094 (Gebhard), which was already passed by the House and now goes to the Governor for his signature. This bill includes four separate items that PMTA provided input on as they were debated in the General Assembly.

    SB 1094 was originally written to modernize the Motor Carrier Safety Advisory Committee, with changes supported by PMTA. The bill increases the size of the committee from 28 to 31, with PMTA retaining its two seats for the association. The members of the committee were revised, and representatives of the following were added: PA Manufactured Housing Association, PA Forest Products Association, the motor carrier manufacturing industry, the natural gas industry, the coal industry, and the construction material transportation industry. The bill provides for the filling of vacancies on the committee and allows the members to elect a chairperson and other officers. SB 1094 also revises the duties of the commission, which is now charged with:

    • Studying the feasibility of improving highway safety and freight transportation on highways and developing a policy periodically on the most pressing issues facing motor carrier safety.
    • Examining and recommending motor carrier safety initiatives for strategic plans of PennDOT, the PUC, and the PA State Police.
    • Advising and commenting on all phases of motor carrier safety activities being undertaken or financially assisted by PennDOT and agencies of the Commonwealth.
    • With assistance from PennDOT, providing advice and recommendations to businesses, manufacturers, educational institutions, technology developers, the motor carrier industry, labor communities and local governments related to motor carrier safety.
    • Developing and maintaining a forum for the exchange of ideas, needs, objectives, plans and accomplishments related to motor carrier safety.

    SB 1094 was amended to add three additional provisions. First, the bill requires PennDOT to establish a system of staggered apportioned registration renewal in no less than four periods throughout the year, a proposal originally introduced by Rep. David Zimmerman (R-Lancaster). This proposal was supported by PMTA to ease the rush of apportioned renewals and resulting backlog at PennDOT at the end of May every year. PMTA looks forward to working with PennDOT as the new staggered registration system is implemented in the near future.

    Second, the bill brings PA into compliance with FMCSA’s final rule regarding Commercial Driver’s Licenses and the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.

    And finally, SB 1094 provides requirements for the removal of snow and ice from vehicles. A long-time priority of Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh), “Christine’s Law” was named after a woman who was tragically killed when a piece of ice dislodged from a box truck and crashed through her windshield in 2005.

    The bill requires that a driver make a reasonable effort to remove snow or ice from a vehicle within 24 hours. However, it provides exceptions for motor carrier vehicles, mass transit vehicles, and buses from this requirement under the following circumstances:

    • The driver is en route to a facility to remove accumulated ice or snow at the time they are stopped by law enforcement; or
    • Compliance with the requirement causes the driver to violate any other federal or state law or regulation regarding workplace safety or would be a threat to the health or safety of the driver.

    PMTA had opposed previous versions of this legislation due to unrealistic and unattainable requirements for the removal of snow and ice for motor carriers. However, PMTA worked with Sen. Boscola to address these concerns and appreciates the exceptions that she provided in the legislation.

    The snow and ice provisions will be in effect this coming winter.

    Governor Wolf is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.


  • June 30, 2022 3:49 PM | Anonymous

    The Commonwealth Court ruled on Thursday that PennDOT’s P3 initiative to toll nine bridges violated Act 88 and has blocked the plan moving forward.

    The court ruled in favor of the petitioners South Fayette Township, Bridgeville Borough and Collier Township in a 36-page opinion issued today. The ruling, penned by Judge Ellen Ceisler, states that the Major Bridge P3 Initiative is void ab initio (from the beginning).

    Judge Ceisler noted that it was “clear that the (P3) Board had no specific bridges in mind when it approved the initiative in November 2020. There is no indication that the Board engaged in any meaningful consultation with “persons affected” by the Initiative, as Act 88 requires.” The opinion went on to state that “Instead, DOT purported to do so afterward once specific bridges were announced. This is inconsistent with Act 88’s procedural framework, both as shown by the statute’s text and as understood by the Board in its P3 Manual.”

    The opinion pointed out that the board approved a “multi-billion dollar transportation project based on what was essentially a four-page powerpoint recommendation from DOT that failed to delineate which, or how many, pieces of public infrastructure the Initiative would affect.”

    The opinion also noted the amicus brief filed by the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association in a footnote that stated: “Berks County, along with several municipalities in Berks County, and the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association filed amicus curiae briefs, in which they raised concerns with the Initiative’s approval process, and the anticipated harm caused by the implementation of the Initiative.”

    Judge Ceisler also issued an injunction in May in a similar case in Cumberland County, halting the projects from moving forward. Now, she has ruled that PennDOT and the P3 Board have violated the law.

    “PMTA is grateful to Commonwealth Court for recognizing the necessity to put a halt to all nine bridge tolling projects across the state because it is clear from her opinion that PennDOT violated the P3 law from the beginning,” PMTA President and CEO Rebecca Oyler said. “From the day the initiative was announced in November 2020, PMTA has pointed out that the agency failed to follow basic steps not only required by law, but also expected of any government action – communicate before acting.

    “Had they communicated with the Pennsylvania trucking industry, they would have heard that the consequences of tolling would be catastrophic. With diesel prices already at record levels, now is the worst possible time to add $5000+ per truck per year for trucking companies and other small businesses. These are costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers.”

    “Today is a good day for the trucking industry and for the driving public in Pennsylvania.”


  • June 28, 2022 2:21 PM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    PMTA is undergoing a process of evaluating where it's been and where it plans to go in the future, and members are welcome and encouraged to join the conversation!

    Strategic Planning kicked off last fall with a survey of members about their satisfaction with PMTA and what they value about the association. The PMTA Board discussed the results of the survey and has begun setting goals and objectives in all areas of the association. The board has asked each PMTA committee and the Safety Management Council to examine the goals and provide specific suggestions of how the association can best meet these goals. 

    PMTA's goals are as follows:

    Membership: Increase membership: recruit new members, retain existing members, and maximize dues revenue.

    Safety: Promote safety in the industry to reduce accidents and foster positive image of trucking.

    Education: Provide valuable learning opportunities to members and educate the public on trucking.

    Advocacy: Educate decision-makers and the media to advance policies necessary for a successful trucking industry.

    Member Assistance: Be the premier resource for relevant information and effective and valuable services for trucking industry members.

    Next Generation: Encourage and develop the next generation of trucking.

    Economic Climate: Promote pro-growth initiatives to improve the business climate for trucking.

    Revenue: Increase revenue and diversify sources of revenue.

    Committees have begun their work this week, but it's not too late for members to join SMC or a committee they have an interest in to be engaged in this important process. These groups are meeting this summer via Zoom. Please contact Kelly Hawthorne ([email protected]) to join a committee's discussions. To join the SMC's meetings, please contact PMTA Director of Safety John Rigney ([email protected]).

    There are eight permanent committees designated by the Board in addition to the Safety Management Council, which is chaired by Dean Yockey of Pitt Ohio and has committees of its own. The SMC is discussing PMTA objectives related to Safety, Education, and Member Assistance.

    Just this week, the new Trade Committee, chaired by Emerson Hauck of Hauck Logistics, met to discuss how PMTA can: provide more opportunities for carrier and trade members to network, offer better sponsorship options, and reach out to other potential members. The Trade Committee is discussing PMTA objectives related to Education, Member Assistance, Revenue, and Economic Climate. 

    The AMC Planning Committee, which is chaired by PMTA Chairman Beth Hamilton of the Central PA Foodbank, works closely with the staff to plan and execute the Annual Membership Conference (AMC) and Expo. This process includes choosing a location and session topics and selecting speakers for the AMC as well as outlining a budget for the event. The AMC Planning Committee is discussing PMTA objectives related to Member Assistance, Revenue, and Education. 

    The Chapter Relations Committee, chaired by Dale Knox of Vorzik Transport Inc., consists of all the Chapter officers. The Chapter Presidents are required to either attend or send a representative to each of the four annual meetings of this committee. The committee works closely with the Director of Chapter Relations to help facilitate member engagement at the chapter level. The Chapter Relations Committee is discussing PMTA objectives related to Membership, Education, and Member Assistance.

    The Legislative Committee, co-chaired by Phil Garber of GFI Transport and Tom Jacques of Waste Management, meets four times per year prior to the Board of Directors’ meetings, and it works with the President and CEO as well as PMTA’s hired lobbyists to track and discuss legislation and regulations that affect the transportation industry. The Legislative Committee is discussing PMTA objectives related to Advocacy, Economic Climate, Safety, and Revenue. 

    The NextGen Committee is designed to engage individuals that are either new to the transportation industry or in a position to take leadership roles in the future both with their company and PMTA. The NextGen Committee is discussing PMTA objectives related to Education, Member Assistance, and Economic Climate. 

    The Political Action Committee Management Committee, led by Scott Pauchnik of FedEx, manages the PA Truck PAC, which evaluates statewide political candidates and determines where and when contributions are made to legislators who are sympathetic with our industry's concerns. PAC Management Committee membership is limited to members of the state Board or Chapter Boards. The PAC Management Committee is discussing PMTA objectives relating to Advocacy. 

    The Nominating Committee, chaired by Mark Giuffre of UPS, selects potential new members of the Board of Directors. The Chairman of the Board appoints Nominating Committee members.

    The Budget Committee works with the President and CEO and Director of Finance to define the association’s operating budget from year to year. The annual budget for the upcoming year is approved annually at the November Board meeting. Budget Committee membership is limited to members of the Board.



  • June 28, 2022 1:07 PM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    As of June 27, Pennsylvania has suspended its 2% biodiesel content mandate in diesel fuel sold for on-road use in the state. The suspension is in effect through July 26, 2022. 

    PMTA made the request of the PA Department of Agriculture for the suspension in response to reports by PMTA members and other companies of temporary shortages of diesel in some areas of the state. 

    Pennsylvania is the only east coast state that has a biodiesel mandate like this, preventing Pennsylvania suppliers from sourcing diesel fuel from outside the state. Suspending the biodiesel requirement opens the market to out-of-state purchases and should have the effect of evening out supply chain issues that have prevented distribution of PA-compliant diesel to some suppliers.

    The Department of Agriculture is able to issue the suspension if it determines that doing so is necessary due to increased cost to consumers or insufficient quantity or distribution of the fuel. In issuing its order, the agency noted that, "the extreme price fluctuation and limited inventory from wholesalers have caused low stock and rolling outages of diesel fuel throughout Pennsylvania."

    The Department of Agriculture will be monitoring supply conditions throughout the state in the coming weeks and may consider modifying, terminating, or extending the order. 

  • June 27, 2022 10:01 AM | Anonymous


    Mount Pocono, PA -- Friday and Saturday at the Kalahari Resort the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association hosted its annual Truck Driving Championships for the first time since 2019. 

    This year, 132 drivers, with more than 212 Million combined safe miles,  competed in nine different classes: Straight Truck, Twins, Three-Axle, Four-Axle, Five-Axle, Sleeper, Tanker, Flatbed and Step Van. In the nine different classes, eight different companies left with first place trophies. 

    The action got started on Friday morning with the driver meeting and the written test. This year, two drivers tied for the high score on the written test. Terry Wood from Walmart Transportation and Matt Fletcher from Martin Brower each scored 72 of a possible 80 points on the test.

    In the afternoon, drivers had the opportunity to walk through the course and went through the Pre-Trip Exam portion of the competition as well. John Brownawell, representing Yellow Freight Systems, recorded the high score in that portion of the competition.

    On Saturday morning, the first driver went through the course a little after 7:30 a.m. and the final driver completed the course just after 3:15 p.m. In that time, all 132 drivers and PMTA President and CEO Rebecca Oyler navigated the six-problem course. 

    On Saturday evening at the banquet, more than 700 individuals attended the awards presentation in convention center at the Kalahari Resort. At the time, the following individuals were given their awards for their performance in the event.

    Straight Truck:   1. Leonard Monette, UPS
                                    2. Michael Thorne, Pitt Ohio
                                    3. Brandon Mahan, Old Dominion Freight Line

    Twins:                   1. John Brownawell, Yellow Freight Systems
                                    2. Eric Waybright, Walmart Transportation
                                    3. Robert Walker, FedEx Freight

    Three Axle:         1. Scott Mullen, XPO Logistics
                                    2. Kraig Keller, Estes Express Lines, Inc
                                    3. James Evans, FedEx Freight

    Four Axle:           1. Bartholomew Masciulli, FedEx Express
                                    2. Doug Arnold, Pitt Ohio
                                    3. John Burns, R. H. Crawford, Inc

    Five Axle:             1. Tom Bewley, A Duie Pyle
                                    2. Falesha Delgado, FedEx Ground
                                    3. Matt Fletcher, Martin Brower

    Sleeper:               1. James Campbell, T Force Freight
                                    2. Terry Wood, Walmart Transportation
                                    3. Bryan Krol, Martin Brower

    Tanker:                 1. Joe Allen Boyd, Walmart Transportation
                                    2. Douglas Lang, Yellow Freight Systems
                                    3. Paul Waite, A Duie Pyle

    Flatbed:               1. Troy Wolf, Day & Ross
                                    2. Gene Bartlett, Walmart Transportation
                                    3. Daryl Miller, The Cope Company Salt

    Step Van:             1. T.J. Altland, UPS
                                    2. Chuck Digiovanni, FedEx Ground
                                    3. Jose Justiniano, FedEx Ground

    Pennsylvania Grand Champion: Troy Wolf, Day & Ross

    Rookie of the Year: Falecia Delgado, FedEx Ground
    Highest Written Exam Score: Terry Wood, Walmart and Matt Fletcher, Martin Brower
    Highest Pre-Trip Score: John Brownawell, Yellow Freight Systems

    Small Team Champion: Martin Brower
    Large Team Champion: Walmart Transportation

    The nine class winners have earned the right to represent Pennsylvania at the National Truck Driving Championships August 16-19, 2022 in Indianapolis.

    The Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships will return to the Kalahari Resort again in 2023, returning to the normal early June dates, June 9-10. 

    Click here for more photos from the event.

  • June 17, 2022 10:53 AM | Anonymous

    After receiving some feedback from members about access to diesel, PMTA asked the Department of Agriculture to waive the biodiesel mandate to minimize disruption of the supply of diesel in our state. This makes it possible for our suppliers to purchase fuels in surrounding states to sell here. Removing this artificial limit on the market should help bring prices back into line.

    Today, the Department wrote the letter below to the Governor to suspend the 2% biodiesel mandate for 30 days.

    Dear Governor Wolf,

    The Department of Agriculture (PDA) received a request to suspend the 2% biodiesel content mandate in diesel fuel sold for on-road imposed under section 3(a)(1) of the Biofuel Development and In-State Production Incentive Act (Act) (73 P.S. § 1650.3(a)(1)).

    The request was made under section 5(d) of the Act (73 P. S. § 1650.5(d)), which authorizes PDA, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), to suspend or modify to reduce the mandated content required by section 1650.3(a)(1) of the Act if PDA determines that doing so is warranted by factors, including but not limited to, substantially increased costs to consumers or insufficient quantity or distribution of biodiesel.

    In consultation with DEP, PDA has reviewed the industry’s evaluation of the impact of ongoing market price volatility on the consumption and availability of diesel fuel in Pennsylvania. Because wholesalers are unable to forecast the ongoing diesel fuel needs for in-state customers, they have ceased carrying a surplus of diesel fuel. The extreme price fluctuation and limited inventory from wholesalers have caused low stock and rolling outages of diesel fuel throughout Pennsylvania. Based on this evaluation, PDA has determined, and DEP concurs, that it is necessary to take further action to minimize or prevent disruption of the supply of diesel fuel in Pennsylvania.

    In accordance with the authority granted by section 5(d) of the Act, PDA hereby issues a partial and temporary suspension of the 2% biodiesel content mandate in this Commonwealth required under section 3(a)(1) of the Act. The suspension shall be effective Monday, June 27, 2022 until 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, subject to the following terms and conditions:

    a) All in-state terminal facilities shall continue to receive and blend diesel fuel in compliance with 2% biodiesel content mandate and all other provisions of the Act. Additionally, these facilities should consider higher blends within the acceptable OEM engine requirements and their customer’s ability to make such products available to consumers.

    b) During the period of this temporary suspension, the sale of diesel fuel for use in on-road compression ignition engines by any retailer, as defined in the Act, shall not be subject to the 2% biodiesel content mandate required by section 3(a)(1) of the Act. Any retailer that took delivery of diesel fuel blended outside the Commonwealth and which is not compliant with the mandated 2% biodiesel content required by section 3(a)(1) may sell such diesel fuel to consumers during the period of this suspension.

    c) After this temporary suspension expires, any retailer that took delivery of diesel fuel that is not compliant with the 2% biodiesel mandate during the period of suspension may sell the noncompliant diesel fuel already in its possession for use in on-road compression ignition engines. Any deliveries of diesel fuel to a retailer after this temporary suspension expires shall be subject to all provisions of the Act.

    PDA will continue to monitor conditions impacting the available supply of 2% biodiesel blend in the Commonwealth. Should conditions warrant, this suspension may be modified, terminated or extended as appropriate.

    Questions about this suspension should be directed to PDA through the Bureau of Ride and Measurement Standards Director Walter Remmert at 717.787.9089 or [email protected].

    Sincerely,

    Russell C. Redding

    Secretary

    cc: Secretary McDonnell, Department of Environmental Protection


  • June 10, 2022 5:23 PM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    In partnership with the I-81 Corridor Coalition, the Federal Highway Administration has scheduled a Virtual Truck Parking Technical Roundtable, which PMTA members may be interested in attending. The Roundtable will take place on June 23rd and 29th, with an introductory session scheduled for June 22nd to familiarize participant with the truck parking topic and enable full participation at the Roundtable sessions. 

    Session dates/times, web conference information, a registration link, and the latest agenda can be found at the I-81 Corridor Coalition website here.  There is no charge for attendance.

    I-81 is an important facility serving goods movements on the east coast as it traverses six states. The Corridor is challenged by a lack of safe and secure truck parking opportunities presenting a challenge to the safe and efficient movement of goods. The Roundtable is intended to bring public and private sector stakeholders together to:

    • Understand better why improved truck parking is critical to the safety and reliability of our highway transportation system
    • Identify areas acutely affected by a lack of safe and secure truck parking opportunities.
    • Consider truck parking solutions implemented in other areas around the country.
    • Develop solutions suited to address truck parking shortages on the Corridor.

    PMTA members are welcome and encouraged to attend to discuss issues they have had with parking in the corridor and discuss potential solutions. Please register here: https://www.i-81coalition.org/truck-roundtable.html

  • June 03, 2022 4:19 PM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    May be an image of text that says 'BRIDGE TOLLS NO P3'

    Harrisburg, PA – The No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition will be hosting a rally at 10:00 am on June 8 on the front steps of the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The rally will include remarks from state legislators, county officials, statewide business organizations, local chambers, and economic development entities who oppose Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s P3 Major Bridge Tolling Initiative. The coalition is calling on the Wolf Administration and PennDOT to scrap the tolling proposal and work with organizations and stakeholders to find sustainable and equitable long-term solutions to funding Pennsylvania’s infrastructure needs.

    The following individuals will be participating in the rally:

    • Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr., Chair, Senate Transportation Committee

    • Rep. Donna Oberlander, House Majority Whip

    • Sen. Scott Hutchinson, Chair, Senate Finance Committee

    • Sen. Devlin Robinson, Vice Chair, Senate Law & Justice Committee

    • Rep. Sheryl Delozier, Chair, House Children & Youth Committee

    • Rep. Jason Ortitay, House State Government, Subcommittee on Government Operations - Chair

    • Rep. Doyle Heffley, House Transportation Committee

    • Cumberland County Commissioner Jean Foschi

    • Cumberland County Commissioner Vince DiFilippo

    • Rebecca Oyler, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association

    • Greg Moreland, Pennsylvania State Director, National Federation of Independent Businesses

    • Katherine Hetherington Cunfer, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance

    • John Stroup, former Mayor of Clarion

    WHO: No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition

    WHAT: Stop the Tolls Rally

    WHEN: Wednesday, June 8, 10:00 am. (No Rain Date)

    WHERE: Front Steps, Harrisburg Capitol Complex

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    Media is invited to attend. Also, live coverage of the press conference will be accessible on Senate Republican Caucus website and Senate Republican Caucus Facebook page.

    EDITORS/PRODUCERS

    Please consider covering the event with a reporter and photographer. Contact John Stroup, [email protected] or 814.538.9112 if you plan to attend or if you have any questions.

    ##

    ABOUT THE NO P3 BRIDGE TOLLS COALITION: The No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition is a group of concerned local chambers, economic development entities, statewide business organizations, business leaders, affected community leaders, and citizens. We stand opposed to the tolling of these nine bridges because of the effect it will have on our local and statewide economy and to stop PennDOT from using this version of the P3 process from negatively impacting more communities in the future

  • May 24, 2022 12:18 PM | Anonymous

    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on Monday issued an hours of service waiver for haulers of baby formula and related manufacturing ingredients. 

    Baby formula was already included in the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration that allowed for hours of service waivers for drivers transporting baby formula as a finished product. Monday's emergency declaration clarifies that HOS requirements are temporarily waived for motor carriers transporting for both baby formula and the other ingredients used for production, such as corn syrup, casein, hydrolyzed protein and whey.

    The waiver covers motor carriers hauling formula and its ingredients to either manufacturers, distributors or stores.


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