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  • January 25, 2024 10:14 AM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has issued a call for motor carriers and owner-operators to participate in a new ATRI data collection on the consequences of driver detention in the industry.

    ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee (RAC) identified this issue as a top industry priority in early 2023. This survey asks motor carriers and owner-operators to provide input on several different components of driver detention. Responses will be incorporated into research that identifies solutions for managing and reducing truck driver detention.  A second survey for truck drivers will be launched later this year.

    All responses will be kept confidential. The final report will only be presented in an aggregated, non-identifying format.

    To take the survey, click here: https://www.research.net/r/2024CarrierCoDsurvey

  • January 18, 2024 8:34 AM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    PA Road Team Captain John McKown testified before the Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing on January 11 to inform lawmakers about what the trucking industry is doing to fight human trafficking. 

    January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and January 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. 

    The public hearing, titled "Human Trafficking: Target it. Stop it. Prevent it. took place at the Union Trust Building in Pittsburgh, PA. 

    The purpose was to highlight the present-day impact and activity of human trafficking in Pennsylvania by focusing on coordinated efforts between government, non-profits and the community. 

    The hearing consisted of four panels focusing on the problem, prevention and education, policy development and survivor care. 

    McKown testified on the "Prevention: Raising Awareness and Education" panel about efforts within the trucking industry to educate and fight human trafficking. 

    McKown is a certified trainer with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT). TAT is a non-profit dedicated to educating the trucking industry on signs to look out for while drivers are traveling and what to do if they see something suspicious. 

    You can read McKown's testimony below. 

    For more information on Truckers Against Trafficking, click here. 

  • January 11, 2024 3:19 PM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is asking carriers to participate in the 2024 Driver Compensation Survey

    According to ATA, this survey data will be used to produce the 2024 Driver Compensation Study, a benchmarking tool that will yield information on driver pay to help carriers make well-informed compensation decisions.

    Previous studies covered data from more than 180 fleets, over 135,000 employee drivers, and nearly 20,000 independent contractors, with data broken down by For-Hire TL carriers, LTL carriers and Private fleets.

    The 2024 Driver Compensation Study will include detailed pay estimates broken down by carrier type, trailer type and region. It will also explore the wide variety of driver pay structures (hourly, per-mile, annual salary, percent of revenue) as well as driver incentives, benefits, and bonuses.

    Survey participation is not limited to ATA dues paying members. All motor carriers, except those in the moving sector, are encouraged to participate.

    Carriers that participate will qualify to receive the comprehensive 2024 Driver Compensation Study for $100. (It costs $1,500 for non-participants), a free executive summary prior to the release of the report and an invitation to a participant-only, free of charge webinar hosted by ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello & Senior Analyst Lindsay Bur to discuss the results of the study and answer questions. The Driver Compensation Study is slated for release later this summer.

    For those interested in completing the survey, the form can be accessed at https://www.trucking.org/driver-compensation-study. The deadline for remittance of the survey is Friday, March 29 and completed surveys should be sent to [email protected].


  • January 04, 2024 5:21 PM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-112) and Sen. Greg Rothman (R-34) are planning on introducing resolutions in their respective chambers urging U.S. Congress to pass legislation allowing CDL drivers under 21-years-old to drive commercial motor vehicles over state lines.

    Mullins posted a memorandum to all Pennsylvania House members asking for co-sponsors on December 6, 2023.

    Rothman posted a memorandum to all Pennsylvania Senate members asking for co-sponsors on January 2, 2024.

    PMTA is encouraging members and the entire trucking community to call their legislators and ask them to support the resolutions.

    Both memorandums refer to the national truck driving shortage, which according to the American Trucking Associations is around 78,000 drivers.

    The memos state this shortage is expected to increase with the need for new drivers rising to 1.2 million over the next decade and state, “To ensure Pennsylvania’s economic security and supply chain efficiency, we must expand the pool of qualified drivers.”

    Both include the line, “to date, 49 states, including Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C. allow under-21 CDL holders to operate Commercial Motor vehicles in intrastate commerce,” and go on to address how current Federal regulations require CDL drivers to be at least 21 years old to operate in interstate commerce.

    “In other words, an under-21 Pennsylvania truck driver is currently permitted to pick up a shipping container at the Port of Philadelphia and haul it 300 miles across the state to Pittsburgh, yet the same driver is prohibited from transporting the same freight on the eight-mile journey across the Delaware River to the East Camden Rail Yard,” Mullin’s memorandum states.

    Both memorandums state, “allowing CDL drivers under the age of 21 to participate in interstate commerce will significantly broaden the pool of qualified drivers to address the current shortage while mitigating the future need for CDL drivers. Not only will this benefit the Commonwealth, but it will also benefit the CDL drivers who will have earlier access to career opportunities enabling them to establish themselves in the industry and find family-sustaining jobs.”

    Mullins and Rothman are now seeking support from other Pennsylvania lawmakers to co-sponsor the resolution and bring attention to this critical issue.

    To contact your legislator:

    -          Find them here: https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/home/findyourlegislator/#address

    -          If you’re reaching out to a HOUSE member:

    o   Have some notes or facts with you and prepare what you want to say. This call should take no longer than a minute or two. Be prepared to talk to a staff member of your legislator or leave a voicemail.

    o   Call the number or email the address listed under contact information.

    o   State your name, and say you are a resident of (city, county, townships etc.)

    o   Tell them you are calling to urge your representative to co-sponsor Kyle Mullins resolution on the truck driver shortage posted December 6, 2023.

    o   Explain WHY. Do you have a personal story of how this would impact you and your business? Now’s your chance to tell them. Be clear, concise and polite.

    o   Say thank you for taking the time to address something impacting Pennsylvania’s supply chain.

    -          If you’re reaching out to a SENATE member:

    o   Have some notes or facts with you and prepare what you want to say. This call should take no longer than a minute or two. Be prepared to talk to a staff member of your legislator or leave a voicemail.

    o   Call the number or email the address listed under contact information.

    o   State your name, and say you are a resident of (city, county, townships etc.)

    o   Tell them you are calling to urge your senator to co-sponsor Greg Rothman’s resolution on the truck driver shortage posted January 2, 2024.

    o   Explain WHY. Do you have a personal story of how this would impact you and your business? Now’s your chance to tell them. Be clear, concise and polite.

    o   Say thank you for taking the time to address something impacting Pennsylvania’s supply chain.

    -          After the call:

    o   If you left a voicemail, consider posting on social media and tagging your legislators and/or emailing them.


  • January 04, 2024 11:16 AM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    CARB is extending the Clean Truck Check registration deadline to January 31, 2024, allowing vehicle owners additional time to complete their initial fleet reporting and meet the 2023 $30 compliance fee for each truck. 

    Vehicles must be registered in the California Clean Truck Check, Vehicle Inspection System (CTC-VIS) portal. 

    California Senate Bill 210 directed CARB to develop and implement a comprehensive heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance (HD I/M) regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways. The Board approved the regulation on December 9, 2021, with implementation to be phased in starting January 2023.

    According to CARB, the “Clean Truck Check,” combines periodic vehicle testing requirements with other emissions monitoring techniques and expanded enforcement strategies to “identify vehicles in need of emissions related repairs and ensure any needed repairs are performed.”

    This does impact Pennsylvania fleets. Nearly all diesel and alternative fuel heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating over 14,000 pounds that operate in California are subject to semiannual testing and the projected compliance deadlines presented in Table I and Table II below. Affected vehicles include hybrid trucks and buses, commercial vehicles, privately-owned vehicles, government vehicles, and vehicles registered outside of California. For information on vehicles that are exempt from Clean Truck Check, click here: Fact Sheet: Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program: Background and Requirements.

    More information on the program can also be found here: https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/ED-Training/mscd_tru/content/index.html#/lessons/NvQYgJG26FHO_Ww04nWnZ4zuN0N9rK7K

    Vehicles identified as potential high emitters will receive a “Notice to Submit to Testing” and are required to submit a passing compliance test to CARB within 30 days of receipt of the notice.

    The second phase of the program was rolled out in September, requiring owners to register their trucks and pay the annual compliance fee.

    Before implementation of the final phase of the program, CARB is required to announce an effective date at least 90 days before the date.

    As such, as of April 1, 2024, vehicles subject to the regulation must pass an emissions compliance test twice per year.

    There are seven credentialed testers in PA, but it appears they are carriers that test their own trucks: Available for Hire Credentialed Testers | California Air Resources Board.

    If you can’t find a tester, you can become a credentialed tester here: Tester Training Course and Exam | California Air Resources Board.

    The Nevada Trucking Association has a webinar available to learn more, link here.

    CARB is planning to hold a training webinar on the database on January 9, 2024 from 1:30pm to 5:00pm PST. Register and submit questions here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_mccMMYn8Q360nPUAvWZKEg#/registration

    The contact for the Clean Truck Check on CARB’s website is [email protected].


  • January 04, 2024 11:09 AM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    Following discussions between the California Trucking Association and the California Air Resources Board (CARB), CARB agreed to allow flexibility for fleets in reporting their California vehicles as required by the regulation.

    In a letter to the California Trucking Association, dated December 27, CARB addressed the group’s opposition to the impending rule, which took the form of a federal lawsuit this past October (CTA v. CARB, Case No. 2:23-cv-02333). As a response to the suit, CARB stated it will not take enforcement actions against high-priority or drayage fleets if they fail to meet reporting requirements or add new internal combustion engine vehicles to the registry during this period.

    The agency will also refrain from taking action against “vehicles that exceed their useful life periods,” which includes 2007-2009 model-year natural gas drayage trucks. According to the letter, CARB will not de-register those vehicles until the EPA makes its final decision.

    Under this agreement, fleets can voluntarily register their trucks under the program but will not be mandated to do so unless or until the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants a waiver for the Advanced Clean Fleets rule. A waiver determination from the EPA is not expected for months and could take up to a year.

    Under this agreement:

    • CARB has agreed not to enforce the reporting or registration requirements of the ACF as it applies to high priority fleets and drayage until a waiver determination is issued by EPA. "High priority" fleets are defined in the regulation as those with $50 million or more in revenue or operating 50 or more trucks.
       
    • Fleets may voluntarily report and apply for flexibility provisions.
       
    • CARB reserves the right to take enforcement action to remove internal combustion trucks added after January 1, 2024 that would not otherwise be in compliance with the ACF.
       
    • CTA will continue to move forward with its litigation against the ACF.
       
    • CARB will publish a detailed enforcement advisory in the coming days.

     


  • January 04, 2024 10:18 AM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    Pennsylvania Turnpike tolls are increasing five percent for all E-ZPass and toll-by-plate users starting January 7, 2024. 

    According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC), the most common toll for a Class-5 tractor trailer will increase from $14.40 to $15.20 for E-ZPass and from $29.40 to $30.90 for toll-by-plate. 

    The PTC says they are forced to raise rates annually due to the financial burden brought on from Act 44 of 2007.

    That legislation called for tolling Interstate 80 and using the proceeds to fund repairs to highways and bridges and provide funding for mass transit statewide, particularly systems in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.

    The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) would transfer ownership of I-80 to the Turnpike Commission, which would collect road tolls and remit the money to PennDOT.

    But the plan fell apart. Before the federal government could accept or reject the transfer of I-80, the Turnpike Commission assumed ownership. Act 44 then required the PTC to begin payments to PennDOT. The first three, beginning in 2008, were $750 million, $850 million and $900 million, respectively.

    The federal government denied the request to toll I-80, but the PTC was still obligated to make the payments.

    Under Act 44, after three payments, the amount dropped to $450 million per year through 2057.

    Act 89 of 2013 changed the $450 million annual payment to $50 million. It will remain at that level until 2057. 

    Because of these payments to PennDOT required by the PTC, the turnpike is in billions and billions dollars of debt.

    The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission is required to increase tolls annually through at least 2053.

    2024’s five percent increase is consistent with the Commission’s planned, multi-year reduction in annual increase rates. The PTC’s goal is to get to a three percent increase in 2028.

    According to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, the most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase from $1.80 to $1.90 for E-ZPass customers and from $4.40 to $4.70 for toll-by-plate.

    For a toll calculator, or to learn more about the PA Turnpike, click here. 

  • December 28, 2023 4:25 PM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    The Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) program is a federally-mandated system for registering operators of commercial vehicles who are involved in interstate and international travel. This annual registration must be renewed by December 31st each year.

    Registration for the 2024 UCR registration year opened October 1, 2023. Fees have been reduced for 2024 resulting in approximately a nine percent reduction depending on the number of vehicles owned by the affected businesses.


    To register, click here: https://www.ucr.gov/

    If you would like assistance with paying your UCR fees, please contact Wendy Palermo at 717-970-3226 or email [email protected]


  • December 19, 2023 10:35 AM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Department of Revenue published notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin of gasoline and diesel tax rates for 2024.

    The tax rates for diesel published last year, combined with PA sales tax, made diesel taxes in Pennsylvania the highest in the nation in 2023.

    In 2024, those record high tax rates will come down from $0.785 per gallon to $0.741 per gallon.

    The oil company franchise tax is imposed on all taxable liquid fuels on a per-gallon basis and is paid by distributors of liquate fuels. The rate of the oil company franchise tax is determined annually by the Department of Revenue and announced by each December 15 for the following calendar year. The tax rate is determined on a “cents per gallon equivalent basis,” which is defined as the average wholesale price per gallon multiplied by the decimal equivalent of any tax imposed by PA C.S § 9502 (relating to imposition of tax).

    According to 75 PA C.S. § 9002, after December 31, 2016, the average wholesale price shall be as determined by the Department of Revenue for the 12-month period ending in September prior to the year for which the rate is to be set. For the 12-month period ending September 30, 2023, the Department has determined that the average wholesale price for all grades of gasoline and diesel fuel was $2.84 per gallon, therefore, the average wholesale price for 2024 is set at the floor of $2.99 per gallon – which resets the tax rate back to the previous minimum rate in effect prior to 2023.

    Despite the decline, the PA diesel tax rate remains among the highest in the nation. 

    Taxes on motor gasoline are also decreasing under the same formula from $0.611 per gallon to $0.576 per gallon.

    See the full notice here in the PA Bulletin here: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol53/53-49/1703.html


  • December 18, 2023 11:07 AM | Megan Magensky (Administrator)

    According to PennDOT officials, Tier 1 Winter Weather Restrictions will be going into effect tonight due to the storm. 

    Tier 1 Restrictions will be in place for portions of I-90, I-86, and I-79 north of I-80 starting at 8:00 pm. 

    Tier 1 Vehicles Restricted: 

    • Tractors without trailers
    • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded enclosed trailers, open trailers, or tank trailers 
    - NOTE: A lightly loaded CMV is defined as a vehicle that is less than 1/3rd of the GVWR (vehicle weight and cargo weight combined)
    • Tractors towing unloaded or lightly loaded tandem trailers
    • Enclosed unloaded or lightly loaded cargo delivery trucks/box trucks that meet the definition of a CMV
    • Passenger vehicles (cars, SUVs, pick-up trucks, etc.) towing trailers, to include:
      • Recreational travel trailers and fifth-wheel trailers
      • Enclosed cargo trailers
      • Open cargo trailers
      • Vehicle transport trailers
    • Recreational vehicles/motorhomes
    • School buses, commercial buses, and motor coaches without available chains or Alternate Traction Devices (ATDs)*
    • Motorcycles
    To view an overview of planned or active restrictions, a "Commercial Vehicle Restriction Info" tab will be available on 511PA.com.

    According to PennDOT, after restrictions are active, they can be viewed on 511PA.com under "Alerts" and "Weather Restrictions.


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910 Linda Lane • Camp Hill, PA 17011 • United States of America
Phone: 717-761-7122 • Fax: 717-761-8434

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