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  • December 01, 2021 12:00 PM | Anonymous

    The Government of Canada announced last week that as of January 15, 2022, certain groups of travelers, who are currently exempt from entry requirements, will only be allowed to enter the country if they are fully vaccinated with one of the vaccines approved for entry into Canada. These groups include:

    • individuals travelling to reunite with family (unvaccinated children under 18 years of age will retain exemption if travelling to reunite with an immediate or extended family member who is a Canadian, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act);
    • international students who are 18 years old and older; 
    • professional and amateur athletes;
    • individuals with a valid work permit, including temporary foreign workers (outside of those in agriculture and food processing); and
    • essential service providers, including truck drivers.

    After January 15, 2022, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will only be allowed to enter Canada if they meet the criteria for limited exceptions, which apply to certain groups such as agricultural and food processing workers, marine crew members, those entering on compassionate grounds, new permanent residents, resettling refugees and some children under the age of 18. Exempt unvaccinated travelers will continue to be subject to testing, quarantine, and other entry requirements. Non-exempt unvaccinated or partially vaccinated foreign nationals will be prohibited entry into Canada.

    Also effective November 30, 2021, Canada will expand the list of COVID-19 vaccines that travelers can receive to be considered fully vaccinated for the purpose of travel to Canada. The list will include Sinopharm, Sinovac and COVAXIN, matching the World Health Organization Emergency Use Listing.

    Travelers should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling.


  • December 01, 2021 10:58 AM | Anonymous

    On December 11, the Wreaths Across America Escort to Arlington will begin. This is a week long truck convoy of wreaths that starts in Maine and ends at Arlington National Cemetery with many stops along the way. 

    Dec. 11 – Leave Columbia Falls, Maine

                      West Quoddy, Maine

                      Calais, Maine

    Dec. 12 – Calais, Maine

        Ellsworth, Maine

                       Thorndike, Maine

                       Wiscasset, Maine

                       Portland, Maine

    Dec. 13 – Portland, Maine

                      Elliot, Maine

                       Merrimack, New Hampshire

                       Brattleboro, Vermont

    Dec. 14 – Brattleboro, Vermont

                       Troy, New York

                       Central Valley, New York                             

                  Wayne, New Jersey

          Elizabeth, New Jersey

    Dec. 15 – Elizabeth, New Jersey

                       Sayreville, New Jersey

                       Holmdel, New Jersey

                       Bordertown, New Jersey

    Dec. 16 – Bordertown, New Jersey

                       Claymont, Delaware

                       Middletown, Delaware

                       Stevensville, Maryland

    Dec. 17 – Stevensville, Maryland

                       Pentagon, Washington D.C.

                       War Memorials, Washington D.C.

                       Arlington, VA

    Dec. 18 – Arlington, VA and Arlington National Cemetery

    December 18 – Wreaths Across America Day

    Last year, amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, some cemeteries were closed. One Pennsylvania Driver, who wished to remain anonymous, was on his usual annual route delivering wreaths when he passed a cemetery that was normally on his list but was closed due to COVID. He stopped anyway, took off the wreath that WAA ties to the front of all the trucks that deliver for them and he hung it on the gates of the cemetery. He honored those inside in his own way and continued on his route. Each and every driver that volunteers with Wreaths Across America shows this type of commitment to our nation's veterans. 

    You can sponsor a live, handmade balsam wreath for $15 at www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. Each sponsorship goes toward a veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, December 18, 2021, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. 

    “Every donation and wreath sponsorship is a meaningful gift from a grateful American who knows what it means to serve and sacrifice for the freedoms we all enjoy,” said Karen Worcester, executive director of Wreaths Across America. “We are so grateful to the good people of this great nation for participating in our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach.”

    To donate on-line go to www.wreathsacrossamerica.org

    To find a cemetery near you to support click here for the link.

    National Text to Donate from AT&T Veterans: text WREATH22 to 20222 on your mobile phone (there are local text programs in many states please check the list below to see if there is a participating local program in your area before broadcasting the national text program).

    Local Text to Donate Programs from AT&T Veterans Across the Country

    Text the local corresponding code listed below to 20222

    PA – Mount Moriah Cemetery - Text Wreath 37


  • November 30, 2021 3:33 PM | Anonymous

    UPS is currently hiring more than 100,000 essential seasonal employees including 12,380 in Pennsylvania, to fill full and part time positions. Most of these are package handlers, drivers, driver helpers and personal vehicle drivers. 

    Research shows that 74% of American seasonal workers want their seasonal job to turn into a long-term position. Over the last three years, about one-third of UPS seasonal hires were later hired in a permanent role, and about 138,000 current UPS employees started as seasonal workers.

    More information is available here, and interested applicants should apply here. 

  • November 30, 2021 9:05 AM | Anonymous

    Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

    November 29, 2021  

    EXTENSION OF THE MODIFIED EMERGENCY DECLARATION No. 2020-002 UNDER 49 CFR § 390.25

    THE FIFTY UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

     

    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hereby declares that the continuing national emergency warrants extension of the modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002.  The extension of the modified Emergency Declaration continues the exemption granted from certain requirements in Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for the fifty States and the District of Columbia as set forth below. 

     

    This extension of the modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 is effective at 12:00 A.M. (ET), December 1, 2021 and shall remain in effect until 11:59 P.M. (ET), February 28, 2022, modification or termination by FMCSA, or revocation of the declaration of national emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b), whichever is soonest. 

     

    The extension of the modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicle operations providing direct assistance in support of emergency relief efforts related to COVID-19 and is limited to transportation of

    (1) livestock and livestock feed;

    (2) medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19;

    (3) vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19;

    (4) supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap and disinfectants;

    (5) food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores;

    (6) gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol; and

    (7) supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency). 

     

    Direct assistance does not include non-emergency transportation of qualifying commodities or routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.  To be eligible for the exemption, the transportation must be both (i) of qualifying commodities and (ii) incident to the immediate restoration of those essential supplies.

    https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/extension-modified-emergency-declaration-2020-002-under-49-cfr-ss-39025-november-29-2021


  • November 23, 2021 2:11 PM | Anonymous

    The Lancaster County Career & Technology Center is interested in receiving bids for the purchase of the equipment as outlined here. The Center reserves the right to select units in its best financial interest. Bid units must include all costs, including delivery, fees, etc. The Center reserves the right to independent inspection of the equipment offered, and furthermore reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids upon inspection.

    Please bid based on the following specifications. Product specification sheets should also be included with the bid response. If multiple units are available that meet all specifications below, the product specification sheet does not need to reference a VIN. However, upon inspection of the vehicle after the bid closes, maintenance work orders for the past three (3) years must be provided. If an extended warranty is available, please include this information with your bid response. A sealed bid response sent to the Willow Street Campus must include all forms in the accompanying Bid Instructions and General Conditions. Any questions regarding the enclosed forms should be directed to Dr. Michael DelPriore at 717-464-7060 or [email protected].

    Note times outlined in the accompanying Bid Instructions and General Conditions – bids may not be withdrawn within 60 days of bid opening date (Par. 6) and delivery must be made within 45 days of bid award (Par. 8b). LCCTC reserves the right to cancel the order if timeframes are not met.

    Sealed bids to be delivered to the attention of Dr. Michael DelPriore: Willow Street Campus, 1730 Hans Herr Drive, Willow Street, PA 17584

    Sealed bids due no later than: 3:00 P.M. EST on Thursday, December 9, 2021


  • November 17, 2021 12:38 PM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    Despite the consideration of SB 382 in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PennDOT is moving forward with its Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) plan to toll nine interstate bridges. As part of its plan to sign the contract early next year, PennDOT is soliciting public comment on the bridge projects over the next several weeks.

    PMTA members are encouraged to attend on-demand or in-person open houses for information and submit their comments on the specific bridge tolling projects. Public comment periods are noted below.

    In comments, PennDOT should hear how paying $10-12 per truck each way to cross a bridge would impact trucking businesses, customers, and surrounding communities. For more information, see PMTA's bridge tolling information page.

    I-83 South Bridge Project

    • On-Demand Online Virtual Format and 30-Day Comment Period: Oct. 25 - Nov. 24
    • In-Person Open House Format:
      • Tuesday, Nov. 9, 1-7 p.m., Harrisburg Mall (East Shore)
      • Wednesday, Nov. 10, 1-7 p.m., Penn Harris Hotel (West Shore)

    I-78 Lenhartsville Bridge Replacement Project

    • On-Demand Online Virtual Format and 30-Day Comment Period: Oct. 25 - Nov. 24
    • In-Person Open House Format: Monday, Nov. 1, 4-7 p.m., Kempton Community Center

    I-80 Canoe Creek Bridges

    I-81 Susquehanna Project

    • On-Demand Online Virtual Format and 30-Day Comment Period: Nov. 8 - Dec. 8
    • In-Person Open House Format: Monday, Nov. 15, 4-7 p.m., Blue Ridge School District High School, 5150 School Road, New Milford, PA 18834

    I-80 Nescopeck Creek Bridges Project

    • On-Demand Online Virtual Format and 30-Day Comment Period: Nov. 15 - Dec. 15
    • In-Person Open House Format: Tuesday, Dec. 7, 4-7 p.m., Nescopeck Social Hall, 10 Zenith Rd, Nescopeck, PA 18635

    I-80 Over Lehigh River Bridge Project

    • On-Demand Online Virtual Format and 30-Day Comment Period: Nov. 17 - Dec. 17
    • In-Person Open House Format: Wednesday, Dec. 8, 4-7 p.m., Split Rock Resort, 428 Moseywood Rd, Lake Harmony, PA 18624

    I-80 North Fork Bridges Project

    • On-Demand Online Virtual Format and 30-Day Comment Period: Nov. 22 - Dec. 22
    • In-Person Open House Format: Wednesday, Dec. 15, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Hickory Grove Elementary School, 304 Jenks St., Brookville, PA 15825


  • November 13, 2021 10:18 AM | Rebecca Oyler (Administrator)

    The week of November 15 will be a critical one for PMTA in Pennsylvania’s General Assembly because two important issues will see action.

    Bridge Tolling

    It’s been exactly one year since PennDOT’s P3 Board approved the tolling of interstate bridges in Pennsylvania through a public private partnership. Last November when the initiative was approved, there was no public notice of the details of these projects or even which bridges would be tolled. In fact, the nine bridges to be tolled were not announced by PennDOT until February.

    Over the past year, PMTA has pushed back on the Major Bridge P3 Program by pointing out the consequences of tolling for the trucking industry and other businesses in Pennsylvania, the inefficiency of tolling as a means of collecting transportation revenue, and the lack of public notice and debate about the projects. During several testimonies before state legislative committees and member outreach to their lawmakers, PMTA has asked the General Assembly to exert appropriate control over the P3 process. Specifically, any proposed P3 should include sufficient public notice and the opportunity for comment, and any P3 that charges fees should be approved by the legislature, not just an unelected committee at PennDOT.

    SB 382, sponsored by Senator Wayne Langerholc, does just this. Thanks in part to PMTA members’ efforts, SB 382 passed the state Senate earlier this year and is now before the full House of Representatives, where it is scheduled for a final vote the week of November 15. Should it pass, it could return to the state Senate for concurrence the week of December 13.

    SB 382 will ensure that PennDOT is accountable to the public and their elected officials for the current bridge tolling project and any future P3 that is proposed, like corridor tolling and congestion tolling. It has been a long process, but the end is in sight.

    CARB Regulations

    At the same time, PMTA has been working to raise awareness about the consequences of Pennsylvania adopting California Air Resources Board (CARB) regulations on heavy-duty truck emissions. In 2022, trucks with CARB stickers must have manufacturers’ warranties that cover 350,000 miles (up from 150,000) for new trucks. This is increasing the cost of new trucks in Pennsylvania next year and making the state’s businesses uncompetitive with those in surrounding states.

    PMTA and several of its members testified in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on November 8 to inform lawmakers about the dire consequences of CARB’s regulations for the trucking industry in Pennsylvania (video available here). Committee members were surprised to learn that the warranty requirement had no environmental impact because owners of trucks must fix emissions system problems, whether or not they are covered by a warranty.

    Just before the hearing, on Saturday, November 6, the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) issued a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin that the agency would not be enforcing CARB in Pennsylvania until at least July 31, 2023 for heavy-duty trucks. However, the notice contains language noting that it does not prevent third parties from suing truck dealers, manufacturers, or owners if their trucks do not comply with CARB.

    Because the only way to prevent lawsuits from being filed over the CARB warranty is to change the law, PMTA is supporting HB 2075, a bipartisan bill introduced on November 10 by Rep. Jerry Knowles. HB 2075 would simply remove CARB emissions requirements for PA heavy-duty trucks and revert to EPA standards. Should DEP decide to enforce CARB for trucks in the future, it would need to do so through the regulatory process, which includes an analysis of the impact and opportunities for public comment.

    HB 2075 is scheduled to be voted on in the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Monday, November 15 and will move to the full House should it pass. It is already on the House calendar for consideration later in the week. If it passes the House, it will then move to the Senate and could also be considered the week of December 13.


    Both SB 382 (bridge tolling) and HB 2075 (CARB) have been high-priority issues for PTMA. As the final legislative session days of the year approach, the week of November 15 will be an important one, with votes scheduled on both bills.  PMTA members who have not done so already are encouraged to contact their state House and Senate members and ask them for their support on both bills.

  • November 05, 2021 11:49 AM | Anonymous

    UPDATE: The House Transportation Committee passed SB 382 by a vote of 16-9, sending the bill to the House floor for consideration. 


    The House Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 11:00 am in Room 205 Ryan Office Building to consider:

    • Senate Bill 382 (Langerholc-R) amends Title 74 (Transportation), in public-private transportation partnerships, for defs., for duties of board and for operation of board; and voiding prior initiatives of Board.
    • Status:  Passed Senate, 28-19, 2021 – House Transportation, 4/29/2021
    • Increase transparency by requiring PennDOT to publish a detailed analysis prior to the P3 Board’s voting meeting, and mandate PennDOT to distribute a copy of the P3 Board’s resolution, with or without a user fee, within 24 hours.
    • Incorporate public input by creating a new 30-day public comment period prior to the P3 Board meeting.
    • Create checks and balances on the obscure P3 Board by clarifying any P3 project with a user fee shall be deemed disapproved unless the Governor and General Assembly approve.
    • Void the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative and require reconsideration by the P3 Board following the new process outlined in the legislation.

    Thank you to those of you that have reached out to your representatives to ask them to support SB 382. If you have not yet done so, PMTA encourages you to ask your representative to support this bill and stop bridge tolling. 

  • November 05, 2021 9:18 AM | Anonymous

    PMTA is pleased to pass the news on to our members that the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has published notice in the PA Bulletin that it has suspended enforcement of its Heavy-Duty Diesel Emissions Control Program requiring California Air Recourses Board (CARB) certification of trucks. This announcement is effective beginning November 8, 2021. The notice is posted here: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol51/51-45/1847.html

    This means that from this date forward until at least July 31, 2023, members buying new trucks in Pennsylvania will NOT be subject to costly warranty or proposed emissions requirements under CARB, including the 2022 CARB warranty provision PMTA has been advocating to suspend.

    PMTA and several of its members will be testifying on this issue in a hearing of the state House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee on Monday, November 8 at 9:30 am. The hearing will be livestreamed here: http://www.pahousegop.com/livestreams.


  • November 04, 2021 9:21 AM | Anonymous

    Mobile carriers are shutting down their 3G networks to make room for more advanced network services, including 5G. As a result, many older cell phones and other mobile devices will be unable to use data services.

    Once a 3G network is no longer supported, it is highly unlikely that any ELDs that rely on that network will be able to meet the minimum requirements established by the ELD Technical Specifications, including recording all required data elements and transferring ELD output files.

    Therefore, any ELD that requires 3G cellular connectivity to perform its functionality will no longer be in compliance with the technical specifications in the ELD rule after the 3G network it relies on is sunset. When in an area that does not support 3G, a 3G device will register a malfunction. In accordance with 49 CFR 395.34, the carrier has 8 days to get the malfunction resolved, in this case by replacement, unless an extension is granted.

    The announced sunset dates are below.* These are dates for completing the shutdowns. Mobile carriers are planning to retire parts of their networks sooner.

    • AT&T 3G: February 22, 2022
    • Sprint 3G (T-Mobile): March 31, 2022
    • Sprint LTE (T-Mobile): June 30, 2022
    • T-Mobile 3G: July 1, 2022
    • Verizon 3G: December 31, 2022

    Note: Many other carriers, such as Cricket, Boost, Straight Talk, and several Lifeline mobile service providers, utilize the AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile networks.

    *Sunset dates are subject to change. Contact your mobile carrier for up-to-date information.

    What actions do motor carriers need to take?

    Confirm whether your ELD relies on a 3G network

    If you are unsure if your ELD relies on a 3G network, contact your ELD provider. If your ELD does not rely on 3G, and meets all minimum requirements, no further action is needed.

    Ask your provider for their upgrade or replacement plan

    If your ELD relies on a 3G network, ask your ELD provider about their plan for upgrading or replacing your device to one that will be supported after the 3G sunset, and complete the necessary actions as soon as possible.

    The earliest announced sunset completion date is February 22, 2022. See all announced dates listed above and plan accordingly to avoid service disruptions and compliance issues. FMCSA strongly encourages motor carriers to take the above actions as soon as possible to avoid compliance issues, as portions of carrier 3G networks will be unsupported in advance of the announced sunset dates.

    Questions?

    Contact [email protected].


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Phone: 717-761-7122 • Fax: 717-761-8434

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