MMTA Member NewsView Archived News

CDL Downgrades Under the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse Now Started. November 27, 2024

Under the final FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse rule, as of November 15, 2024 state driver licensing agencies must automatically downgrade the CDL license of any driver with a violation in the Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse to a non-commercial status if the driver has not completed the return-to-duty (RTD) process. Since September 19, 2024, the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration has been monitoring and notifying drivers currently listed as prohibited. If the MVA receives notification from the Clearinghouse system that a driver has completed the RTD process before the deadline, the downgrade will be discontinued. On November 18, 2024, the MVA… Read More

2025 UCR Registration is Open. November 27, 2024

UCR registration is open for 2025. If you haul interstate freight you are required to annually register and pay UCR fees. This means that even if your company never leaves Maryland, but your shipment originated in or is destined for another state (or processed through a U.S. port), you must register under the UCR plan. Complete your registrations online at www.ucr.gov. Read More

Pauchnik Named New MMTA Chairman. September 27, 2024

On September 26, 2024, Scott Pauchnik of FedEx was named the 81st Chairman of the Board of Maryland Motor Truck Association at the organization’s annual meeting in Baltimore, MD.He replaces 2022-2024 Chairman Eric Baumgart of Carroll Motor Fuels.Also elected at the annual meeting were MMTA’s new Board of Directors and the Association’s Officers. The Officers are: Chair: Scott Pauchnik, FedEx Vice Chair: Dave Mason, William N. Mason Secretary: Jack Saum, Beltway Companies Treasurer: Matt Ritter, Matthew L. Ritter Immediate Past Chair: Eric Baumgart, Carroll Motor Fuels Read More

Thank You Annual Meeting Sponsors! September 26, 2024

MMTA's annual meeting was held on September 26, 2024.  Many thanks go out to the following event sponsors. Read More

Reminder of Size Limits and Hazmat Restrictions in Baltimore Tunnels. July 26, 2024

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. Most 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… Read More

MMTA Continues Partnership with Wreaths Across America. July 16, 2024

Each December, Wreaths Across America (WAA) coordinates ceremonies placing wreaths at the graves of military veterans at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as all 50 U.S. states. Last year, MMTA members donated more than 600 wreaths to the cause. We are pleased to announce we will partner with WAA again in 2024. Many trucking companies support WAA through donations of equipment, fuel, staffing, and time to deliver sponsored veterans’ wreaths to their final resting places on the headstones of our nation’s servicemembers. Help us remember our fallen U.S. veterans and honor those who served by sponsoring wreaths through MMTA at… Read More

Key Bridge Waivers & Exceptions are Now Expired. July 16, 2024

As a reminder, all waivers associated with the collapse of the Key Bridge are now expired.  Motor carriers previously taking advantage of FMCSA's hours of service extensions and exemptions from the electronic logging device rule must follow normal rules as of today.  Additionally, carriers traveling out of state to surrounding ports to pick up freight must have IFTA decals and apportioned vehicle registrations under IRP. MMTA thanks the various government agencies that worked so closely with us to secure these waivers for the last few months. Read More

Aviles Repeats as Supertech Maryland Champion July 1, 2024

On Saturday, June 29, Manny Aviles of Travel Centers of America won the 2024 SuperTech Maryland Championship.  It was his second year in a row earning the top prize, having also won the event in 2023 (and finishing in 2nd place in 2022).  Manny also won the Electrical Skill Station and will now go on to compete at the national SuperTech competition in September. 35 technicians and students gathered at CAT North High School in Severn to compete in this annual test of technician skills.  Stations included brakes, preventive maintenance inspection, wheel end, fifth wheel, fasteners, engines, service information, electrical… Read More

Miltenberger Goes Back to Back at the TDC Again! June 3, 2024

On Saturday, June 1, 2024, Mike Miltenberger of Pitt Ohio outperformed 77 drivers as he was named the Grand Champion of the Maryland State Truck Driving Championships. It was Miltenberger's fourth time winning the event – and his second time going back to back – as he was previously the Grand Champion in 2023, and in 2017 and 2018.  For his accomplishment, Miltenberger received a trophy, cash award, and the chance to compete at the National Truck Driving Championships with the other class winners in August.  XPO won the team title for achieving the highest average score among its drivers.… Read More

2024 Emergency Response Guidebooks Now Available! April 29, 2024

For the first time since 2020, new Emergency Response Guidebooks (ERGs) are available. These satisfy 49 CFR 172.602, the Dept. of Transportation’s rule that hazmat shipments be accompanied by emergency response information to aid in preparedness, planning, and training. This manual helps quickly identify emergency response procedures in the event of a hazmat transportation incident. Electronic display of emergency response information does not satisfy the law. You must have a physical document such as the ERG on hand. Place your order online at https://www.mdtrucking.org/shop, or fill out our form at https://www.mdtrucking.org/files/ERGFlyer.pdf to reserve your special MMTA member pricing! Read More

Huesman Honored as 2024 Person of the Year! April 15, 2024

On Saturday, April 13, Tom Huesman of The Fraley Group Corporation was honored as Maryland Motor Truck Association's 2024 Person of the Year.  Tom received the award thanks to his lifetime of service to the trucking industry and the association, including: Serving on the Maryland Motor Truck Association Board of Directors since 2008.\ Serving as the Chairman of the MMTA Board from 2012-2013. He was the secretary of MMTA from 2017 – 2020. Also serving as the current Intermodal Council chairman, the Treasurer of the Political Action Committee, and on the Board Nominating Committee. In 2017 Tom represented the motor… Read More

New Maximum Tow Rates Set by Maryland State Police. February 27, 2024

In accordance with legislation that MMTA worked to pass in 2022 and 2023, the Maryland State Police has established a maximum rate schedule that may be charged on police-initiated towing of medium and heavy-duty commercial vehicles. The new rate schedule is at www.mdtrucking.org/files/MSPMaxTowRates022124.pdf. As a reminder, if your truck is involved in an accident that requires a tow company, the State Police must allow you to use your tower of choice if the company can arrive in 30 minutes or less (with some safety exclusions). If the State Police calls the tow company from its rotation, the tower cannot exceed… Read More

Maryland Department of Labor Proposes Heat Stress Standards. February 27, 2024

The MD Department of Labor has issued draft regulations that would impose substantial burdens on employees with workers where the heat index in the work area exceeds 80 degrees. Among the required items includes a written heat plan, acclimatization procedures, an emergency response process, annual employee training, shading and cooling measures, mandatory rest breaks, and minimum water provided by the employer. MMTA President Louis Campion expressed the industry’s concerns at a public meeting on February 26. There is still a chance for businesses to submit their own written comments by March 15. A copy of the proposal is at https://labor.maryland.gov/labor/dliheatstressillnessprevstandarddraft.pdf.… Read More

Kenneth Kelley Named Maryland Truck Driver of the Year! February 9, 2024

On February 9, 2024, Kenneth Kelley of D. M. Bowman was named Maryland’s truck driver of the year by the Maryland State Police. Kelley was one of 12 drivers recognized by Maryland Motor Truck Association as the 2023 Drivers of the Month, with the State Police choosing him from among the 12 winners as the Driver of the Year. Kenny has reached rarified air as he has driven over 4 million safe miles in a 48 year career. The combined records of the Drivers of the Month equal 337 years of experience and over 26 million miles of safe driving.… Read More

MMTA Urges Governor Moore to Provide Truck Parking Funds. January 3, 2024

In coordination with the American Trucking Associations, Truckload Carriers Association, and National Tank Truck Council, MMTA wrote Governor Moore on November 1 urging him to prioritize truck parking as an infrastructure spending priority. The letter spelled out the numerous new resources provided by the federal government, including new funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, to improve and expand truck parking facilities.“Construction of new truck parking capacity at rest areas or adjacent to private facilities is eligible for funding, as are improvements that allow for increased parking capacity at nontraditional locations, such as weigh stations and commuter lots, when… Read More

MMTA Joins in Call to Stop Duplicate Background Checks. January 3, 2024

MMTA has joined the American Trucking Associations and more than 150 other organizations representing trucking, rail, energy, organized labor, agriculture, and third-party logistics providers to urge Congress to pass the Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act. This bill would eliminate redundant fees and background checks for essential transportation workers by allowing them to apply existing background checks to multiple TSA programs such as the Transportation Worker Identification Credential and Hazardous Materials Endorsement. Currently workers requiring both credentials undergo the exact same background check multiple times. The bill does not make any modifications to the backend security assessment conducted, ensuring applicants undergo… Read More

VA 66 Tolls Can Exceed $300. October 12, 2023

In recent months, Virginia completed the addition of 22 miles of new express toll lanes (ETLs) alongside three regular lanes on I-66 from I-495 to Route 29 in Gainesville. The use of the ETLs is completely optional, but carriers who choose to use them should use caution. Because the tolls are dynamically priced and change based on congestion, prices for tractor trailers can be extremely difficult to determine and, in some instances, have exceeded $300 for a single trip! Let the buyer beware. Read More

New Research Shows State Association Membership Improves Safety. September 5, 2023

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) recently released a new study that validates that motor carriers who are active in their state trucking associations, such as Maryland Motor Truck Association, are safer than both former association members and carriers who have never been members. It has always been assumed that membership supports safety, but the necessary industry data had never before been assessed. This new empirical research processed public data from the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) to confirm the relationship between association membership and safety performance by comparing crash and violation data for motor carriers that are current… Read More

Major Detour Near Harper’s Ferry. September 5, 2023

On September 12, West Virginia began a project to address safety issues associated with rock-falls along US 340 at the convergence of the Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia state lines near Harper’s Ferry. The road will be closed for three months. A detour has been laid out that adds 22 miles and 35 minutes of travel time. For more information, please go to https://us340harpersferry.com/docs/US_340_Rock_Slide_Handout_20230821.pdf and advise your drivers. Read More

Citations Being Issued for Failure to Pay UCR Fees. June 20, 2023

Reminder – all interstate motor carriers, as well as brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies, are required to annually register and pay UCR fees.  This means that even if your company never leaves the state of Maryland, but your shipment originated in or is destined for another state (including international shipments processed through U.S. ports), you must register under the UCR plan.  Enforcement of UCR is on the rise.  Recently one MMTA member was cited in Virginia for not being registered.  You may complete your registration online at www.ucr.gov. Read More

New Resource Outlines Return-to-Duty Process for CDL Drivers. June 14, 2023

A driver with a drug and alcohol program violation is prohibited from performing safety-sensitive functions, including operating a commercial motor vehicle, for any DOT-regulated employer until the return-to-duty process is complete. Beginning November 18, 2024, drivers with a “prohibited” status in FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse will also lose or be denied their state-issued commercial driving privileges. FMCSA recently added a new resource to the Clearinghouse Learning Center that outlines the return-to-duty process that drivers with a “prohibited” status must complete so they can get their status back to “not prohibited.” For more information about the return-to-duty process, visit the… Read More

MMTA Online Supply Ordering Now Available May 31, 2023

MMTA sells a wide array of trucking supplies, mandated forms, and compliance products from J. J. Keller. Member prices are lower than buying from Keller directly.  Members can now order our most popular products directly from our website!  Order supplies online at https://www.mdtrucking.org/shop or call MMTA at 410-644-4600 to place an order or to get pricing on an item not listed. Read More

Maryland Adopts California's ZEV Sales Mandate for Trucks, But With Some Caveats April 21, 2023

With the passage of Senate Bill 224, Maryland will join at least seven other states in adopting California’s Advance Clean Trucks Rule (ACT). This rule will require an increasing percentage of medium and heavy-duty truck sales in Maryland to be zero emission vehicles (e.g., electric or hydrogen fuel) beginning with the 2027 model year. Manufacturers who do not meet the percentages may be fined. Despite the passage of this new law, with heavy lobbying from the trucking industry, Maryland became the first state to impose restrictions on the ACT by requiring a needs assessment from five different agencies prior to… Read More

Trucks with 2009 and Older Engines No Longer Allowed in California December 29, 2022

Beginning January 1, 2023, California will implement the final phase of its Truck and Bus Regulation. On that date, only trucks with 2010 or newer diesel engines may operate in the state. Noncompliant trucks registered in California will be notified as part of their registration renewal, while enforcement against trucks registered outside the state will be through roadside inspections. Fleets and brokers should ensure any contract freight is compliant with this regulation. Read More

Reminder - Connecticut Highway User Fee Starts January 1, 2023 December 29, 2022

Starting January 1, 2023, Connecticut will impose a new Highway Use Fee on carriers operating vehicles weighing 26,000 lbs. or more. The fee is calculated based on a vehicle’s weight and number of miles driven in the state. It ranges from 2.5 cents per mile to 17.5 cents per mile. The first Highway Use Fee Return is by February 28, 2023. Carriers traveling in the state must register with the CT Department of Revenue Services by January 1. Go to https://portal.ct.gov/DRS/Businesses/Highway-Use-Fee/HUF.  Read More

MMTA’s Consortium can help with Your Drug Testing Needs! November 10, 2022

Your CDL drivers are required under federal law to be in a random drug & alcohol testing pool.  MMTA’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Consortium, in partnership with ARCpoint Labs of Southern Maryland, can help members comply with the federally mandated drug and alcohol testing rules.  The rules are often misunderstood and a frequent cause of violations.  Do you have problems with: Spending too much for tests? Employees waiting forever for a test? Chasing drug testing paperwork? Dialing 1-800 numbers and getting voice mail? Poor customer service? MMTA's program is here to help.  Benefits include: Inputting, updating, and maintaining your participant… Read More

Make Sure You Pay Your Highway Use Tax if Operating in New York September 28, 2022

Recently one MMTA member was cited for not paying the New York state highway use tax (HUT). New York imposes the HUT on motor carriers operating qualified motor vehicles on its public highways (excluding toll-paid portions of the New York State Thruway).  HUT certificates of registration are required for any truck, tractor, or other self-propelled vehicle with a gross weight over 18,000 pounds. An automotive fuel carrier (AFC) certificate of registration is required for any truck, trailer, or semi-trailer transporting automotive fuel. You must also affix a decal to each vehicle that is required to have a certificate of registration… Read More

A Compliance Checklist for You December 15, 2021

As a benefit of MMTA membership, the Association has created a checklist of the major compliance items your company must follow when running trucks.  Although not intended to be “all inclusive”, MMTA’s new flyer at www.mdtrucking.org/files/Usingtruck.pdf can help you do a quick scan of the many areas where we see members with compliance questions and concerns.  Take a look, then contact Brenda Tharp at MMTA with any questions at 410-644-4600. Read More

Take Advantage of MMTA Fuel Prices With Carroll! June 16, 2021

$ave BIG on fuel with member discount pricing! No contracts or minimums! No more fuel cards – Use your phone! No more paper receipts! Complete on-line fuel management system for immediate access to driver information, reports, vehicles, and transactions!************************************* Customer intro video  Carroll Information Flyer Carroll Form Questions: Email armand@mdtrucking.org or call 410-644-4600 Read More