News Archives:
Apr 11, 2008
Mar 20, 2008
Feb 19, 2008
Dec 27, 2007
Nov 16, 2007
New Mexico
Trucking Association
4809 Jefferson St. N.E.
Albuquerque, NM 87109
505 884-5575
505 884-3661 (fax)
NMTA Annual Meeting Set for May 1-3, 2008
New Restrictions Approved for Washburn Tunnel in Houston
Restrictions on travel through the Washburn Tunnel will go into effect April 14. The following vehicles are not allowed: Vehicles with more than two axles, vehicles pulling a trailer with more than two axles, all 18-wheelers. Trucks will be forced to use alternative routes via the Loop 610 bridge, the Beltway 8 Bridge or the Fred Hartman Bridge.
April 11 , 2008
FMCSA Proposes Commercial Driver's License Testing and Commercial Learner's Permit
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), which will be published in the Federal Register, that revises commercial driver's license (CDL) knowledge and skills testing standards and requires new federal minimum standards for states to issue commercial learner's permits (CLP). The NPRM would address many of the shortcomings of current CDL testing standards and minimum age requirements. Some of the requirements include:
• Successful completion of knowledge and skills testing prior to issuance of a CLP
• All CDL applicants to have CLP for 30 days before applying for a CDL
• All CLP applicants be at least 18 years old before applying for a CLP
• Increased documentation requirements for CDL and CLP applicants to demonstrate legal presence
• Increased fraud prevention measures to be implemented by the state driver's licensing agencies
Upon publication of the NPRM in the Federal Register, comments will be accepted for 60 days.
EPA Announces Federal Clean Diesel Program
Through the Federal Clean Diesel Program, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will award grants of almost $50 million to assist eligible partners to achieve voluntary emission reductions. The following types of fleets qualify for funding: Buses, medium or heavy-duty trucks, marine engines, locomotives or non-road engines, stationary engines, or vehicles used in construction, handling of cargo, including at a port or airport, agriculture, mining, or energy production. For more information visit the EPA website.
Participation Needed - Survey on Owner/Operators
Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) has commissioned a study to collect data on owner operators. The trucking industry is threatened with owner-operators (independent contractors) being re-classified as employees and we are asking trucking companies with owner-operators to participate in this survey.
The trucking industry is threatened with Owner-Operators (independent contractors) being re-classified as employees.
One of the consistent problems which arise in an employment classification case is that the judges, hearing officers and some legislators feel and have the perception that independent contractors are forced to be such by employers who see this as a way to avoid employment taxes, fringe benefits costs, etc. They have failed to realize the value of the true entrepreneur in trucking as a sensible, preferred business reason and their true desire.
To participate, call James Hardman at: 651/483-5560; email jhardman5560@comcast.net. You do not need to be a member of TCA to participate. Additional information can also be found in a one page sheet attached to this edition of Headlights. For further details click here.
NMTA Annual
Meeting Set for
May 1-3, 2008
The NMTA Annual Meeting, Golf Championships and the
State Truck Driving Championships will be held on May 1-3, 2008.
The President’s Reception, Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet will
be, once again, held at the Hyatt Regency Downtown Albuquerque. The Truck
Driving Championships will be held at the Conway Freight locations that I know
you are all familiar with, on Saturday May 3.
The Golf Tournament will be held at the Desert Greens Golf Course on
the Thursday morning. Make sure you have these dates blocked out, you will
be receiving communications from time to time leading up to the event.
ATA Chairman Ray Kuntz to Speak at NMTA Banquet.
Mr. Ray Kuntz, CEO of the Montana based Watkins & Shepard company
will be the keynote speaker at the Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday
May 3, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown, Albuquerque,. Mr. Kuntz
is highly respected throughout the industry for bringing a common sense
perspective on the issues affecting trucking in today’s economy.
NMTA Sponsors Who Already have Committed To Either The Annual Meeting and/or Golf Tournament
Annual Meeting:
Platinum:
J.J. Keller
Gold:
ABF Freight Systems
SW Truck Insurance
Trucks West of NM
UPS
Annual Golf Classic
Platinum:
J.J. Keller
Gold:
Inland Kenworth
Silver:
Groendyke Transport
SW Truck Insurance
Many thanks to each and every one of these fine companies.
