Industry Update - December 5, 2019 <h4><strong>By Paul DeCoste</strong></h4>
<h3><strong>Did you Know?</strong></h3>
It is a safety violation to replace your truck seat with a <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/nebraska-state-patrol-finds-unusual-violation/">lawn chair…</a>
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<h3><strong>Weather Report</strong></h3>
Pennsylvania and New Jersey have <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/states-issue-truck-bans-ahead-of-snow-storm/">issued travel bans for vehicles</a> in lieu of a massive snowstorm. Vehicles affected are double trailers, empty trailers, RVs, motorcycles, and non-commercial vehicles hauling trailers. This travel ban went into effect at 6 AM on Monday, December 2<sup>nd</sup>.
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For more information on which roads are blocked from travel, take a look at the Pennsylvania DOT Facebook page: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation/">https://www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation/</a>
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<h3><strong>Regulations</strong></h3>
California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced that it is <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/carb-suspends-imminent-ghg-rule-trailers">suspending the enforcement of its greenhouse gas trailer standards.</a> The original standards could be met by adding features to trailers that reduce aerodynamic drag, upgrade the tire pressure monitoring system, introduce low-rolling-pressure tires or other weight reduction methods.
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These standards were set to go into effect on January 1<sup>st</sup>, 2020 and had to be met by manufacturers of new trailers. However, due to the lack of federal enforcement and confusion among the definition of a “new trailer”, the CARB has suspended the implementation of these rules for the next two or three years.
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<h3><strong>ELD Update</strong></h3>
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is warning <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/cvsa-warns-truckers-no-soft-enforcement-for-eld-deadline/">that there will be no leeway on December 17<sup>th</sup></a> for drivers that have no transitioned to approved ELDs.
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Look out drivers! The CVSA says that on December 17<sup>th</sup>, any driver caught without an FMCSA approved device will be considered to have no record of duty status and will be declared out of service for 10 hours. That’s valuable time that no one can afford to lose! Make sure your ELD is in line with the FMCSA rules: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service/elds/general-information-about-eld-rule
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<h3><strong>Trucking Industry Serving the Community</strong></h3>
Truckers serve the community in many different ways and styles. <a href="https://www.trucker.com/drivers/drivers-industry-leaders-lead-through-charitable-work">Here are just a couple of foundations making a difference this Christmas season:</a>
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<ul>
<li><strong>The Convoy of Care</strong> – Founded in 2016, Convoy of Care delivers critical supplies to families in need after natural disasters. They have delivered supplies to multiple states across the US and even found a way to get supplies to the Bahamas.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><strong>The American Logistics Aid Network</strong> – The ALAN provides free logistics support to disaster relief organizations before, during and after natural disasters.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><strong>CFI</strong> – CFI has been donating through its Truckloads of Treasure event since 1993 and has collected over $800,000 in donations from employees and contractors alike. They choose multiple charities to support each year and even hold fundraising events like chili cook-offs, silent auctions and ugly sweater contests.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><strong>XPO Logistics</strong> – XPO supports the Ohio based non-profit, Elves and More which helped surprise over 800 children with bikes during the 2018 holidays. They even donated 500 bikes for a Christmas in July event this past summer.</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li><strong>Wreaths Across America</strong> – Drivers throughout the industry look forward to participating in Wreaths Across America, a foundation that coordinates wreath laying ceremonies at more than 1,600 locations across the nation. Drivers support by delivering wreaths to different locations and even participating in the wreath laying events.</li>
</ul> 
Industry Update March 22, 2019 <h3>Trucking Industry Update March 22, 2019</h3>
<h5>By Jeremy Feucht</h5>
<h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3>
March 22, 1933, President Roosevelt signed the Beer and Wine Revenue act, which basically killed Prohibition. This started the shipment of alcohol again in earnest and culminated in the signing of the 21<sup>st</sup> Amendment in December of 1933, officially ending Prohibition.
<h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3>
Getting loads to the final destination on time is key to getting paid the full rate. During the Spring, especially this Spring, wind has been a major factor. Trucks, being top heavy, are easily tipped over. Pay attention to wind speeds in the area you are going through, in particularly through the Plains. Being late is better than not getting there at all.
<h3><strong><u>Declarations of Emergency</u></strong></h3>
This section has been a constant for the last several weeks. This week is no different. Nebraska is having massive flooding issues and are in desperate need of water, fuel and many other items. Make sure you are planning accordingly if your route takes you through Nebraska.
<h3><strong><u>Toll Road Fight</u></strong></h3>
The ATA sued the state of Rhode Island on their implementation of toll roads. The suit was initially brought up in July of 2018 but is just now being ruled on. Unfortunately, the suit has been dismissed but not due to the legality of the law. The presiding judge felt that the <a href="https://www.ttnews.com/articles/court-dismisses-atas-lawsuit-against-rhode-island-truck-tolls">suit should be brought up in state</a> court first. The ATA has declared that they will continue the fight.
<h3><strong><u>Legislation</u></strong></h3>
If you drive in the agriculture business, a new piece of legislation has been introduced that you need to keep an eye out on. HR 1673, The Agricultural Trucking Relief Act, has been introduced by Representative Austin Scott (R-GA),is set to further clarify what is classified as an agricultural commodity. While the full bill has yet to be released, you will be able to read the bill in its entirety <a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/1673/text?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B%22HR+1673%22%5D%7D&r=1&s=2">here</a> when its released. 
Industry Update March 8, 2019 <h2>Trucking Industry Update March 8, 2019</h2>
<h4>By Jeremy Feucht</h4>
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<h3><strong><u>Did you Know?</u></strong></h3>
This week in history saw its very first Adopt-A-Highway sign be placed. March 9, 1985, the Tyler Civitan Club committed to picking up trash on Texas Highway 69.
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<h3><strong><u>Trucking tip of the Week</u></strong></h3>
Tornado season is upon us. Alabama saw 18 strike in a single day earlier this week. Tornado season usually lasts from March to June. Keep an eye out on weather forecasts and the FMCSA Declaration of Emergency page. Remember, you cannot outrun a tornado, so don’t try.
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<h3><strong><u>Infrastructure</u></strong></h3>
The ATA is stepping up efforts to counterman the increases they are seeing across individual states to place road improvement costs all on the trucking industry. Instead, they are offering up another idea. Called the “Build America Fund,” the ATA’s CEO Chris Spear is calling for a $.20 per gallon increase on fuel tax which would be implemented over the next five years. While any increase in fuel means increases in prices every where else, Mr. Spear makes several <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/trucking-calls-on-congress-to-draft-sustainable-user-funded-infrastructure-plan-1028009576">solid points</a> on why we can no longer ignore the infrastructure crisis in the US.
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<h3><strong><u>Legislation</u></strong></h3>
Last week, we talked about the ATA pushing the “Drive Safe Act.” This piece of legislation would allow those who are under 21 to drive interstate. This week Mark Allen, President and CEO of the International Foodservice Distributors Association (IFDA) also weighed in on the topic. Mr. Allen, like the ATA, believes <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/politics/trucking-a-gateway-to-economic-prosperity/ar-BBUlH9m">this is a good idea</a> due to the increasing capacity crunch the industry is seeing. The crunch is finally starting to hit consumer pricing and presidents for associations like the ATA and IFDA are attempting to make the public understand why. Is this the best option? Maybe not, but at least groups are attempting to make sure the issues are seen and understood by those outside of the industry.
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<h3><strong><u>Avoiding Toll Roads?</u></strong></h3>
If you have <a href="https://cdllife.com/2019/state-police-cracking-truckers-avoiding-new-toll-road/">practiced avoiding toll roads</a> in your big rig, you might need to reconsider doing it in the future. Maryland and Delaware State Police created their own blitz. The crackdown came on February 28-March 1 and focused on drivers avoiding the US 301 toll. 85 drivers in total were stopped with 77 receiving citations and two were forced out of service. More sprees like this are expected to be conducted. Make sure you check out state laws in the jurisdictions you will be traveling in if you plan on attempting to avoid tolls. 
Celebrate National Truck Driver Appreciation Week with loads of savings and giveaways [p]National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (NTDAW) is this week! This year, the trucking industry will come together from September 9-15 to honor professional drivers nationwide. We want to thank you for all your hard work and commitment to your careers. Without you and your integral role as a truck driver, life would get tough fast for the rest of us. Many of the things we take for granted, including access to medical supplies, fuel, food and clean water, would all be gone in a matter of weeks without trucks and truck drivers. What you do matters, and we are so grateful for you.[/p]
[p]As a professional driver, there are several rewards and freebies you can take advantage of as part of NTDAW. These include:[/p]
<ul>
<li><strong>[p]Denny’s</strong> - Participating Denny’s travel center locations will offer professional drivers scratch-off cards with various diner discounts and prizes through September 30. Drivers will also receive a 10 percent discount key tag that can be used until December 31, 2019. (<a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/dennys-to-show-appreciation-to-drivers-in-september/">https://www.truckersnews.com/dennys-to-show-appreciation-to-drivers-in-september/</a>)[/p]</li>
<li><strong>[p]Pilot/Flying J</strong> - Throughout the month of September, Pilot Flying J stores will have money-saving offers and daily giveaways via the myPilot® app. Pilot Flying J Truck Care is also offering free mid-trip inspections, valued at $50, to help professional drivers and trucking companies prepare for Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Brake Safety Week. The company is also handing out a combined 100 million myRewards® loyalty points to more than 60,000 drivers, including 2,000 daily winners. To enter, professional drivers can simply swipe their myRewards® loyalty card when purchasing diesel fuel at participating travel centers in the United States. Additional details can be found here: <a href="https://www.pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation/">https://www.pilotflyingj.com/driver-appreciation/</a>[/p]</li>
<li><strong>[p]Love’s Travel Centers</strong> - Love’s is celebrating NTDAW all month long with many food, drink, and merchandise deals as well as the opportunity to win 10,000 My Love Reward points. One driver will win 1 million points. Use the following link for more details: <a href="https://www.truckersnews.com/loves-appreciates-trucker-drivers-throughout-september/">https://www.truckersnews.com/loves-appreciates-trucker-drivers-throughout-september/</a>[/p]</li>
<li><strong>[p]AmBest Truck Stops</strong> - Specific AmBest members are hosting driver appreciation events. Check out the full list here to find one near you: <a href="https://am-best.com/News-Events/Driver-Appreciation-Days">https://am-best.com/News-Events/Driver-Appreciation-Days</a>[/p]</li>
<li><strong>[p]Southern Recipe</strong> - Vote for your favorite truck driver chef recipe for a chance to with $2,000 here: <a href="http://southernrecipe.com/truckdriverappreciation/">http://southernrecipe.com/truckdriverappreciation/</a>[/p]</li>
</ul>
[p]Many carriers around the country are also hosting their own driver appreciation events this week. Be sure to check out their social media pages to find out the details. Know about a NTDAW event happening that you want to share with other drivers? Leave the details in a comment below.[/p]
[p]Here’s to a great National Truck Driver Appreciation Week![p] 
