Senator Susan Collins, along with 13 other US Senators, sent a letter to President Biden urging his administration to work with their Canadian counterparts to reconsider their impending vaccine mandates that will go into effect in January due to the negative effects it will have on international surface commerce between the two countries. Both of […]
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Pandemic Relief Bill gives tax breaks to owner-operators
December 13, 2021The Pandemic Relief Bill signed by President Trump, in December 27, 2020, was intended to give tax relief to restaurants and to help stimulate the restaurant/hospitality industry. As originally interpreted, it did not benefit the owner-operator. Recent changes by the Internal Revenue Service has changed that and have greatly simplified the per diem deductions. In […]
Trucking cheers bipartisan bill to curb lawsuit abuse
December 10, 2021American Trucking Associations December 9, 2021 Arlington, Virginia – Today, American Trucking Associations cheered the introduction of the Highway Accident Fairness Act of 2021, led by Representatives Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) and Garret Graves (R-LA-6). Among other things, the bill would protect trucking companies from the financial burdens of defending against or settling fraudulent insurance claims […]
Expand your company brand while supporting Maine’s trucking industry
December 8, 2021MMTA serves over 1,700 companies across the great state of Maine and beyond. These companies make up the bulk of the almost 34,000 people who make their living in the trucking industry in Maine. Last year, many member companies showed their support by taking advantage of bundled pricing and hassle-free advertising resulting in member company […]
Changes to agricultural exemption for Hours of Service for livestock transportation including lobster
December 7, 2021On November 15, 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021 was signed into law by President Biden. The IIJA contained a provision of law impacting the current agricultural exemption afforded to motor carriers and drivers who transport agricultural commodities. Specifically, the change added language extending the current Hours of Service (HOS) exemption […]
Winter Driving – Be Prepared
December 3, 2021With winter soon to be on our door step, drivers of commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers must continue to be mindful of safety, and all that winter in Maine brings with it. Talking with your drivers about the winter driving season is recommended and the following safety tips might be helpful: Allow extra warm […]
MMTA provides onsite training to members
December 3, 2021The staff at MMTA stands ready to assist you with all of your compliance requirements. Training Obtaining a DOT Number Obtaining Operating Authority/BOC-3 Registrations Drug and Alcohol Testing Program Driver Qualification Process Daily Vehicle Inspections Hours of Service – Logbooks Vehicle Maintenance Files Forms and supplies Membership provides you with the ability to call or […]
MMTA adds electrical diagnostics training to 2022 schedule
December 2, 2021Over the course of the year, MMTA provides training at our conference room facility in Augusta. These trainings are targeted towards owner/operators, safety directors, technicians, dispatchers, and drivers. All classes are open to the public but members of MMTA receive a discount. For a list of these training sessions, check out our Course Book. We’ve […]
FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration on maximum drive time extended
November 29, 2021FMCSA FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration that was set to expire on November 30th has been extended until February 28, 2022. The declaration published today is limited to the transportation of: Livestock and livestock feed; Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19; Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment, including ancillary […]
Frank J. Wood bridge closed to commercial traffic
November 23, 2021MDOT announced yesterday that the FRANK J. WOOD bridge is now closed to all commercial motor vehicles. This decision supersedes the previous posting of 10 tons. Effective immediately, all commercial motor vehicles meeting this definition are prohibited from crossing the bridge between Topsham and Brunswick. Commercial motor vehicle. “Commercial motor vehicle” means a motor vehicle or […]