November/December 2012 MMTA Magazine

September/October 2012 Maine Motor Transport 1

November/December 2012

MMTA ANNUAL BANQUETJanuary 10, 2013

Holiday Inn By-the-Bay - Portland

See Page 30 for detailsor register online at

www.mmta.com/annualbanquet

Featuring:Maine HumoristGary Crocker

Duct Tape InnovatorUnregistered Maine Guide

Moxie ConnoisseurShed Memorabilia Collector

2 Maine Motor Transport September/October 20122

September/October 2012 Maine Motor Transport �

Maine Motor TransportAssociation Inc.

Brian Parke, Editor

MMTA Officers 2012-2014 Chairman: ChrisHuff,HannafordTrucking,S.Portland ViceChairman: EvanKeefer,Kris-WayTruckLeasing,Inc.,S.Portland Secretary: ShawnMoore,R.C.Moore,Inc.,Scarborough Treasurer: DuaneGraves,Pottle’sTransportation,LLC,Bangor ExecutiveCommittee: JimMcCurdy,MaineCommercialTire,Bangor StateVicePresident,ATA: ChrisHuff,HannafordTrucking,S.Portland AlternateStateV.P.,ATA: Vacant BudgetCommittee: DuaneGraves,Pottle’sTransportation,LLC,Bangor GovernmentalAffairsCommittee: BarryPottle,Pottle’sTransportationLLC,Bangor MembershipCommittee: BrianBouchard,H.O.Bouchard,Inc.,Hampden SpecialEventsCommittee: NateLewis,WalMartTransportation NominatingCommittee: JimMcCurdy,MaineCommercialTire,Bangor

Directors

MMTA Past Chairmenand Lifetime Directors

* OlenE.Butler 1946-47* PaulE.Merrill 1947-48* GeraldA.Cole 1948-49* StewartM.Taylor 1949-50* GuyF.Dunton 1950-51* MarkW.Ginn 1951-52* HarryL.Milliken 1952-53* PhilipC.Gox 1953-54 F.GilbertCongdon 1954-55* H.MerrillLuthe 1955-56 GalenL.Cole 1956-57 HenryW.Saunders 1957-58 RichardS.Clement 1958-59 DwinA.Gordon 1959-60* H.BlaineSanborn 1960-61 WilliamG.Hepburn 1961-62* C.L.Fox,Sr. 1962-63 GeorgeW.McNear 1963-64* H.BlaineSanborn 1964-65 DavidW.Harmon 1965-66* GeraldA.Cole 1966-67 HerbertE.Ginn 1967-68 JosephH.O’Donnell 1968-69* HarryL.Milliken 1969-70* F.EmmettO’Connor 1970-71* DavidW.Fox 1971-72 RobertE.Ginn 1972-73 RichardJ.Haley 1973-75 GeorgeM.Hutchins 1975-77 H.WalkerNoyes 1977-79 ChesterSherrard 1979-81 ArthurW.Hicks 1981-83* VirgilE.Beane 1983-85 GeorgeL.Parke 1985-87* DavidL.Cole 1987-88 WilliamDuddy 1988-90* CliftonE.Halacy 1990-92 MarkA.Hutchins 1992-94 DonaldB.Wiswell 1994-96 PietervanVoorst 1996-98 MertBrown 1998-00 TomKeefer 2000-02 BarryPottle 2002-04*JohnAustin 2004-06BrianBouchard 2006-08JohnLightbody 2008-10JimMcCurdy 2010-12*JohnThut-HonoraryChairman

*DeceasedSubscription Rate

$2.75percopy,$25.00peryearformembers,$35.00fornonmembers.AdvertisingRatesonrequest.

142WhittenRoad,Augusta,Maine04330Tel.:(207)623-4128FAX:(207)623-4096

Advertising Coordinator, GayleBaberTel.:(207)947-1408

JeffCastonguay-HarttTransportationSystems(2014)RolandCrawford-TimberlandTrucking(2014)AaronHuotari-CentralMaineTransport(2014)KathrynKillory-FedExCorporation(2014)RandyMacomber-MacomberTransportation(2014)TimMcLaughlin-Dysart’sTransportation,Inc.(2013)AlanReed-PAFTransportation(2014)FloydThayer-EdThayer,Inc.(2014)

KenCannell-C.N.BrownCompany(2013)GaryCooper-J&SOilCo.,Inc.,(2014)GeorgeDowning-G.A.DowningCo.,Inc.(2014)JimMountain,Jr.-Shaw’sSupermarkets(2013)RickThurstonII-Reed&Reed(2013)TimWalton-CianbroCorporation(2013)

GaryBangor-HaleTrailerBrake&Wheel(2013)BrianBoulet-Boulet’sTruckService(2014)BillCrowley-CrowleyTransportationServices(2014)BrianHallowell-FreightlinerandWesternStarofMaine(2013)AndreLaBrie-RyderTransportationServices(2014)TawnyaMatthews-CentralMainePartnersinHealth(2013)KellyMcDonald-Murray,Plumb&Murray(2014)RichardMorrison-PortlandNorthTruckCenter(2013)KarenSpellman-TransportationComplianceServices(2013)EdTherrien -UnitedInsuranceGroup(2014)DavidWatson-DieselDirect(2013)

FOR-HIRE CARRIERS

PRIVATE CARRIERS

SERVICE INDUSTRY

� Maine Motor Transport September/October 2012

2012 MMTA ANNUAL SPONSORS

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

H.O. BOUCHARDR.F. CHAMBERLAND

FedEx CORPORATiONHARTT TRANSPORTATiON

J.J. KELLERMR. SiGNS, iNC.

PORTLAND AiR FREiGHTPOTTLE’S TRANSPORTATiON

PROGRESSiVE iNSURANCER.C. MOORE, iNC.

UPS

The following members have taken advantage of the bundled pricing and hassle-free advertising program in support of the Maine Motor Transport Association in 2012:

95 Main Street, South Portland 207-???-???? 1-800-287-1538 www.trask-decrow.com52 US Route 1, Scarborough 207-799-1538 1-800-287-1538 www.tdmgo.com

Interest-Free or Special Financing May Be Available.

Maine’s Compressed AirExperts for Over 30 Years.SALES · 24/7 SERVICE · PARTS


��

��10% ��

��

��

��Company Name___________________________________________________ Your Name ____________________________________

Address________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Phone___________________________________ Email____________________________________________

Ad Size_________________Color ___________ Circle one: 3 times 6 times

Price per insertion _____________+ color ___________ x ________(no. of insertions) = _________________

10% prepay discount _________________

10% prepay by Dec.15, 2012 _________________

TOTAL _________________

*to receive the prepay discount, all ads must be paid for by Dec.12, 2012

Please make checks payable to Maine Motor Transport Association &return with contract by Dec.12th to:Gayle Baber, Advertising Representative

P.O. Box 414 Orono, ME 04473207.947.1408

Please checkthe months you wish your ad to appear:

____Jan/Feb ____March/April ____May/June**Maine State Truck

Driving Championships Issue

____July/August ____Sept/Oct ____Nov/Dec** **Annual Banquet/

Shipers’ Night Issue

��

As your voice in the trucking industry, Maine Motor Transport Association cares about your success. Our magazine, MAINE MOTOR TRANSPORT NEWS contains vital information on state and national trucking concerns and it reaches more ofMaine’s truck transportation industry than any other publications in circulation.

In addition to the reduced rates for 3 or 6 time contracts, we also offer these discounts:- a 10% prepay discount on 3 or 6 time contracts, PLUS...

from now until December 12th, 2012 we are also offering: - an extra 10% discount on all prepaid contracts for 3 or 6 time insertions.

Our advertising representative, Gayle Baber, would be happy to answer your questions or assist you with your plans. Please call her at 207.947.1408 or email her at [email protected]

Order by

December 12th &

SAVEBIG!


TRUCKS BRINGLife's Essentials

The railroad industry talks a lot about fuel efficiency per ton.

Unfortunately, being fuel efficient in a straight line doesn’t

get food to grocery stores, supplies to businesses, or life’s

essentials to the home. Trucks connect our homes, businesses

and industries with the timely movement of food, freight and

commodities essential to our economic well-being and way of life.

80 percent of American communities rely solely on trucks to

deliver life’s essentials to local hospitals, schools, homes,

factories and grocery stores. Since no other mode of transportation

— rail, ship or air — gets things where they need to go, it is

critical that we rebuild and maintain a world-class highway

system that matches American dependence on trucks.

When we need it, where we need it.

TRAINS doN’TdelIveR WheReAmeRICA lIveS.

Region 9School ofApplied

Technology

Your

Seat Is

Waiting!

Your

Seat Is

Waiting!

Region 9 provides high quality training to help you obtain a Commercial Driver License (CDL).The skills you develop will last a lifetime as you enter a career in professional driving.

• Diverse Teaching&TestingMethods • Job Interviews while Training • Multiple Funding Options • Flexible Schedules

Find Out More!

E-mail: [email protected]

Call: 207-369-9058 • www.Region9TruckDriving.org

Next Classes January 22and April 1, 2013

Region 9School ofApplied

Technology

The best companies turn to J. J. Keller.Join over 300,000 businesses, including 90% of the Fortune 1000, that trust J. J. Keller’s wide range of safety and compliance products and services.

Count on J. J. Keller’s 1,200 associates, including a staff of experienced consultants and regulatory experts, to help you build a strategy for reducing risk in your company.

Nobody delivers more solutions.From Online, Outsource and Advisory Services to Mobile Technology and beyond, the right blend of resources is here for you.

PC 55490

You Benefit From This PartnershipA portion of the revenue from your purchase supports your State Trucking Association.

jjkellerservices.com | 1-888-473-4638

Transportation | Workplace Safety | Human Resources

Reducing risk. Improving compliance.

Online ServicesOutsource ServicesAdvisory ServicesMobile Technology

Build a smarter compliance program


P.O.Box 249349 Coldbrook RoadHampden, ME 04444

Open 7 Days a Week / Mon-Fri 7am-5pm Sat & Sun 7am- 4pm

Here to Service Your Maintenance Needs Since 1958Here to Service Your Maintenance Needs Since 1958

- General maintenance- State Certified Truck

inspection facility - Tire service- Alignments, repairs,

balancing/mounting- Engine rebuilds- Registered tank

inspection and repairfacility

- EPA Method 27 tanktests

- Repair of cargo tanks

- Forestry and constructionequipment

- Suspension rebuilds- Metal fabrication,

welding, machining- Hydraulic hose

production/repair- Paint and body work- PPG Certified painting

booth- Diagnostic capabilities for

new engine requirement- Transmission and rear end

rebuild

207-862-4070 or toll free at 800-432-1727207-862-4070 or toll free at 800-432-1727

visit us online atwww.hobouchard.com

What’s Inside2012AnnualSponsors......................................................4Chairman’sPage.............................................................10MaineNews....................................................................12NationalNews...........................................................18-19SafetyPerspective..........................................................20SMCNews&Notes.......................................................22DriversoftheMonth......................................................25FeatureArticle...........................................................26-29MMTAAnnualBanquet.................................................30

CalendarNovember 2 FMCSA Regulations Training 8:30am MMTA Office - Augusta

November 14 ABS Systems Seminar 9:00am MMTA Office - Augusta

November 15 Safety Management Council Meeting 8:00am MMTA Office - Augusta

November 16 Drug & Alcohol Supervisor Training 8:30am MMTA office - Augusta

January 10 MMTA Board/Membership Meeting 2:30pm Holiday Inn By-the-Bay - Portland

January 10 MMTA Annual Banquet 5:00pm Holiday Inn By-the-Bay - Portland 8 1/2"

11"


MMTA CHAIRMAN PAGE

Chris Huff - Delhaize America / Hannaford Trucking

Our nation’s highways are the workplace for our drivers and must be kept in good working condition. Given that as a premise, the funding that is needed to maintain this critical infrastructure is perpetually discussed, deliberated, and debated. It seems like we are always talking about where the money should come from and how much is needed to offer current and/or desired services.

Generally, the trucking industry has been opposed to things like expansion of tolling (too inefficient), implementing a Vehicle Miles Tax (encourages evasion), congestion pricing (logistically unrealistic for the trucking industry) and Public Private Partnerships for existing roads (too many unintended consequences). At the October 17th MMTA Board meeting, we also found out there is one more infrastructure funding enhancement to dislike: indexing the federal fuel tax rate to the rate of inflation. In Maine, we have experience with indexing, and we see it as a cautionary tale to those in Washington, DC who think it is a good way to enhance highway fund revenues – which is political speak for a tax increase.

Maine’s fuel tax was first implemented in 1923 at the rate of one-cent per gallon. Starting in 2003 and running through 2012, the legislature implemented a form of fuel tax indexing that ratcheted up the fuel tax, even when CPI was negative like it was in July of 2010. The echoes from the halls of the legislature was that this was not an “automatic” tax increase because they had to vote on whether to keep indexing every two years… with a bill titled “An act to delay the sustainability of the highway fund.” If you were a politician against the sustainability of the highway fund, you were probably also against puppies and apple pie too.

My point is that this indexing was not sufficient to keep up with the needs of the highway fund to adequately maintain the roads and bridges of our state. Not even close. It was a clever way to give politicians cover so they would not have to vote for an increase, but only putting a negligible dent in an otherwise daunting funding conundrum. The result of the MMTA Board discussion, in case you were wondering, was to oppose any attempt to index the federal fuel tax and to educate Maine’s congressional delegation on the reasons why we feel it is the wrong approach to take.

The Maine Motor Transport’s long-standing position on this subject has been that reasonable increases to the fuel tax should be on the table in the context of necessary highway infrastructure funding. Trucking companies may be willing to support an increase in their highway user fee payments if they perceive value from the expenditures. The source of revenue needs to be easy and inexpensive to pay and collect, have a low evasion rate, be tied to highway use and it should not create impediments to interstate commerce. If these requirements are met, I’m willing to bet our industry would be at the table and ready to talk.

Until then, gimmicks and quick fixes won’t solve the problem. Leadership and political courage are the only ways it will get done.


MAINE NEWS MAINE NEWS MAINE NEWS MAINE NEWS MAINE NEWS

CONDOLENCESPast MMTA Chairman David W. Fox

Obituary

BANGOR, HANCOCK and NEW SMYRNA BEACH, F la . - David W. Fox, 82 , o f Hancock and New Smyrna Beach, F la . , lef t th is l i fe rather suddenly but peaceful ly Thursday, Sept . 27, 2012. His very full life began April 10, 1930, in Bangor, son of Cornelius and Charlotte Fox. He was a graduate of Bangor High School and the University of Maine, Orono, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, class of 1952. While at UMO he belonged to Delta Tau Delta fraternity and Phi Kappa Phi honor society. That is where he met the love of his life, Jeanette Bishop. Marriage would wait until after serving the country he loved in the U.S. Army where he was stationed in Korea. He spent his working years at Fox & Ginn Freight Lines where he started at the warehouse in Boston then worked his way up to president in

the Bangor office. His other community service roles during that time included membership and holding the office of president for: Maine Truck Owners Association, Bangor Rotary Club, Bangor YMCA, University of Maine Foundation, Delta Tau Delta House Corp., Bangor chapter of Jaycees, chairman of Bangor Water District, trustee of Bangor Savings Bank, and member of Bangor Mechanics Association. After his tenure at Fox & Ginn, he and Jen retired to Florida where it didn’t take long before he started his own business called Dollar Trader. He remained active in retirement until the time of his death holding membership St. Andrews Lodge A.F. & A.M., Hammond Street Congregational Church, Sugar Mill Country Club, Marlboro Yacht Club, and volunteer at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital. David is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Jeanette Bishop Fox; a daughter, Lori Goodliffe and her husband, Kirk, of Paradise, Calif., grandsons, Cody and Joshua, and granddaughter, Chelsea; two sons, Russell Fox of South Daytona, Fla., and Stephen Fox and his wife, Maria, of Snohomish, Wash., grandson, Michael, and granddaughter, Jen; a brother, Neil Fox of Hernando, Fla.; sister-in-law, Norma Higgins of Gray; his two nieces, Diane and Lisa; and four nephews, Chris, Mike, Mark and Eric. His passing leaves a large void and he will be so very missed. A service of remembrance was held on Oct. 3, at Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor with interment at Mount Hope Cemetery, Bangor. Those who wish to do so may make a contribution in Dave’s memory to the University of Maine Foundation, 2 Alumni Place, Orono, ME 04469. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.

Published in the Bangor Daily News

September/October 2012 Maine Motor Transport 1�

1� Maine Motor Transport September/October 2012

PARTS - SALES - SERVICE

Two locations conveniently located and ready to help you no matter where you are in New England

“Make us the first call for all of your trailer needs and let us do the work for you”

242 Route 107 Seabrook, NH 03874

Phone 800-346-8748Fax 603-474-5931

Utility Trailers of New England, Inc.

www.utilityne.com

14 Boulder Park Way N. Oxford, MA 01537Phone 877-941-4040

Fax 508-987-0050


www.pntc.net

NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWSCSA, HOURS-OF-SERVICE RULES TOP LIST OF CONCERNS IN ANNUAL

TRUCKING INDUSTRY SURVEY

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry’s not-for-profit research organization, has unveiled its list of the top ten critical issues facing the North American trucking industry.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) tops the list for the first time in ATRI’s annual survey of more than 4,000 trucking industry executives. The complete results were released at the 2012 Management Conference and Exhibition of the American Trucking Associations (ATA) meeting in Las Vegas, NV, the nation’s largest gathering of motor carrier executives. The ATRI Top Industry Issues report also solicited and tabulated specific strategies for addressing each issue.

Ongoing concerns with recent as well as potential changes in the federal hours-of-service regulation caused that issue to remain in the number two position for the second consecutive year. Many in the industry are concerned over how changes to the 34-hour restart provision, the addition of a mandatory rest break after 8 hours of driving, and threats to reduce total drive time will impact industry operations. Last year’s top industry issue, the economy, fell two spots this year to third place. That issue topped the list for a record three consecutive years and remains a source of concern for many in the industry. Worry over the increasing driver shortage put that issue at number four. Economic recovery, CSA and HOS changes may be contributing factors to a shrinking pool of qualified drivers according to some in the industry.

The ATA-commissioned survey results and proposed strategies will be utilized by the ATA Federation to better focus its advocacy role on behalf of the U.S. trucking industry and ATA Federation stakeholders.

“ATRI’s annual survey of critical industry issues gives ATA, and all trucking stakeholders, a clearer understanding of the challenges our industry faces,” said ATA chairman Dan England, Chairman of the Board, C.R. England, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT.

“As we all know, the trucking industry operates in a complex and evolving environment and we must constantly work to understand how economic and regulatory changes will impact the industry,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “By improving our understanding of the issues, we can be better stewards of the important job our industry is tasked with. ATRI’s work once again gives ATA the information we need to effectively represent the industry.”

ATRI is the trucking industry’s 501(c)(3) not-for-profit research organization. It is engaged in critical research relating to freight transportation’s essential role in maintaining a safe, secure and efficient transportation system. A copy of the survey results is available from ATRI at www.atri-online.org.


THE AUTOMATIC TIRE CHAINSINCE 1977

Allows operator to engage tire chainsvia dashboard swith

1/2 Ton to Class 8 Vehicles

Resting Position Working Position

DOT APPROVED - MADE IN THE USA

School Buses - Fire TrucksAmbulances - Utility Trucks

Plow Trucks - Tractor Trailers

Distributed by

Supporters of MMTAsince its

beginning

2011- OUR 162nd YEAR OF DEPENDABLE SERVICE

355 FOREST AVENUE, PORTLAND, MAINE 04101(207)772-0121 www.palmerspring.com

1(800)PALMERS - (800)725-6377

HEAVY DUTY SPECIALISTS - ALIGNMENTS - BRAKES - SPRINGSMACHINE SHOP - HENDRICKSON’S REBUSHED

SNOWPLOWS &SPREADERSASE CERTIFIED

TECHNICIANS

2012-OUR163rdYEAROFDEPENDABLESERVICE

NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS NATIONAL NEWS

MMTA MEMBER NEWS

TDM (Trask-Decrow Machinery) is thrilled to announce a recent addition to their staff. Jennifer Avery has been hired as Office Manager. Her duties include managing all accounting and reception staff, as well as overseeing the general office functions. Jennifer has spent her career working in the Accounting field. She graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a BS in Accounting. Her most recent work as Staff Accountant at Lunder Manufacturing, Inc., and previous to that, National Distributors Inc., were both very rewarding. However, Jen sought a more challenging position with which to grow - thus fitting in perfectly at TDM.

Jennifer resides in Windham, Maine, and enjoys spending time with friends, family and her pets. During her time off, you can find Jennifer primarily working on home improvements or walking her dog. Her other hobbies are jewelry making, photography and camping.

All of the staff at TDM welcome Jennifer to their growing, dynamic team!

NEW RESEARCH ASSESSES LINK BETWEEN

CSA AND SAFETY The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) has released a report examining the relationship between motor carrier CSA scores and actual crash involvement. ATRI assessed all five public BASICs, finding a strong safety relationship for the Unsafe Driving, Fatigued Driving and Vehicle Maintenance BASICs; partial support for the Controlled Substances and Alcohol BASIC; and no statistical support for the Driver Fitness BASIC. In fact, the data show that, as a carrier’s Driver Fitness record improves, that carrier’s crash rate goes up.

“The conclusions in ATRI’s study support what many motor carriers have found to be true in their operations – namely, that scores in the CSA Driver Fitness BASIC do not bear a statistical correlation to crash risk, said Scott Mugno, Vice President of Safety, FedEx Ground. “However, the industry has always supported CSA where it does reduce crash risk and ATRI’s study validates that there are portions of CSA that are working as intended.”

A copy of this report is available from ATRI at www.atri-online.org.

HOUSE SUBCOMMITTEE REQUESTS DOT INSPECTOR GENERAL AUDIT OF CSA

On October 12th, the House Subcommittee on Highways and Transit formally requested that the DOT Inspector General (I.G).conduct an audit and evaluation of FMCSA’s CSA program. Specifically, the letter urges the I.G. to explore the accuracy of carriers’ CSA scores and how they impact not only the effective and efficient use of Federal and State government resources, but the safety-based decisions made by third parties. Moreover, the letter identifies a number of specific questions the I.G. should address including how a lack of sufficient data and regional enforcement disparities impact the effectiveness of the system.

Following a September 2012 CSA hearing held by this House Subcommittee, the American Trucking Association’s advocacy team asked that this audit request be made, and worked with key Committee staff as they drafted the letter and corresponding audit questions. This is a key part of ATA’s CSA program improvement strategy.


The Safety PerspectiveBy Tim Doyle

MMTA Vice President

Be Prepared for Winter

With winter soon to be on our door steps, 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 up and driving time for windows to defrost and for slower speeds on slippery roads.Remember routine maintenance items such as tires, wiper blades, fuel filters, bulbs etc.Keep headlights, tail lights and mirrors clean of snow and dirt.Give snow plows extra room and don’t pass near bridges.Watch out for black ice, leaf covered roads, children playing in snow banks etc...Increase following distance to allow for slippery roads.Consider chains and carrying sand in case extra traction is required. Check other safety items in truck such as triangles, flares, fire extinguisher.Keep tanks full of fuel and stay with vehicle if stranded.Use extra caution climbing out of the tractor and on and off trailers. Remember to use 3 points of contact with the tractor at all times. Be careful of slippery parking lots.Remember ice and snow on trailers. Do the best you can to clean the tractor and trailer of snow and ice utilizing all safety precautions. Consider contracting with companies that perform these services or utilizing commercially available trailer scrapers. Always wear your seatbelt.

Note: Some state laws require ice and snow to be removed from tractor and trailers prior to operation. While Maine does not require vehicles to be clear of snow and ice, MMTA recommends that in the interest of safety and courtesy that all reasonable efforts are taken to safely clear them prior to operating on public ways.

When prepared, winter can be a great time of year. Companies can also take advantage of the slower time of year, from the business perspective, to catch up on safety training, maintenance of files, and ensuring that you are in compliance with requirements of the federal regulations. If you have questions, or would like to schedule training, feel free to call the office and speak with Randy or I.

•••••••

••

•

•


MMTA ONLINE STORENEW!!

www.mmta.com/store

MMTA STORE

www.mmta.com/store

Featuring the ability to order: FMCSA Regulations (Management Edition)LogbooksDVIR’sVehicle Maintenance FoldersDriver Qualification FilesHAZMAT WorkbooksCVSA OOS CriteriaDrug & Alcohol HandbookEmergency Response GuideFMCSA Regulations (Pocket Edition)


MMTA Safety Management Council News & Notes

Submitted by Mary Henrique MMTA SMC Secretary

The Safety Management Council met on August 16, 2012 at the MMTA office in Augusta. The meeting was attended by Safety Directors representing 20 member companies as well as MMTA staff.

Presentations:Lt. Shawn Currie of the Maine State Police gave a Level 1 demonstration. Due to inclement weather the presentation was moved to J & S Oil Company. A thank you goes to Dead River for use of their tank truck, and another thank you to J & S Oil for allowing the SMC to use their facility for the presentation.

Old Business:Personal Property Disclaimer: The company inquiring about a personal property disclaimer has their attorney working on this.

TDC/PTC Wrap Up:Due to an increase in participation from Drivers and Sponsors this was classified as the best event since it started. Maine’s team went to the nationals in Minneapolis and competed against winners from other states and they did quite well. Congratulations to the winners and a thank you to all the drivers and sponsors who made this years events a huge success. HM Fingerprint Locations:Currently the only places for a driver to apply and go for fingerprints are in Auburn, Greenville or Baileyville. Hampden is meeting with L1 and hopefully the greater Bangor area will have a better solution to fingerprinting instead of traveling so far. Affiliated Laboratory is another company that is being looked at for this.

MTA Toll Increase:As of this meeting hearings are is still being held on the toll increase that would go into effect in November of 2012. Brian and Tim have been attending the hearings and will let everyone know when a decision has been made by MTA.

New Business:Fleet Safety/Safety Director of the Year:The Annual Banquet is scheduled for January 10, 2013 at the Holiday Inn on the Bay in Portland. Tim will be scheduling a meeting after the deadline with the companies who have submitted entries.

APTA/MMTA Transportation Safety Conference:This is being held in Fredericton, NB on September 17th and 18th. We would like to have as many attend as possible. A schedule and registration form for the conference is available on the MMTA website Golf (on your own) is available on Sunday, September 16th. The conference is usually done by noon on Tuesday.

CVSA Conference in Portland:Steve Ashcroft from MMTA will be attending this conference. This is being held on September 23rd -27th. Any issues that a member may want to have addressed should let Steve know prior to the event.

Cargo Securement Training Schedule:This will be held over the next 3 or 4 meetings of the SMC. Flat beds, dry vans and tankers are three of the trainings that will be held. If you have any other suggestions please let Tim know.

Other Business:A tank truck rollover training put on by MEMA is being held in Fort Kent on September 15th and in Skowhegan on October 10th. If you would like to attend this training, please contact the MEMA office by email: [email protected].

The TSA is granting a temporary extension for three years to eligible TWIC card holders that expire on or before December 31, 2014. For more information you can visit the website at www.reguations.gov.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 am.

The next meeting will be on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 8:00 am. The meeting will be at the MMTA office in Augusta.

August 16, 2012


Authorized Dealer forMACK - VOLVO - HINO

REITNOUER - TRAILKING2245 Odlin Road, Hermon, ME 04401

(207) 947-0778 - (800) 649-0778www.bangortrucks.com

“Striving to Exceed Our Customers' Expectations”

PARTS - SALES - SERVICETruck & Trailer Sales, Inc.Bangor


1ST

pLACE

For nearly 50 years, Morgan has made Bodies That Move Business. And at Messer, we’ll help you keep them looking and working their best.

Visit messertruckequipment.com to check out the latest Morgan Truck Bodies, dry freight or refrigerated.

Or call207.854.9751

for more information.

170 Warren AvenueWestbrook, ME 04092

messertruckequipment.com

Body by Morgan. Service by Messer.

$4.50

$4.00

$3.50

$3.00

$5.00

$2.00

$1.50

$1.00 1998 - 2005

$2.50

2005 - 2012

Diesel Prices 1998 - 2012

3/1/99$1.05

7/14/08$4.89

10/15/12$4.23


Driver Name:__________________________________

Driver For:___________________________________

Nominated By:_________________________________

# Years Driving:______________________________

# Years With Company:_________________________

# Accident Free Miles:________________________

Interests, Charitable/CivicContributions:________________________________

October 2012

MMTA DRIVER OF THE MONTH

www.mmta.com/DOMWalmart

Trans. LLC

John Smith

Walmart Transportation, LLC

Nate Lewis

37

13

3,500,000

Hunting and snowmobiling

Driver Name:__________________________________

Driver For:___________________________________

Nominated By:_________________________________

# Years Driving:______________________________




November 2012


www.mmta.com/DOMClifford W. Perham/Shaw’s

Keith Weeman

Clifford W. Perham / Shaw’s

David Littlefield

42

34

3,720,000

Snowmobiling, spending time with family & trips to Florida with his grandchildren

Driver Name:__________________________________

Driver For:___________________________________

Nominated By:_________________________________

# Years Driving:______________________________




December 2012


www.mmta.com/DOMHannaford

Trucking Co.

Paul Maille

Hannaford Trucking Company

Ron LaFlamme

18

6

465,000

Safety Committee Chairman, Rodeo Assistant, Heartwalk


Help wanted

signsWhile many Maine shippers may not yet feel the impacts, experts warn of a coming driver shortage By Kathryn Buxton

ask Tim DysarT of Dysart’s Transportation in Bangor whether his company is suffering as a result of a driver shortage, and he is unequivocal.

Dysart. still, he is aware of the issue and said his company is taking preventative steps. They are monitoring the market and internal driver demographics, which, he said, indicate that their pool of drivers is aging. To help rectify that, Dysart’s is actively seeking to hire experienced younger drivers in an effort to stay ahead of what is shaping up to be an industry-wide employment crunch.

Like Dysart, industry watchers agree that, while some states like maine may not yet be feeling the full force of the shortage, the impending driver shortage already is creating ripples throughout the nation’s freight industry, creating delays and putting upward pressure on freight costs.

Compounding faCtorsBob Costello, chief economist for the american Trucking association, has been tracking the driver shortage on a national level. He said to get a good grasp on the issue, it is necessary to look at nearer term and longer-term trends.

Costello.

Foremost is the recession that hit markets in the late 2000s and its dampening effect on employment and consumer

economy bottomed out in 2008. The recovery has been slow,

economy continues to gain steam.

“First is, while we’re not back to the number of trucks that we had in 2007, we know the number of drivers will have to grow


said Costello.

In late September, the ATAreported that while for-hire truck

demand are on the rise. Trucking companies are preparing for that

staffs, and in August of this year,

1,400 new jobs.

He noted that as certain sectors of the economy – such as the energy industry – have picked up, they have felt the impacts of the shortage more acutely than in Maine. Those states include Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Texas and North Dakota.

Costello also noted that some of areas that have been hardest hit by the shortage are those around urban areas like Chicago and New York City where drivers have to contend with the extra

tight delivery deadlines.

new safety

standardsFurther complicating matters and winnowing out the ranks of existing drivers are changes in federal regulation. In 2010, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrationintroduced the Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA)

vehicles and drivers.

“The implementation of CSA has caused some drivers

the current driver shortage can be viewed more as a

on safety performance – while it is expected to have a positive impact and reduce accident rates – has placed a premium on experienced drivers with good safety records and carriers. That has created exceptionally high turnover rates in the industry among both large and medium-size carriers.

During the second quarter of 2012, driver turnover rose 16 percentage points to 106 percent with large truckload

the highest level of driver turnover since the fourth quarter of 2007 preceding the recession. That squeeze was felt at smaller carriers, as well, where turnover rates rose to 86

percent, an increase of 15 points

Anticipated changes in the hours of service regulations shortening the hours that operators are allowed to be on the road are expected to further squeeze companies and create a demand for more drivers.

Buyers marKetAnother factor straining the ranks of available drivers is age. The industry has traditionally relied

workforce is rapidly declining as more baby boomers reach retirement age. It is estimated that demographic group will decrease by more than three million between 2004 and 2014.

According to the Supply Chain Management Research Center at the University of Arkansas, the aging trend will begin to be felt intensely as thousands of drivers

years. That is sure to increase pressure on companies to beef up their driver recruitment programs.

That combined with the premium emphasis on experienced drivers with safe driving records is creating a buyers market of sorts for drivers. That is causing companies to sweeten

Companies are also reassessing how drivers are paid. With the rule changes limiting the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel, old per-mile pay standards present a pay problem for carriers. To keep the industry competitive in the job market, those rates will either have to increase or shift to an hourly-based system.

Even now, competition has prompted some companies to sweeten the pot with perks and pay incentives. A recent USA Today story tells of one national carrier – Con-Way Freight with operations in Scarborough and Sidney, Maine

funding CrunChWith pay rates increasing and incentives including signing bonuses giving drivers with solid safety records an advantage in the marketplace, it may seen odd to

with a current a shortage of between 20,000 -30,000, ‘the number of drivers will have to grow as consumer demand grows.’

BoB Costello,

ameriCan truCKing assoCiations


many that commercial driving

this period of relatively high unemployment. In previous times, as jobs have grown scarcer in industries such as construction and manufacturing, the supply of commercial drivers has increased.

That has not happened in the past few years due to slow credit markets, a hangover from the recession when personal and business credit sources dried up. Just as the housing and commercial credit markets have been slow to rebound, lenders also remain wary about extending personal credit for students seeking a CDL. That credit crunch has had a marked effect on enrollments at two of Maine’s commercial driver

10-week training courses can cost

At the Region 9 School of AppliedTechnology in Mexico, Ed Naples said the credit crunch has kept a stranglehold on the training

pipeline for new drivers. He said he has no lack of potential employers for his program’s graduates. Neither does he have a lack of students interested in the program.

“I get about 10 calls a week from students who want to enroll,

Naples. Not only have banks and credit unions tightened their lending policies, public support for technical education also has become scarcer.

reduCed state

training fundsNaples said that state funding for the program has dropped from 90 percent a decade ago to

While he understands that the state is dealing with budget shortfalls, he notes that it is

people who want to work miss out on a good career. Still, he believes that state funding spent

‘hiring incentives like tuition reimbursement help, but coming up with the upfront tuition ‘can be hard these days.’

Wayne Mullin,

northeast teChnology institute

A Chicago traffic jam. The driver shortage is beginning to show up in markets where congestion increases driver stress and where the energy in-dusty is booming.


That eventually helps, said NTI’sMullin, but still there is the challenge of scraping together the tuition money.

“Getting that money reimbursed is good, but they still have to come up with it up front and that can be

Naples said a typical career track for recent graduates is to work for an out-of-state carrier for a year or two to gain on-the-road experience and get additional training before returning to work in Maine. That indicates that as the shortage grows more acute in other areas, it will begin to be felt in Maine.

Precisely how it will be felt is unknown. Still, one thing is certain: some local companies are already rethinking hiring practices, thinking younger and offering incentives to attract new drivers with safe driving records.

“We don’t have a lot of turnover now, but we do know we need to

Dysart’s Transportation.

on training is a good investment.

At the Northeast Technical Institute (NTI), the funding

hurdle for students seeking a CDL.

“Financing is the biggest

admissions representative for NTIwho said he spends a good deal

In the absence of scholarships and bank loans, NTI’s students are increasingly relying on their own savings and personal loans from family members to jumpstart their driving careers.

Still, for the students able to pull together the money to complete CDL training and who do well in their studies, job opportunities abound and both schools are able to boast a high rate of job placement for their graduates. Recently, some employers have been offering newcomers tuition-payback incentives as a way to build their driver workforce.

‘i get about 10 calls a week from students who want to enroll.’

ed naples,Region 9 sChool

of applied TeChnology

Students enrolled in the Region 9 training program in Mexico, Maine. Front row: Daryl Baker instructor, Tom Dodge, Matt Fourcaudot, Shawn Arse-nault, Cody Abbott, Trevor Newman, Brittany Gaudet, Scott Doucette. Back row: Jon Welch, Scott Ware, Ellery Harden, James Struck Jr., Brandon Roberts, Phil Drapeau. Region 9 School of Applied Technology photo

�0 Maine Motor Transport September/October 2012

Please forward ______ tickets @ $40 each to the name and address listed at the bottom of this page.

MMTA ANNUAL BANQUET

COMPANY NAME:

CONTACT NAME:

ADDRESS:

TELEPHONE #:

YES, I want to help make the MMTA Annual Banquet a HUGE SUCCESS. I wish to participate at the following level:

Platinum$1,000

Gold$500

Silver$250

Bronze$100

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

TABLES & INDIVIDUAL TICKETS

Complete tables of 10 are available. If multiple tables are requested, we will put them together if possible (early reservations help).All tables and individual ticket seating is on a first come, first choice basis. No refunds are possible after December 27, 2012.

IMPORTANT: ALL TICKETS ARE PAYABLE IN ADVANCE AND NO TICKETS CAN BE SOLD AT THE DOOR (DUE TO MEAL GUARANTEE REQUIREMENT).

Please fill out this form and register prior to December 27thBy mail: MMTA, P.O. Box 857, Augusta, ME 04332-0857

By fax: (207)629-5184 or register online at www.mmta.com/annualbanquet

TOTAL TICKETS:

SPONSORSHIP:

TOTAL AMOUNT:

Bill Me Check Enclosed Check #

+

Hospitality Reception5:00pm

Buffet Dinner6:30pm

Awards7:30pm

Entertainment8:00pm

New and

Improved!!

MMTA.COMMMTA.COM

Register Online

/annualbanquet

MMTA ANNOUNCES MAINE COMEDIAN Gary Crocker

AS ENTERTAINER FOR THIS YEAR’S MMTA ANNUAL BANQUET

MMTA Annual BanquetJanuary 10, 2013

Holiday Inn By-The-Bay

88 Spring StreetPortland

(207)775-2311

Don’t be left out of the LARGEST MMTA event of the entire year!!

September/October 2012 Maine Motor Transport �1

CB Kenworth is pleased to announce the opening of our NEW location in Auburn Maine. The 15,000 square foot facility situated on 6 acres, will add additional coverage for our Central & Western Maine Customers. The new exclusive Kenworth dealership features 5 service bays, equipped with OEM tooling to diagnose and repair ALL Kenworth related components.

Inside visitors will find a 1,400 sq. ft. showroom, 5,000 sq. ft. parts warehouse in addition to a driver’s lounge equipped with reclining leather chairs, a 50 inch television, and complimentary wireless internet.

CB Kenworth also operates full service dealerships in South Portland & Bangor Maine.

For over 36 years, CB Kenworth has been growing to meet the needs of our customers. Now with 3 locations throughout Maine, we make it easier for your company to find the best in truck sales, parts, service, and leasing.

We look forward to serving you!

Address: 499 Poland RoadAuburn, Maine 04092

Phone Local: 207-333-3600Toll Free: 1-855-880-2340

www.cbkenworth.com

NOWOPEN!

�2 Maine Motor Transport September/October 2012

November/December 2012 MMTA Magazine

Documents

Transcript of November/December 2012 MMTA Magazine