Land Line Now’s Community Bulletin Board for April 12, 2022.
TMC scholarship program
The Technology and Maintenance Council is awarding two scholarships of up to $12,500 for students interested in becoming commercial vehicle technicians. Applications are due April 15.
For more information on how to apply for the TMC scholarship offer, visit their website. Applications are due April 15.
Women of Trucking application period extended
The deadline to apply for open positions on FMCSA’s Women of Trucking Advisory Board has been extended to April 15. You can get details on how to apply here.
OOIDA urges truckers to take part in survey
Three federal agencies will launch a nine-month Vehicle Inventory and Use Survey. OOIDA is encouraging truckers to take part. Find more information here, or contact the U.S. Census Bureau at 844-395-4085.
Support the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship
If you’d like to support the OOIDA Mary Johnston Scholarship, you can also donate to the fund. You can email the OOIDA Foundation for more information. And you can drop donations at the Spirit of the American Trucker or send tax-deductible donations to:
OOIDA Foundation Inc.
1 NW OOIDA Dr.
Grain Valley, MO 64029
Crackdown on red-dyed diesel
Montana is cracking down on misuse of red-dyed diesel fuel. To report suspected use of red-dyed fuel, call the Department of Transportation at 888-383-5529 or email MDTfueltax@mt.gov.
Truckers for Troops donations accepted
Truckers can still make direction donations to OOIDA Truckers for Troops. The program sends care packages to U.S. troops overseas and supports efforts of the Veterans Community Project to end veteran homelessness.
Extension for expiring CDLs
FMCSA is giving drivers an extra 45 days to renew expiring CDLs or medical examiner certificates. That extension runs through April 15, and FMCSA doesn’t expect to extend that any further.
FAST Enrollment centers
Free and Secure Trade – or FAST – enrollment centers will reopen this month after being shut down because of COVID. FAST is a commercial clearance program for known low-risk shipments entering the United States from Canada and Mexico. All enrollment centers will reopen on April 19.
VA rest area closure
The Virginia Department of Transportation has shut down the Interstate 95 Southbound Ladysmith Safety Rest Area in Caroline County. Work is underway to expand truck parking capacity there from 20 spaces to 45. The rest area will stay closed until Easter weekend, but will close again after that until the end of April.
Minnesota fights spread of bird flu
Some trucking regulations have been waived in Minnesota in an effort to help fight the spread of bird flu. Governor Tim Walz signed an executive order Friday relaxing strict enforcement of certain weight restriction regulations and hours-of-service requirements. The order is effective through April 30.
South Carolina widens interstate
The South Carolina DOT is widening portions of I-85 through Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. For a complete list of which areas will be closed when, visit the 85 Widening Facebook page.
Leasing task for seeks members
The U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Labor are asking for applicants to join its Truck Leasing Task Force. The panel will look at the impacts of truckers leasing on to carriers, and also lease-purchase plans. To apply, please visit FMCSA.DOT.gov/tltf. The application period is open through Friday, May 6, 2022.
ATRI cost of operations survey
The American Transportation Research Institute is asking owner-operators and carriers to take part in its annual Operational Costs of Trucking survey. The survey’s results are used by motor carriers as a benchmarking tool, and the results are used by public agencies as well. You can complete the survey at TruckingResearch.org. Responses are due May 13.
Navistar recall
Navistar is recalling more than 2,800 2018 through 2023 International LT tractors. A damaged battery cable can cause an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire. The recall is expected to start May 16.
Owners may contact Navistar customer service at 800-448-7825. Read the National Highway Safety Traffic Administration recall notice here.
Roadcheck dates set
The CVSA’s annual Roadcheck safety blitz will take place May 17-19 in the U.S. and Canada. For three days, inspectors will conduct thousands of truck inspections. This year, they will emphasize problems with wheel end components.
Hours-of-service emergency order extended
FMCSA is extending its emergency declaration for hours of service once again. It now runs through the end of May. The emergency declaration is intended for truckers providing direct assistance in COVID-19 relief efforts.
Permit waiver granted
FMCSA also is granting a three-month waiver from certain regulations regarding commercial learner’s permit holders. The waiver, which runs through May, will allow commercial learner’s permit holders to operate a commercial motor vehicle without having a CDL holder in the front seat.
No fines or penalties on Canadian ELDs until January 2023
Canada’s ELD mandate is now in effect. However, no fines or penalties will be assessed until January 2023.
