Land Line Now’s Community Bulletin Board for Dec. 16, 2021.
New York HUT due soon
Truckers who travel in New York must pay the state’s Highway Use Tax, or HUT. Renewal begins Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. You must display a decal indicating payment of the tax when running in the state. The decal is good for three years. You can go to the New York HUT website for more information; you can also call OOIDA’s Business Services Department for questions or to get help at 816-229-5791.
N.J. toll hikes
Tolls on the New Jersey Turnpike and Garden State Parkway will increase 3% Jan. 1, 2022. A Turnpike Authority spokesman said the toll rate increase will support work being done under the Authority’s long-term capital program.
Freightliner and Western Star trucks recalled for noncompliant tires
Daimler is recalling more than 400 model years 2011 through 2022 Freightliner and Western Star trucks after discovering an issue with tires. The tires and rims on the trucks were not approved and rated for these vehicles and fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards.
Learn more here: Freightliner and Western Star trucks recalled for noncompliant tires.
Mid-America requests nominations for Wall of Fame
The producers of the Mid-America Trucking Show are asking for nominations for a MATS Wall of Fame. The wall will honor people, companies and products for the show’s 50th anniversary edition in 2022. Submit your nomination today.
Need a meal out on the road? Check here
If you or a trucker you know is in need of a meal, message the Meals for 18 Wheels group through their Facebook page. Anyone wishing to volunteer may sign up on the same page.
Cargo thefts over holidays
The holidays are a time when cargo theft traditionally goes up. Be aware, do not park in an unsecure area and take measures to ensure your trailer can’t be broken into.
Parking ban in Minneapolis starts Jan. 1
Minneapolis has passed a truck parking ban on all city streets. It applies to any truck weighing more than 26,000 pounds. Citations will start being written Jan. 1, first for $150, then up to $250 starting one year later.
Read more: Minneapolis City Council approves truck parking ban ordinance.
KS winter operations problems
The Kansas Department of Transportation says it does not have enough people to operate snowplows in some areas. That means some highways may not be cleared of snow and ice as quickly as they were in the past. Before traveling, motorists can check www.KanDrive.org.
Read more here: Staffing shortages could impact KDOT winter operations.
Pennsylvania tolls to increase – again
For the 14th year in a row, Pennsylvania will increase tolls on its turnpike. A 5 percent increase goes into effect Jan. 2, 2022. You can calculate toll rates at the turnpike’s website.
Wisconsin offers diesel emission reduction grants
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is accepting applications Clean Diesel Grants. The grants are to pay for projects that reduce diesel vehicle emissions. The deadline is Jan. 7. Get the details and apply here.
St. Christopher Fund Driving Down Diabetes
The St. Christopher Fund is offering two types of free diabetes prevention programs. Both Driving Down Diabetes programs are open to professional drivers at risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The 2022 program begins Jan. 10, 2022.
Where to go to haul relief loads
If you want to haul relief loads into disaster areas, contact the American Logistics Aid Network. The network can ensure you’re carrying a needed load and can get into the disaster area with relief.
Canada COVID border measures
Starting Jan. 15, all truck drivers – whether Canadian or American – will need to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before crossing into Canada. The move by the Canadian government follows a similar move by U.S. officials.
Washington’s I-5 rest areas closed
Several rest areas, including truck parking, are closed along 83 miles of Interstate 5 between Everett, Wash., and the Canadian border. That includes parking at Everett, Smokey Point and Custer. The state DOT blames a staffing shortage. Learn more at the Washington state DOT website.
Daimler recall 7,000 Western Stars
Daimler has recalled affected model year 2017 through 2019 Western Stars. Those trucks have a power stud that passes through the bulkhead, which could cause an electrical arc and fire. A little more than 7,000 units are affected. For questions, call Daimler Trucks North America customer service at 800-547-0712 with recall number FL-907. NHTSA’s number for this recall is 21V-882.