Land Line Now’s Community Bulletin Board for Dec. 9, 2021.
Washington state travel map improvements
The Washington State DOT has rolled out a new website that will make it easier for truckers to map their trips, find any restrictions that may be in effect, and get information about permits and weigh station e-screenings.
You can find that website here: https://wsdot.wa.gov/mapsdata.htm.
Maine toll hike
A toll increase has gone into effect on the Maine Turnpike. The rate for a five-axle truck traveling the full length of the turnpike is now $32, up from $28. The Turnpike Authority says the hike will offset losses from the COVID-19 pandemic.
UCR registration Oct. 1 through Dec. 31
Registration for UCR – the Unified Carrier Registration System – opens Oct. 1 and runs through Dec. 31. The fee is $59 for one to two units.
Go to plan.UCR.gov for information. You can also call OOIDA’s Business Services Department for questions or to get help at 816-229-5791.
Highway Hero nominations
Nominations are now open for the Goodyear Highway Hero Award. It’s open to any North American professional truck driver who put their life at risk to help others. Nominations are open through Dec. 31.
To nominate someone for the Goodyear Highway Hero Award, go to the Goodyear website.
Watch out for deer
Truckers are advised to keep an eye out for deer crossing highways from now through December. Truckers are advised to slow down if they see a deer crossing the road; avoid swerving to avoid a deer; always wear a seat belt; and keep headlights on bright unless other vehicles are approaching.
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.
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.
Read more here: Staffing shortages could impact KDOT winter operations.
Also, before traveling, motorists can check www.KanDrive.org.
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.
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.
