Land Line Now’s Community Bulletin Board for Feb. 24, 2022.
OOIDA urges truckers to take part in survey
In February, 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.
Illinois joins guidance app network
Illinois has joined other states using the ProMiles Permit Route Guidance app. The app includes audible turn-by-turn technology, allowing truckers to hear directions while keeping their attention on the road. The free app is optimized for routine oversize/overweight permits.
You can download it on the Google Play Store or at the Apple App Store.
MATS asks for your truck show memories
The Mid-America Trucking Show is gearing up to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Organizers are asking truckers to take a moment to share some memories from past shows. Get all the details on the MATS website.
3G shutdown could cripple your ELD
Some ELDs may stop functioning starting in 2022 as mobile carriers shut down their 3G networks, which those devices depend on. Truckers should contact their ELD providers and find out if they use 3G, and if so, ask them how they plan to upgrade or replace your device.
According to FMCSA, the schedule for complete 3G shutdowns are as follows:
- AT&T: Feb. 22
- Sprint (T-Mobile): March 31
- Sprint LTE (T-Mobile): June 30
- T-Mobile: July 1
- Verizon: Dec. 31
Any questions about the changes can be emailed to ELD@DOT.gov.
Free CDL training in Louisiana
The state of Louisiana is offering free CDL training. The Drive Your Future program pays students to attend pre-selected truck driving schools, and focuses on veterans and the underemployed.
You can get all the details and sign up here.
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.
St. Christopher Fund helps truckers
The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund helps truckers with living expenses when they face a major medical crisis. You can donate at TruckersFund.org. On the front page, just click on the blue “Donate Now” button.
CARB smog check
The California Air Resources Board has approved a ‘smog check’ regulation for medium- and heavy-duty trucks and buses. It will require twice yearly inspections for roughly 1 million heavy-duty vehicles operating in California.
Learn more here: Smog inspections ordered twice a year for California big trucks.
Oregon talks tolling for Portland
The Oregon DOT is asking for public comments on a plan to possibly add tolling to Interstate 205 in the Portland area. Money raised would go toward the I-205 Improvement Project. The earliest tolling would begin is 2024.
You can find more information and submit comments on the project here.
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.
California truck weight limit increase for ports
California has increased the weight limits for trucks working out of the port of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Temporary permits are being issued now, bringing the weight limit up from 80,000 to 88,000 pounds. The permits are set to run through June 30.
Read more at the governor’s website or his executive order announcement.
North Split in Indianapolis closed for 18 months
The North Split interchange at Interstates 65 and 70 in Indianapolis will close for 18 months, including parts of the highway nearby. The closures are part of a project to reconstruct the entire interchange – including all bridges and roadways.
Connecticut truck-only tax in 2023
Beginning in 2023, truckers will have to pay a weight-distance tax in Connecticut. Rates could go as high as 17.5 cents per mile for vehicles weighing more than 80,000 pounds.
Read more: Connecticut governor not done yet with truckers.
Real ID deadline extended
Homeland Security has extended the deadline to have a Real ID compliance license to May 3, 2023, because of disruptions caused by the pandemic. When requirements go into effect, you’ll need one to get through security checkpoints at places like airports and military bases.
