Land Line Now Community Bulletin Board – May 3, 2022

May 3, 2022

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Land Line Now’s Community Bulletin Board for May 3, 2022.

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.

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 www.fmcsa.dot.gov/tltf. The application period is open through Friday, May 6, 2022.

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.

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.

Top companies for women to work for

Women in Trucking is accepting nominations for Top Companies for Women to Work for in Transportation program. The deadline to submit a nomination is May 14.

EPA seeks feedback on NOx proposal

OOIDA is asking truckers to provide the EPA feedback on proposed nitrogen oxide emission standards for trucks beginning in model year 2027. The comment period is open until May 16.

You can submit your feedback on EPA’s proposed emissions rulemaking here.

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.

Registration open for Women with Drive Leadership Summit

Registration is now open for Trucking HR Canada’s 2022 Women with Drive Leadership Summit, which takes place June 2 in Toronto. The eighth-annual event centers on attracting, recruiting, and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce across the trucking industry.

Get more information and register here.

FMCSA Announces the 2022 Road Safety Art Contest

FMCSA has announced its 2022 Road Safety Art Contest, an effort to remind motorists about the importance of driving safe around large trucks and buses. The art contest is open for kids K-12. The deadline is June 3.

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.

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.

Operation Safe Driver Week

CVSA’s Operation Safe Driver Week is scheduled to run from July 10-16. Law enforcement in Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will look for drivers engaged in unsafe driving behaviors, with a focus on speeding.

To find out about Operation Safe Driver Week enforcement events in your area, contact the agency or department responsible for overseeing commercial motor vehicle safety in your area.