Land Line Now’s Community Bulletin Board for Dec. 28, 2021.
OOIDA seeks board nominations
OOIDA’s Nomination-Election Committee is seeking nominations for alternates to the Board of Directors. The deadline to submit nominations is Dec. 31. Forms have been mailed to current members, but you can also find it online.
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.
Tell FHWA how to spend infrastructure money
OOIDA has issued a Call to Action asking members to reach out and give the FHWA input on how to spend new infrastructure funding. You can send your comments here.
Washington emergency orders
Washington state Gov. Jay Inslee declared a state of emergency this week in Lewis County as a result of severe damage that occurred when an over-height load struck the overpass under Koontz Road on Interstate 5 in Chehalis.
Inslee also amended the Truck Driver Hours Waiver Proclamation to align with the federal emergency waiver extension issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. That order expires on Feb. 28. Both emergency orders are effective immediately.
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.
Find a place to board a pet
If you need to find a place to board your pet near your current location, you can use the directory at the International Boarding and Pet Services Association’s website.
Operation Roger helps pets
If you need a pet transported, or know of one either separated from their owner or needing transport to a new owner, contact Operation Roger. You can either text 682-622-1172 or fill out the application at the Operation Roger website. You can go to the same text number or website to volunteer to help by becoming an Operation Roger driver.
California tolls to increase
California will raise tolls on seven Bay Area bridges by $1 on New Year’s Day. It’s the second of three toll increases set to go into effect by 2025.
NJ 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.
