Roses & Razzberries – December 2023/January 2024
RAZZBERRIES for the revisions on the regulatory relief granted through an emergency declaration. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is decreasing the relief window from 30 days to 14. Initially, the agency proposed decreasing that window to five days. “We still question the need for revising the emergency regulations given the agency’s repeated acknowledgment that there is no evidence of the current emergency exemption rules leading to any degradation of safety,” said Jay Grimes, OOIDA’s director of federal affairs. “State governments and motor carriers should have every resource necessary to address and assist with emergency response efforts.”
ROSES for positive truck parking news. First, TravelCenters of America has opened locations in Glenrio, N.M., and Fairview, Kan. Between the two new stores, nearly 200 truck parking spaces have been created. In addition, a pair of safety groups, the Institute for Safer Trucking and Road Safe America, sent a letter to Congress urging it to pass the Truck Parking Safety Improvement Act. This legislation would provide $755 million over three years for the construction of truck parking spots that are free and accessible to the public.
ROSES to the states upgrading their commercial driver’s licensing processes. Ohio now is offering the option to obtain or renew a CDL online. The Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles said in addition, CDL testing is being enhanced to include real-world scenarios that will more accurately require knowledge of modern vehicles and skills needed for a CDL holder to safely operate. According to Ohio officials, previous enhancements already have saved over 4.5 million trips to deputy registrar locations and more than 500,000 hours standing in line. Missouri also has updated its testing procedures. A more streamlined pre-trip examination and a more efficient basic skills course are part of the Show Me State’s modernization. The new standards will be utilized by CDL examiners at all Missouri State Highway Patrol examination sites and by all third-party testing sites.
ROSES for recent fundraising efforts by truckers as well as for truckers. This year’s Special Olympics Minnesota convoy raised more than $25,000. The event held at Running Aces Casino and Racetrack in Columbus, Minn., also included a concert by Nashville country artist Jack Kapanka. More than 80 trucks and 45 athletes took part in the 19th version of this particular convoy. “I need to thank the entire trucking industry, law enforcement and athletes that attend each year,” said Kathy Karkula, development director for Special Olympics Minnesota. “We need them all, and they all make it happen. I never forget who we’re doing it for and why we’re doing it. I’d do it on a volunteer basis, because that’s how much I care.” In news of giving back to truckers, TravelCenters of America recently held its roundup campaign to benefit the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund. This year, TA, Petro and TA Express customers contributed nearly $153,000 that will directly support services offered through the St. Christopher Fund.
RAZZBERRIES to vandals responsible for destroying truck tires in southern Georgia. OOIDA member Delmar Gries brought the ongoing vandalism to Land Line’s attention. Gries was a victim of the vandals and got hit with an $8,900 bill for new tires as well as three air lines. Gries said he pulled off Interstate 75 at Exit 198 to rest and had to park on the off-ramp because no other truck parking was available. After setting out again, he ended up driving nearly 200 miles before realizing something was not right – but fortunately, he made it to a repair shop before an even worse situation arose. In speaking with Southern Tire Mart in Lake Park, Ga., as well as the nearby TA, Gries heard estimates from mechanics that they’d repaired some 200 tires for truckers in about a week’s time. As of press time, local law enforcement still was investigating these incidents, which happened between Exit 39 and Exit 198 on I-75. LL