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Due to a lack of raw materials the Fed has granted use of the 2017 version of the CCF.  Here is the story:

ATTENTION: HHS-Certified Laboratories, Applicant Laboratories, and NLCP Inspectors Subject: 2017 Federal CCF Use HHS-certified laboratories: Please forward this email to Medical Review Officers (MROs), collection sites for federal workplace drug testing programs. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has granted an extension for using the 2017 Federal Custody and Control Form (CCF) for urine specimens until August 31, 2023. With this extension, either the 2020 Federal CCF or the expired 2017 Federal CCF may be used for urine specimens collected for federal workplace drug testing programs and those collected for testing under the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. With this change, the use of the 2017 Federal CCF is now permitted (as of November 23, 2021) without a memorandum for the record (MFR). The use of the 2017 Federal CCF for specimens collected prior to that date requires an MFR. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) requested OMB approval for continued use of the 2017 Federal CCF due to a shortage of raw materials needed for the 2020 Federal CCF, reported to SAMHSA by DOT and HHS-certified laboratories. Short supplies include the carbonless paper used for CCF and the resins and plastics used for the labels directly affixed to the form. Items used for specimen collection kits (e.g., cardboard, shipping materials) are also in short supply. These shortages are attributed to the materials’ use for COVIDrelated activities. Additionally, it was noted there is only one supplier of the carbonless paper and the supplier has indicated they will not be increasing its production. SAMHSA continues to support efforts to continue workplace drug testing during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and safety of employees, maintain public safety, and sustain US workforce productivity. This change is intended to reduce burden on all drug testing service providers (e.g., collectors, laboratories, Medical Review Officers) and to preserve the supply use by the non-regulated sector, which uses the same materials as the federally regulated sector. The OMB Notice of Action may be viewed here: View Information Collection Request (ICR) Package (reginfo.gov):

In case you have not heard, Canada is requiring certification of ELD devices that motor carriers use while in their country.  This is done by third party testers of which there are three now.  They have certified eight providers and are listed here:  Hutch Connect ELD, Guardian ELOG DTIE02, Cab-Mate One, Apollo ELD APLIOXCDT21, PeopleNet Mobile Gateway PMG001, ISAAC InMetrics Series 2 WRU201, ISAAC InMerics Series 1 WRU1K2-HN3 and Samsara VG34.  Hope this information is useful to those U.S. carriers doing business in Canada.  Some provinces are planning to begin enforcing the certification mandate.

FMCSA has extended the COVID relief from regulation that was set to expire November 30, 2021 until February 28, 2022.  Pennsylvania has not made any announcements concerning this relief.

1. Livestock and livestock feed;
2. Medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19;
3. Vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment, including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19;
4. Supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; and,
5. Food, paper products, and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores;
6. Gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol; and, 
7. Supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., building materials for individuals displaced or otherwise impacted as a result of the emergency).

Let's be safe out there.  There are many amateur drivers out during holiday travel.  Keep calm and be professional.  They can't help it that they are just terrible drivers.  Hope you all have a Happy and filling Thanksgiving.  We have lots to be thankful for even though there are some crazy things going on.

Be advised. as of Friday November 19, 2021 an announcement was  made that commercial drivers entering the US from Canada will be required to  have been vaccinated against COVID.  In response, US drivers entering Canada will be requried to have been vaccinated starting January 15, 2022.  ATA is attempting to intervene.  Stay tuned.

While this is not directly related to safety the subjects that were dealt with during the sessions would definitely impact transportation safety.  I have been impressed with the accessibility provided to our organization and members.  The legislators listened and interacted with us and our members in a positive manner and showed genuine concern for the issues that affect our industry.  Everyone that is available should participate.  It is clearly time well spent.  Stay safe and remember to equip your vehicle with warm clothing and supplies in the event of a breakdown or traffic stoppage.

Fall is here.  Watch out for the leaves on the road.  They can be as slick as ice!  Winter weather restrictions are on the horizon also.  PMTA is hosting a webinar on November 8 at noon with PennDOT.  Please join in and come prepared with questions/comments.  They don't know what they don't hear.

Langerholc: PennDOT Collecting Final Public Comment on Bridge Tolling

Posted on Oct 25, 2021

(HARRISBURG) – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is scheduling the final public comment periods prior to advancing their plan of imposing a new toll on up to nine candidate bridges without legislative approval, according to Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee.

“I was shocked to hear of PennDOT’s tacit approval in November 2020 to impose tolls on any interstate bridge in this Commonwealth, which was not the legislative intent of the Public-Private Transportation Partnership (P3) Program,” Sen. Langerholc said. “Hard-working Pennsylvanians deserve smarter solutions and common-sense reforms – not a call for higher taxes, fees or tolls. The P3 Program must have transparency, public input, and legislative oversight, particularly if PennDOT usurps a user fee costing the average commuter over $1,000 annually in tolls.”

PennDOT has provided the launch dates for the 30-day online comment periods as follows:

• Lenhartsville (Oct. 25)
• South Bridge (Oct. 25)
• Canoe Creek (Nov. 1)
• Susquehanna (Nov. 8)

There will also be an in-person meeting scheduled within the comment period. The public comment period for the remaining five candidate toll bridges will be announced by PennDOT in the coming days and weeks.

Sen. Langerholc urges Pennsylvanians to voice their concerns regarding the bridge tolling by participating in PennDOT’s public comment period.

The DRIVE SMART Act is Sen. Langerholc’s short-term and long-term plan to overhaul the Commonwealth’s transportation system. The comprehensive plan includes Senate Bill 382 (Langerholc), which is currently in the House Transportation Committee, to reform the P3 statute and to terminate PennDOT’s P3 bridge tolling initiative. The plan also recommends innovative federal financing as a better alternative to improve the interstate bridges.

It's interesting to contrast the driver's concerns vs Company issues:

ATRI issued its report on the top ten trucking industry issues.  They are as follows:

1.  DRIVER SHORTAGE

2.  DRIVER RETENTION

3.  DRIVER COMPENSATION

4.  LAWSUIT ABUSE REFORM

5.  LACK OF TRUCK PARKING

6.  CSA

7.  DETENTION TIME

8.  INFRASTRUCTURE/CONGESTION

9.  INSURANCE COSTS

10. DIESEL TECHNICIAN SHORTAGE