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  • May 20, 2021 10:49 AM | Anonymous

     The Department of Transportation (Department) will host a telephone town hall meeting for a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study exploring sustainable transportation funding options. The telephone town hall event will take place on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 6 p.m.

     Call in on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, at 6 p.m. to learn more about the Department Pathways draft PEL Study. Individuals can pre-register at https://dashboard.teletownhall.us/registration/XZ3RGB2WJC7V; visit: www.penndot.gov/funding and click on the registration button to receive a phone call to join at the start of the meeting; or individuals can dial in directly to the meeting at (855) 756-7520, Entry Code Ext: 73539#.

     The PEL Study, in support of the Department Pathways Program (Program), is being conducted to identify near and long-term alternative funding solutions and establish a methodology for their evaluation. In February, the Department announced candidate bridge projects being considered as a part of the Major Bridges Public-Private Partnership (P3) initiative. This initiative, the first of the Program, was formed in response to one of the early findings of the PEL Study—that tolling of major bridges in need of replacement or rehabilitation is a potential viable near-term funding solution. The draft PEL Study report is currently available for review and comment and identifies additional medium-term to long-term funding alternatives that could be considered for implementation.

     In addition to the telephone town hall event, the Department is hosting an on-demand virtual public meeting for the PEL Study. The virtual public meeting takes place from April 29, 2021, to June 1, 2021, and will be accessible online at all hours of the day at www.penndot.gov/funding. Online comments can be submitted directly from the virtual public meeting web site or by other comment submission methods, including:

     • E-mail: [email protected]

     • Hotline: (717) 325-6129

     The Department encourages everyone to learn more about the draft PEL Study and provide comments by means of the telephone town hall event or virtual public meeting.

     For more information about the Program, individuals can visit www.penndot.gov/funding.

    YASSMIN GRAMIAN, 
    Secretary

    [Pa.B. Doc. No. 21-774. Filed for public inspection May 14, 2021, 9:00 a.m.]

    This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.


  • May 10, 2021 8:20 AM | Anonymous

    WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced today as part of the federal government’s efforts to actively assess the implications of the Colonial Pipeline incident and to avoid disruption to supply, that the USDOT’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is taking steps to create more flexibility for motor carriers and drivers.

    FMCSA is issuing a temporary hours of service exemption that applies to those transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and other refined petroleum products to Alabama, Arkansas, District of Columbia, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
     
    USDOT’s top priority is safety, and while current circumstances dictate providing industry flexibility, FMCSA will work closely with its state and industry partners to monitor driver work hours and conditions for the duration of the exemption.  
     
    The full text of FMSCA’s action can be found here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/esc-ssc-wsc-regional-emergency-declaration-2021-002-05-09-2021


  • May 03, 2021 2:07 PM | Anonymous

    Arlington, Virginia – Today, the American Trucking Associations called for the nation’s safest and most professional truck drivers to participate in the 2021 National Battle of the States: Virtual Truck Driving Championships.

    “Our industry has braved the front-line, providing essential services and delivering goods to American households throughout the nation in the fight against COVID-19.  It’s yet another reason to celebrate our industry heroes – truck drivers,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “The National Battle of the States: Virtual Truck Driving Championships will provide our industry an opportunity to recognize the best of the best in our industry.”

    The event will begin on July 31 with state-level trivia contests based on Facts for Drivers, federal and state laws, state trucking history and culture. That leads into the national competition that takes place on August 14 with the National Battle of the States.

    “NTDC is annually one of the highlights of the ATA calendar, and we are very happy to bring the ‘Super Bowl of Safety’ back in this virtual format,” Spear said.

    For more information on how to qualify for the National Battle of the States: Virtual Truck Driving Championships, visit BattleofTheStates.trucking.org.

    More information on PMTA's participation will be available soon.

  • April 30, 2021 12:53 PM | Anonymous


  • April 30, 2021 10:20 AM | Anonymous

    Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is hosting an on-demand virtual public meeting and comment period for a Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) study exploring sustainable transportation funding options. The public meeting is accessible online at all hours of the day through June 1, 2021, at www.penndot.gov/funding.

    The PEL study, in support of the PennDOT Pathways program, is being conducted to identify near- and long-term alternative funding solutions and establish a methodology for their evaluation.

    In February, PennDOT announced candidate bridge projects being considered as a part of the Major Bridge Public-Private Partnership (P3) Initiative. This initiative, the first of the PennDOT Pathways Program, was formed in response to one of the early findings of the PEL study – that tolling of major bridges in need of replacement or rehabilitation is a potentially viable near-term funding solution. The draft PEL study report is currently available for review and comment and identifies additional medium- to long-term funding alternatives that could be considered for implementation.

    PennDOT encourages the public to review the materials presented in the virtual meeting and to provide comments, which will be accepted throughout the duration of the meeting. Online comments can be submitted directly from the meeting website or via other comment submission methods, including:

    For more information about the PennDOT Pathways program, visit www.penndot.gov/funding.

    The Transportation Revenue Options Commission (TROC), which was established by Governor Tom Wolf's Executive Order on March 12, today received a briefing on the draft PEL study. When completed, the final PEL study will be provided to the TROC.

    PennDOT will make all reasonable modifications to policies, programs, and documents to ensure that people with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities. In accordance with Governor Tom Wolf's COVID-19 mitigation efforts, the Virtual Public Meeting will be held online only.

    To request assistance to participate in the virtual public meeting or review the PEL study, please contact PennDOT's Communications Office by emailing [email protected] or calling 717-783-8800 from 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM. PennDOT will not place a surcharge on an individual with a disability or those with limited English proficiency to cover the costs of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy. If you have other questions or challenges, please contact PennDOT's Bureau of Equal Opportunity to request help by emailing [email protected] or calling 1-800-468-4201; TTY (711).

    Subscribe to statewide PennDOT news and traffic alerts at www.penndot.gov/news or choose a region under "Regional Offices." Information about the state's infrastructure and results the department is delivering for Pennsylvanians can be found at www.penndot.gov/results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.

    Follow PennDOT on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PennDOTNews and like the department on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation and Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennsylvaniadot.


  • April 29, 2021 8:42 AM | Anonymous

    (HARRISBURG) – On April 27, 2021, the Senate approved a plan launched by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to reform the Public-Private Transportation Partnership (P3) statute and to void the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative.

    “I remain extremely concerned with the size, scope and precedent this initiative could have on the Commonwealth,” said Senator Langerholc, who is the chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee. “A one-page resolution from PennDOT that does not fulfill the conditions required by legislation that created the P3 statute deserves further scrutiny by the General Assembly. The Senate voted today to hit the brakes on this reckless plan. The answer for transportation funding cannot just be to raise taxes or fees on the back of hardworking Commonwealth residents.”

    Senate Bill 382 will:

    • Increase transparency by requiring PennDOT to publish a detailed analysis prior to the P3 Board’s voting meeting, and mandate PennDOT to distribute a copy of the P3 Board’s resolution, with or without a user fee, within 24 hours.
    • Incorporate public input by creating a new 30-day public comment period prior to the P3 Board meeting.
    • Create checks and balances on the obscure P3 Board by clarifying any P3 project with a user fee shall be deemed disapproved unless the Governor and General Assembly approve.
    • Void the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative and require reconsideration by the P3 Board following the new process outlined in Senate Bill 382.

    On November 12, 2020, the P3 Board, under PennDOT’s jurisdiction, supported an ambiguous proposal to impose user fees or tolls on major bridges throughout the interstate system.  This was the first time in the P3 Board’s history to consider a proposal with user fees.

    The serious gaps in the P3 statute became clear when PennDOT finally announced the details of the proposal three months after the P3 Board meeting.  The P3 statute requires a detailed analysis prior to the meeting.

    PennDOT will proceed with imposing tolls on the following nine bridges, unless the General Assembly passes Senate Bill 382:

    Senate Bill 382 was passed out of the Senate with a vote of 28-19.   The legislation advances to the House for consideration.

    # # #


  • April 27, 2021 1:38 PM | Anonymous

    For more information on work zone safety, visit the campaign website.

    Work Zone Crash Trends

    ·   In 2019, the most recent year for which data are available, 842 people died in highway work zone crashes compared to 757 the year before. The 11.2-percent increase is the largest percentage increase of highway work zone fatalities this century.

    • On average, large trucks are overrepresented in work zone crashes. In 2019, over 33 precent of fatal crashes involved Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMV) and compared to the year before, the U.S. saw a 16 percent increase in the number of fatal work zone crashes involving large trucks or buses.
    From 2018 to 2019 fatal work zone crashes:
    • Involving a rear-end collision increased by 29 percent
    • where speeding was a factor increased by nearly 40 percent 
    • involving worker fatalities at road construction sites increased from by nearly 9 percent

    Sharing the Road

    ·         Work zones present challenges for truck drivers – narrowed lanes, sudden stops, traffic pattern shifts, and uneven road surfaces can lead to crashes and fatalities if they are not prepared and alert. Plan your route, reduce speed, stay alert, and do your part while traveling through work zones.

    ·         Large blind spots, long stopping distances, and size constraints make maneuvering large trucks and buses in work zones particularly challenging. Passenger vehicles should be mindful that CMV drivers need to take extra precaution when driving through these areas.

    ·         Pay close attention to road workers and flaggers – give them extra room, always slow when approaching them, and be prepared to stop if necessary.

    How to Drive Safely Through Work Zones

    ·         There are plenty of resources available to research your routes and check for upcoming work zones. Make sure you know of any road work before embarking on your route and when possible, use detours to avoid having to pass through these areas.

    ·         Reduce speed while traveling through work zones, paying close attention to signs and signals.  

    ·         Be aware of passenger vehicle drivers around you, who may not be aware of commercial vehicle driving challenges, including large blind spots and longer stopping distances.

    ·         When approaching lane closures, move into the open lane as soon as possible – pay close attention to vehicles around you that could be in your blind spot.

    ·         Rear-end crashes are common in work zones – obey all speeds, avoid distractions and maintain extra space between your vehicle and the one in front of you at all times.




  • April 26, 2021 3:23 PM | Anonymous

    FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY COMPLIANCE SEMINARS

    In support of its mission to improve truck and bus safety on our nation's highways, the FMCSA Pennsylvania Division will be hosting 3 different FREE educational seminars designed to help carriers familiarize themselves with important safety programs impacting the motor carrier industry.

    June 3, 2021 - Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH)

    June 8, 2021 - DataQ and Work Zone Safety

    June 10, 2021 - Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT)

    See attached flyer for complete details.

    Each session will run from 9:00am – 10:00am EST. 

    Registration Link https://forms.gle/h7UMxZ7ZRPdJmz7A9

    Any questions please email the FMCSA Pennsylvania at: [email protected]


  • April 19, 2021 2:17 PM | Anonymous

    Hershey, Pa. -- The PMTA Road Team visited the Pennsylvania State Police Academy on Friday, April 16 for the academy's commercial vehicle familiarization program.

    PMTA would like to thank the following members for their participation.

    CLI Transport
    H.R. Ewell
    New Enterprise Stone and Lime
    Milton Trans
    Pennsy Supply
    R.H. Crawford
    UPS
    Walmart
    XPO Logistics


    Click the photo below for more pictures from the event. 

    PSP Academy
  • April 13, 2021 12:09 PM | Anonymous

    January -- Richard Reese, Vorzik Transport


    Richard Reese, of Pittston is the Driver of the Month for January 2020. Reese has been driving professionally since 1977 and has been with Vorzik since 2005. He has recorded 2.7 million miles in his career with more than 700,000 of them in the city. He has never had an accident and has been honored with 8 consecutive Safe Driving Awards from Vorzik and a 5-year Safe Driver Award from FedEx Ground.

    “Richard is our most experienced and safest driver at our Scranton Facility, and he is the go-to driver for truck inspections and road tests for new drivers,” said Dale Knox, the Safety Specialist for Vorzik. “Always safety conscious, Richard routinely sends the Safety Department pictures of any problem he sees wrong with our equipment, and then helps us solve problems so the trucks are ready for the road.”

    He is married to Doreen and they have a son named Brian. Reese enjoys showing cars and car shows and photography, which he can do at a professional level.

    February – Troy Wolf, A&S Kinard


    Troy Wolf, of Gardners, is the February 2020 Driver of the Month. He has been behind the wheel for 26 years and has logged more than 1.5 million miles. He has not had an accident in more than 14 years and has twice won the Flatbed Division in the Pennsylvania Truck Driving Championships. In 2002, Wolf was named the Driver of the Year for Beverage Transportation and he was the Driver of the Month for A&S Kinard in January of 2018.

    “He is a safe, experienced, professional, dependable driver,” said Dana Bollinger, Director of Safety for A&S Services Group. “Troy’s distinguished trucking career began 26 years ago. In that time, he has been involved in one, non-preventable accident giving him an astonishing 1.5 million safe driving miles. The motive for this distinguished record is the fact that Troy holds safety as his top priority 100 percent of the time.”

    Troy and his wife Tracey have two sons, Justin and Jared four grandchildren; Sladen, Grayson, Gabrielle and Shane. In his free time, he enjoys singing with St. John’s Lutheran Church, hunting and practicing for the TDCs. He is also a member of Union Hook & Ladder #33, his local volunteer fire company where he mostly assists with fundraising.

    March – Jose D. Echegoyen, Sauder Transport Company


    Jose D. Echegoyen, of Manheim, has been named the March 2020 Driver of the Month. He has been driving professionally for 25 years, all for Sauder Eggs. He has driven nearly two million accident-free miles. He was the employee of the month in October of 97 and the 1997 Employee of the Year for Sauder.

    “Jose, or ‘Danny’ as we call him, always shows true professionalism and courtesy, not only with his peers but also with customers,” said Luis Gonzalez, Director of Transportation for Sauder Transport Company. “We constantly get positive feedback about his positive attitude and character. He is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure the job gets done.”

    Echegoyen enjoys going to the beach, fishing and spending time with his family when he’s not on the road.

    April – Jeff Reed, R.H. Crawford, Inc.


    The Driver of the Month for April is Jeff Reed, of Littlestown. Reed has been driving professionally since 2001 and has been with R.H. Crawford since October of 2017. In that time he has driven more than 1.8 million miles, all in the city, and was only involved in one accident when he was struck while parked. He was awarded with a 1-Year Safe Driving award with R.H. Crawford.

    “Jeffrey Reed has a very upbeat personality and a safe driving record, a winning combination,” said Abby Nace, Safety Director for R.H. Crawford. “Jeff’s can-do attitude has quickly made him a favorite with dispatch. Jeff’s professionalism is seen with his accident-free record and spotless truck inside and out. The mechanics are eager to work on his truck because Jeff always takes great care of the equipment.”

    Reed enjoys working on cars and his motorcycle in his free time. He’s very handy around the house and enjoys gardening and home improvement projects.

    May – Charlie Wagner Jr, Pitt Ohio


    Charlie Wagner Jr., of Phoenixville, is the Driver of the Month for May. He has been behind the wheel professionally since 1986 and has been with Pitt Ohio since 1989. He has recorded more than 3.3 million miles and was only involved in one accident when an impaired driver struck him in 2016. He has earned the One-, two- and three-million safe miles awards for Pitt Ohio and was a Driver of the Month in 2006.

    “When reviewing Charlie’s 30-year history at Pitt Ohio you could say he is the type of driver that is willing to volunteer his time and talent and readily accepts any assignment regardless of weather conditions or day of the week,” said Dean Yockey, Manager of Training and Development for Pitt Ohio.  “In addition to a perfect driving record, Charlie received many DOT inspections without a violation and 2 Bendix video events; both categorized as good defensive driving. Charlie’s commitment to highway safety is second to none and his driving record proves that he takes that responsibility seriously each and every day.  In addition, Charlie has helped others when stranded or when injured during an accident.”

    Wagner enjoys fishing, hiking, camping and spending time with his two sons Clayton and Kyle.

    June – Craig Marple, PGT Trucking, Inc


    Craig Marple, of Johnstown, is the Driver of the Month for June. Marple has been driving professionally since 2003 and has been with PGT since 2010. He has driven more than 1.5 million miles and more than 1 million for PGT. He has never been involved in an accident and has earned a One Million Mile Safe Driving award as well as the 2016 PGT Company Driver of the Year Award.

    “Mr. Craig Marple’s no-frills, to-the-point attitude is a valuable driver resource that we have come to rely on when trying to understand a driver’s perspective on incidents at PGT,” said Paul Vargo, Executive Driver at PGT. “He somehow manages to give criticism, then spin it around with a positive and support response, most of the time in the same sentence! PGT Trucking is a better company because of Mr. Marple’s talents. Craig approaches all tasks with a smile and positive outlook both new and seasoned drivers should strive to emulate.”

    In his free time he likes to work on restoring a 1997 Ford pickup with his son Ian, spend time with his family and work on home improvement projects.

    July – Timothy Cubbon, PGT Trucking, Inc.


    Timothy Cubbon, of Seneca, is the Driver of the Month for July. Cubbon has been a professional driver since January of 2006 and has been with PGT since 2008. He has driven more than 1.4 million miles without any accident, with more than 1.2 million of them coming with PGT. He won the 2012 and 2013 Independent Driver of the Year Award, a One-Million Mile Safe Driver Award and is on the Independent Contractor Advisory Board.

    “Corporate members of PGT can attest to multiple occasions when Tim has stepped up and assisted other drivers with their load securement. He will not hesitate to speak up and do what is right with public safety in mind,” said Vargo. “Several years after he leased on at PGT, Tim took his own personal time to attend our orientation again to give his feedback to help us improve the experience for our onboarding drivers. Time has also volunteered to be an instructor at various Safety Team Building Events.”

    When he’s not driving, Cubbon enjoys riding his Harley, spending time with his children Connor and Tatum, roller skating, fishing and swimming.

    August – Ryan Weaver, Lester R. Summers, Inc.


    Lester R. Summers’ Ryan Weaver, of Ephrata, is the Driver of the Month for August. Weaver has been a professional driver since 2008 and has been with Summers since 2011. In that time, he has logged more than 775,000 miles and has had just one preventable accident due to an insecure load shifting at a red light in 2017. He has been a member of Summers’ OSHA Safety Committee for three years.

    “Ryan Weaver is an excellent representative of Lester R. Summers, Inc., as well as the transportation industry,” said Carla Brodbeck, Director of Safety of Lester R. Summers. “He is always professional, consistent and never gets upset about anything. Ryan is one of the nicest drivers and is easy to work with…Ryan has hauled the biggest and best super loads in the past, but currently has chosen to haul dump trailers to have more family time.”

    His hobbies include hunting, fishing and riding his dual sport motorcycle.

    September – Troy Mohney, ABF Freight


    Troy Mohney, of Harrisburg, has been named the September Driver of the Month. Mohney has been behind the wheel since October of 2001 and has been with ABF Freight for his entire career. He has driven more than 1.8 million miles without a single accident. He has earned a One-Million Mile Safe Driving Award. He once assisted a motorist that rolled their vehicle on I-78 and ensured her safety until the police arrived.

    “Troy is a class act and very responsible driver,” said Michael Hogan of ABF. “He is always making sure things are done right the first time, and takes safety very seriously as reflected by his impeccable record. Troy consistently goes out of his way to help the company accomplish unforeseen tasks and goals. As a part of the Yard Focus Group created by ABF Carlisle, Troy actively participates in making the company a better and safer place to work. I can’t think of a better person, both in and outside of work, to deserve this award.”

    When he’s off the clock, he enjoys wife Laura and their dogs, gardening, hunting, fishing and riding motorcycles.

    October – Jan Michael Keith, Lester R. Summers, Inc


    Jan Keith, of Reinholds, is the Driver of the Month for October. He has been professionally driving since 1977 and has been with Lester R. Summers since 1993. In his 43 years on the road he has driven more than 3.2 million miles and been involved in just three accidents, but not a single preventable accident in the last 28 years. He has earned a 23-year safe driving award from Summers.

    “Jan is an excellent representative for our company and our industry,” said Brodbeck. “He is always ready to help others when asked. Jan is known to get the job done and do it right. A top driver, he volunteers for jobs that others don’t want to do.”

    Keith and his wife Susan have two children, Michelle and Tim, and in his free time, Keith enjoys camping, racing, motorcycle riding and any kind of travel. He is active with his church and also enjoys spending time with his grandchildren.

    November – Ronald DeVor Jr., Lester R. Summers, Inc


    Ronald DeVor Jr., of Red Lion, is the Driver of the Month for November. Devor has been a professional driver since 1989 and has been with Summers since 2016. He has won a Safe Driving Award for each of the last three years with Lester R. Summers.

    “Ronald DeVor has been with our company since July of 2016, but has been in our industry for almost 30 years,” said Brodbeck. “He has proven to be an asset to our company not only with his safety record, but he likes to work, and is always willing to try new things. His easy-going manner makes him great to work with, and he is always very nice and respectful to everyone.”

    DeVor once saved his girlfriend’s life be performing CPR and also once ran into a burning building to help save his neighbors. “In an emergency, Ron is one who runs toward danger rather than away from it,” said Brodbeck.

    When he’s not driving, DeVor enjoys landscaping, grilling and spending time with his children Bobbi Jo, Courtney and Randy, and his girlfriend Becky Vaughn.

    December – Craig Smith, Lester R. Summers, Inc


    The Driver of the Month for December is Craig Smith, of Akron. He has been driving professionally since 1996 and has been with Summers since April of 1999. He has driven a 3-axle van, a tanker and a flatbed in his career and he has not had an accident since 1996, his first year on the road.

    “Craig Smith has been a driver in our industry for 24 years, 21 of them at Lester R. Summers. He’s a very safety-conscious individual, who is liked by everyone,” Brodbeck said. “His versatility is an asset to our company. He’s been described as a ‘very nice guy.” On the quiet side, Craig comes to work, does his job well and returns home to his family which consists of his mother, Jen, and his sister Jennifer.”

    When he’s not driving, he enjoys flying drones and target practice.


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