News

Transportation officials in Pennsylvania have issued a large-scale commercial vehicle travel ban to go into effect on Tuesday, February 12, in anticipation of snowfall and freezing rain.

A full commercial vehicle ban will take effect at midnight (12 a.m.) on Tuesday on the following roadways:

• I-70 in Fulton County (from the Maryland state line to the Penn. Turnpike)
• I-99 from I-80 to the Penn. Turnpike

A full commercial vehicle ban will also go into effect on the following roadways at 6 a.m. on Tuesday:

• Interstate 380 full length from I-81 to I-80;
• I-80 from I-79 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-81 from I-78 to the New York state line;
• I-84 full length from I-81 to the New York state line;
• I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from I-78 to Clarks Summit (exit 131);
• I-180 full length from Route 220/U.S. 15 to I-80.

An additional commercial vehicle ban for empty, straight CDL-weighted trucks; all Large combination vehicles (double trailers); and tractors hauling empty trailers will also be implemented at 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday on the following roads:

• PA Turnpike (I-76, I-276, I-95) from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-176;
• I-283;
• I-476 (non-Turnpike, full length);
• I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from Mid-County (#20) to Lehigh Valley (exit 56);
• I-676;
• I-76 (Turnpike and non-Turnpike, New Stanton to Philadelphia);
• I-78 full length from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-81 from the Maryland state line to I-78 split;
• I-83 from the Maryland state line to I-81;
• I-95 full length;
• Route 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey state line;
• Route 33 from I-78 to I-80.

• PA Turnpike (I-76, I-276, I-95) from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-176;
• I-283;
• I-476 (non-Turnpike, full length);
• I-476 (PA Turnpike, Northeast Ext.) from Mid-County (#20) to Lehigh Valley (exit 56);
• I-676;
• I-76 (Turnpike and non-Turnpike, New Stanton to Philadelphia);
• I-78 full length from I-81 to the New Jersey state line;
• I-81 from the Maryland state line to I-78 split;
• I-83 from the Maryland state line to I-81;
• I-95 full length;
• Route 22 from I-78 to the New Jersey state line;
• Route 33 from I-78 to I-80.

 In addition, a 45-mile-per-hour speed limit will be in place on all roads with vehicle restrictions.

addition, a 45-mile-per-hour speed limit will be in place on all roads with vehicle restrictions.

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released an analysis of the impacts that emerging e-commerce trends are having on the trucking industry, including the challenges and opportunities that more regionalized retail supply chains and the proliferation of urban “last mile” deliveries have presented. This research was identified as a top research priority by ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee.

The analysis provides background on emerging e-commerce and omni-channel retailing trends, and maps the implications of these trends to trucking operations and the industry’s top ten issues. Key findings in ATRI’s report include:

·     From 1999-2017, e-commerce sales increased from less than one percent of total U.S. retail sales to more than nine percent, reflecting a 3,000 percent increase in e-commerce sales.

·     Annual growth of e-commerce has ranged between 13 and 16 percent over the last five years, outpacing the one to five percent annual growth in traditional retail sales.

·     Retailers are becoming more flexible in how they transact with consumers by decentralizing their distribution/fulfillment networks to bring inventory closer to consumers.

·     There were 2,130 fewer department stores and 385,000 fewer jobs at these stores in 2017 compared to 2015; there were 1,937 more courier services operating and just over 85,000 new employees hired in the sector during this time period. 

·     “Last Mile Fulfillment Centers” represented 73 percent of the industrial real estate market in 2017, a 15 percentage point increase from the previous year.

·     Registrations for single-unit trucks increased by 7.8 percent between 2007 and 2016 compared to 4.4 percent growth in combination truck registrations.

·     The number of intra-regional and last-mile truck trips has increased while the average length of haul has declined.  Average trip lengths have decreased 37 percent since 2000, while urban vehicle miles traveled have increased for much of this time period. 

·     Intrastate and local hauls for e-commerce could serve as a training opportunity for 18-20-year-old drivers, representing a huge new pool of potential interstate CDL drivers.

“ATRI’s research provides a critical roadmap for trucking industry stakeholders to address the challenges and benefits of e-commerce and omni-channel retailing,” said Tom Benusa, CIO of Transport America. “These trends are game-changing, and our industry must adapt quickly to ensure that trucking continues to be the preeminent freight mode.”

 You can download a copy of this report here.  

AMENDED REGIONAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION
UNDER 49 CFR § 390.23
No. 2019-001

CONNECTICUT, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, IOWA, KANSAS, KENTUCKY, MAINE, MASSACHUSETTS, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, MISSISSIPPI, NEBRASKA, NEW HAMPSIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, TENNESSEE, VERMONT AND WISCONSIN

In accordance with the provisions of 49 CFR § 390.23, the Regional Field Administrators for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Midwestern and Southern Service Centers and the Field Administrator for FMCSA's Eastern Service Center, hereby declare that an emergency exists that warrants issuance of a Regional Emergency Declaration and an exemption from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), except as otherwise restricted in this Emergency Declaration. Such emergency is in response to significant winter storms and anticipated heating and other fuel shortages in the Affected States. This Declaration addresses the anticipated emergency conditions creating a need for immediate transportation of heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, and other fuel products, including gasoline, into the Affected States and provides necessary relief. Affected States included in this Emergency Declaration are: Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont and Wisconsin.

By execution of this extension of the Emergency Declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts transporting heating fuel, including propane, natural gas and heating oil, .and other fuel products, including gasoline, into the Affected States are granted emergency relief from Parts 390 through 399 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations except as restricted herein.

Direct assistance terminates when a driver or commercial motor vehicle is used in interstate commerce to transport cargo or provide services not directly supporting the emergency relief effort or when the motor carrier dispatches a driver or commercial motor vehicle to another location to begin operations in commerce. Upon termination of direct assistance to the emergency relief effort, the motor carrier and driver are subject to the requirements of 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399, except that a driver may return empty to the motor carrier's terminal or the driver's normal work reporting location without complying with Parts 390 through 399. However, if the driver informs the motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest, the driver must be permitted at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before the driver is required to return to the motor carrier's terminal or the driver's normal reporting location. Once the driver has returned to the terminal or other location, the driver must be relieved of all duty and responsibilities and must receive a minimum of 10 hours off duty if transporting property, and 8 hours if transporting passengers.

Nothing contained in this Emergency Declaration shall be construed as an exemption from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382), the commercial driver's license requirements (49 CFR Part 383), the financial responsibility (insurance) requirements (49 CFR Part 3 87), the hazardous material regulations (49 CFR Parts 100-180), applicable size and weight requirements, or any other portion of the regulations not specifically authorized pursuant to 49 CFR § 390.23.

Motor carriers or drivers currently subject to an out-of-service order are not eligible for the relief granted by this declaration until they have met the applicable conditions for its rescission and the order has been rescinded by FMCSA. In accordance with 49 CFR § 390.23, this declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for the duration of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5) or until 11 :59 P.M. (ET), February 2, 2019, ~hichever is less.

Taft Kelly, Field Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Eastern Service Center

G. Jones, Regional Field Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Midwestern Service Center

Darrell L. Ruban, Regional Field Administrator
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Southern Service Center

Small and wearable electronic devices used in workplaces (e.g., body cameras) rely on a power source that stores a high amount of energy in a small space (i.e., high energy density). Lithium cells provide sustained power and often have the capability to recharge. When designed, manufactured, and used properly, lithium batteries are a safe, high energy density power source for devices in the workplace.

While lithium batteries are normally safe, they may cause injury if they have design defects, are made of low quality materials, are assembled incorrectly, are used or recharged improperly, or are damaged. In February 2018, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Status Report on High Energy Density Batteries Project reported over 25,000 overheating or fire incidents involving more than 400 types of lithium battery-powered consumer products that occurred over a five-year period.

Many consumer products have practical applications in small and large businesses. Ensuring these products will operate safely in workplaces begins with using batteries, chargers, and associated equipment that are tested in accordance with an appropriate test standard (e.g., UL 2054) and certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL). Manufacturer’s instructions provide procedures for use, charging, and maintenance that is specific to each device and necessary to prevent damage to the lithium batteries (See Image 1). For example, some batteries will overcharge if a charger is used that does not turn off when the battery is fully charged.

Image 2. Small wearable camera
Source/Copyright: Andreas Arnold/picture-alliance/dpa/AP Images

Workers who wear or frequently handle lithium-powered devices or batteries are particularly at risk if a lithium battery catches fire or explodes since the device or battery is close to the body. For example, small cameras worn by workers (e.g., police and security personnel), as shown in Image 2, can cause burns or other serious injury if the lithium battery catches fire or explodes while worn. To prevent injury, it is important for employers and workers to understand a lithium-powered device’s basic function, hazards, and safe use.

Prevention

Workplace injuries from lithium battery defects or damage are preventable and the following guidelines will assist in incorporating lithium battery safety into an employer’s Safety and Health Program:

• Ensure lithium batteries, chargers, and associated equipment are tested in accordance with an appropriate test standard (e.g., UL 2054) and certified by a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL), and are rated for their intended uses.
• Follow manufacturer’s instructions for storage, use, charging, and maintenance.
• When replacing batteries and chargers for an electronic device, ensure they are specifically designed and approved for use with the device and they are purchased from the device’s manufacturer or a manufacturer authorized reseller.
• Remove lithium-powered devices and batteries from the charger once they are fully charged.
• Store lithium batteries and devices in dry, cool locations and in fire-resistant containers.
• Avoid damaging lithium batteries and devices. Inspect them for signs of damage, such as bulging/cracking, hissing, leaking, rising temperature, and smoking before use, especially if they are wearable. Immediately remove a device or battery from service and place it in an area away from flammable materials if any of these signs are present.
• If batteries are damaged, remove from service and dispose in accordance with local, state, and federal regulations. Contact a local battery recycling center for disposal instructions.
• Follow the employer’s policy or manufacturer’s guidance on how to extinguish small battery fires, which could include using CO2, foam, Class D fire extinguishers (for lithium-metal), ABC dry chemical extinguishers, dirt, or sand.

Training

Ensure that workers handling lithium-powered devices, cells, or batteries in the workplace receive training associated with these products, including training on how to:

• Verify NRTL certification for batteries, chargers, and associated equipment.
• Identify defective, damaged, or failing lithium-powered devices and batteries.
• Remove defective devices or batteries from the workplace.
• Quickly remove a lithium-powered device from clothing if it feels hot or if the device is leaking, releasing gas, hissing, bulging/cracking, or on fire.

Ensure that an emergency action plan (EAP) for a workplace with lithium-powered devices or batteries includes lithium-related incident response procedures based on manufacturer’s instructions for responding to battery failures including fires or explosions.

Ensure that appropriate information about the hazards of lithium-powered devices and lithium batteries is communicated to exposed workers (e.g., during repair of lithium-powered devices or during recycling activities) and that workers receive training on the physical and health hazards associated with lithium-ion and/or lithium-metal cells or batteries.

To read the entire OSHA Bulletin, go to https://www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib011819.html.

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today issued a Winter Weather Congestion Alert and are implementing the Department’s Business Day Protocol based on the forecast for expected snow and freezing rain today, Tuesday, January 29, which may result in difficult driving conditions, particularly during the evening commute as temperatures drop.

NJDOT will be deploying the necessary resources in advance of the storm and is coordinating its response with NJ Transit and the toll road authorities to ensure the best response for New Jerseyans.

This afternoon, NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

The Department and our transportation and law enforcement partners are recommending motorists:

• Avoid Unnecessary Travel during the storm
• Consider Telecommuting, if possible
• Plan extra travel time
• If you are driving and road conditions deteriorate, PULL OFF somewhere safe and wait it out
• Watch for black ice this evening
• Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation
• Be patient and use caution

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Once conditions improve, NJDOT will lift the Winter Weather Congestion Alert.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info.

UPDATED 10:13 AM 1/29/19

The following PA vehicles restrictions are being temporarily lifted as of 1000hrs and are anticipated to be reestablished at 1400hrs: (see below)

•             I-78 in its entirety

•             I-81 from I-83 to I-78

The following PA vehicle restrictions remain: (see below)

No Empty or Double Trailers, RV’s, trailers being towed by non-commercial vehicles, and motorcycles on the following interstates – 

•             I-80 from I-180 Interchange at Exit 212 to the NJ State line

•             I-81 from I-78 to New York State line

•             I-84 in its entirety

•             I-380 in its entirety

•             I-476 from I-78/Interchange at Exit 56 to Clark Summit/Interchange Exit 131 – PA TURNPIKE

45 MPH Speed Limit Restriction – There are currently NO 45 MPH speed limit restrictions active at this time.

NOTICE: 7:15 AM 1/29/19 

Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in response to the impending Winter Storm Jayden, will be enacting the following restrictions beginning at 0600 hours on Tuesday 01/29:

Speed Limit Restriction – 45 MPH will occur as conditions warrant throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

No Empty or Double Trailers, RV’s, trailers being towed by non-commercial vehicles, and motorcycles on the following roadways –

• I-78 in its entirety
• I-80 from I-180 Interchange at Exit 212 to the NJ State line
• I-81 from I-83 to New York State line
• I-84 in its entirety
• I-380 in its entirety
• I-476 from I-78/Interchange at Exit 56 to Clark Summit/Interchange Exit 131 – PA TURNPIKE

Mapview of State: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Pennsylvania/@40.7577554,-78.571994,8z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x882d80261e32e589:0xc24621475022b43d!8m2!3d41.2033216!4d-77.1945247

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) officials today issued a Winter Weather Alertand are reminding motorists that Gov. Phil Murphy has declared a State of Emergency and the NJ State Police issued a commercial vehicle travel restriction, both starting at 12 noon today, due to the anticipated severity of Winter Storm Harper.

NJDOT is prepared and coordinating our response with our regional transportation partners to ensure the safety of all travelers. The Department has 2,500 plows and spreaders that are ready to be activated statewide wherever they are needed.

High winds and ice could bring trees and branches down on roadways. NJDOT crews have tree-clearing equipment available to remove debris from state highways to ensure plows, emergency personnel and utility companies can get through. In addition, the Department and our transportation partners are prepared for possible flooding in South Jersey from heavy rain.

The Department is reminding motorists:

• AVOID UNNECESSARY TRAVEL during the storm
• If you must drive and road conditions deteriorate, GET OFF THE ROAD somewhere safe and wait it out
• lways STAY CLEAR of plows and spreading trucks. If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT PASS between trucks that are in a plow formation
• Be patient and use caution

Commercial Vehicle Travel Restriction
The restriction in New Jersey applies to the following roadways:

• I-195 (entire length)
• I-78 (entire length)
• I-80 (entire length)
• I-280 (entire length)
• I-287 (entire length)
• I-295 (Exit 60/I-195 to Exit 76/Scudder Falls Bridge-PA Border)

The restriction DOES NOT apply to:

• New Jersey Turnpike
• Garden State Parkway

The commercial vehicle travel restriction in New Jersey applies to the following vehicles:

• All tractor-trailers
• Empty straight CDL-weighted trucks
• Passenger vehicles pulling trailers
• Recreational vehicles
• Motorcycles

In order for NJDOT and our regional and local transportation partners to safely and efficiently clear roadways of snow and ice, motorists need to Clear the Roads so We Can Clear the Roads.

NJDOT will deploy our Incline Package assets on I-280 and I-78 at Jugtown mountain (between Exits 7 and 11), which includes pre-positioning towing assets, NJDOT Safety Service Patrol (SSP) trucks, and coordination with New Jersey State Police.

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs throughout the storm to provide updates. Once conditions improve, NJDOT will lift the Winter Weather Congestion Alert.

Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news and updates follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info. 

New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti announced a new communications campaign to help the public make better traveling decisions during winter weather events to improve safety and the Department’s ability to clear snow.

New Jersey is the most congested state in the nation, and in order to help clear the roads in winter weather, NJDOT and the public need to work together. A relatively routine winter weather system can wreak havoc in New Jersey when it occurs between 5am and 7pm, Monday thru Friday.

“In order for NJDOT to clear highways of snow and ice, we need roads free from traffic so our trucks can get through and do their job,” Commissioner Gutierrez-Scaccetti said. “Our Winter Weather Congestion Alert plan is designed to alert the media and public when forecasted weather may cause congestion, and provide tips on what to do so our crews can get through to keep the roads clear, open, and safe.”

The Winter Weather Congestion Alerts may provide general tips such as to consider telecommuting if possible or more specific recommendations to avoid certain highways with inclines that are often problematic during a storm – such I-280 or parts of I-78 in western New Jersey. The media and public will be alerted through press releases, the NJDOT Facebook page, Twitter @NJDOT_info, VMS boards, and www.511nj.org.

Some ways NJDOT will encourage people to stay off the roads through alerts include:

• Telecommuting
• Traveling BEFORE the winter weather starts
• STAYING PUT while the winter weather is occurring - Wait a few hours for the storm to subside before heading out
• If you are traveling during the winter weather, PULL OFFsomewhere safe and wait it out
• Always STAY CLEAR of plowing and spreading trucks.  If they are behind you, let them pass
• DO NOT pass between trucks that are in a plow formation

NJDOT will be using Variable Message Signs to alert motorists of the campaign. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information and for NJDOT news follow us on the NJDOT Facebook page or on Twitter @NJDOT_info.

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today published its latest update of state and local idling regulations on its website, TruckingResearch.org. The listing is provided in two forms. An online compendium provides detailed information and hyperlinks to each of the 65 state and local regulations that have been identified. A cab card is also available that provides a consolidated listing which can be downloaded and carried in the glove box of a truck.

Among the newly enacted regulations now included in the compendium are: 

1.Madison, Wisconsin has a 5-minute idling limit with limited exemptions, one of which is if the temperature is less than 20ºF or more than 90ºF. Fines can range from $25 to $200.

2.Sandy City, Utah has a 1-minute idling limit with limited exemptions. Violators will be given up to three warnings before a citation not exceeding $750 can be issued.

Other regulations now listed in the compendium include Newark, Delaware; Ithaca, New York; Logan, Utah; and Summit County, Utah.

ATRI continues to monitor the development of idling regulations across the country and provides the compendium and cab card as a free service to help trucking companies and truck drivers comply with the myriad of state and local idling regulations.

 “Even though enforcement tends to vary among jurisdictions, with areas such as California and New York City being more active, the regulations highlight communities that are concerned about emissions from idling vehicles,” explained Mike Tunnell, ATRI’s Director of Environmental Research. “We urge trucking companies to be aware of these regulations not only to comply and avoid fines but to be good neighbors in the communities in which they operate.” 

In accordance with the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015, this final rule provides the 2018 inflation adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of certain DOT regulations. This rule also finalizes the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s and the Office of the Secretary’s catch- up inflation adjustment interim final rules required by the same Act.

View the Federal Register Notice at http://njmta.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/Federal%20Register%20Notice%2011272018-24930.pdf