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Winner will receive a 2018 Freightliner Truck w/ 26' Morgan body.  Additional specs can be found on reverse side. Raffle is open to the public and will take place on June 1st via a video drawing at 12 pm EST.  

Raffle tickets are available at $500 each. Only 500 tickets will be sold.

Move For Hunger is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization founded in 2009 to mobilize the relocation industry to reduce food waste and fight hunger. Move For Hunger works with moving companies across the nation to pick up nonperishable food items and deliver them to local food banks. 1 in 7 Americans struggle to find their next meal.

Move For Hunger has already delivered over 7 million pounds of food to those in need. Your support will assist with an expansion of the food collection program.

Go to the following link for more information 

http://njmta.wildapricot.org/resources/Workshops/MoveForHunger'sBigTruckin'Raffle2017_Orderform.pdf

It’s said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. If that’s true, then long-distance truck drivers should have the strongest relationships of all.

But, as any number of truckers can testify, the road can be hard on romance. Weeks apart, missed birthdays and anniversaries, loneliness and doubt, they all take a toll. But a trucking job does not have to mean the end of a relationship. We went to experts for advice on how to build and maintain a strong, trucking-style romance – and how to make Valentine’s Day special.

Dr. Fran Walfish, a Beverly Hills family and relationship psychotherapist, said every successful relationship is built on trust, which can be reinforced even if both partners aren’t together.

“The bricks and mortar of developing trust can begin long-distance through Skype conversations. Be sure to not only talk, but include reading body language, facial cues and all of those additional messages that tell us how the other person truly feels,” she said. “Talking is the glue that holds people and relationships together.”

Lisa Bahar, a marriage and relationship therapist, also advised drivers and their partners use technology (Skype, cell phones, Facebook etc.) to keep the relationship strong.

“Communication is key, being in the moment, and letting the person know you are thinking of them. Quality time with times to talk, flirty text messages, flattery, memories of what made you fall in love, gifts that are appropriate and surprises that may be spontaneous are good. Be considerate and deliberate,” she said.

What couples do while together can see them through the times they are separated, said Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin, a licensed clinical professional counselor. “When you return, make sure to spend quality time and pay extra attention to your spouse. When you do all of the above, you'll be able to keep your relationship strong, even if you travel a lot,” he said.

 We asked members of the RoadPro Pro Driver Council how they celebrated Valentine’s Day and here’s what they told us:

“Typically, Valentine’s Day is not really a significantly important holiday. I work and it is just another day. A special occasion will just have to wait until work is done or be delayed until the weekend. The customer wants their product and our life is temporarily put on hold. That’s life on the road.”  -- Joanne Fatta, Pennsylvania

“Holidays out on the road -- I usually call or send cards in advance. My husband drives, so usually we meet up for supper. Valentine’s Day is usually great because there are flowers everywhere and pretty red candy boxes. Sometimes, you just have to punt.” – Maggie Stone, Iowa

“I have done the same thing every year for almost 20 years. I send a single white rose to my wife in her classroom. She is a school teacher. It has become so expected that her students wait for it as well. I used to just call, but with technology we now FaceTime. Something we do regularly anyway.” – Thomas Miller, Illinois

Sierra Sugar solves the problem of Valentine’s Day by riding with partner Allen Wilcher.

“Valentine's Day on the road usually is me waking up to fresh coffee, roses and/or other treats from Allen. I usually cook a nice dinner for us in the truck, and afterwards we spend time cuddled together watching movies. It hasn't worked out where we've been somewhere to go out and do something special, so we make the most of our time together in the truck on that day, and, really, every day. But when we do come across neat places along the road, no matter what day of the year, we do get out and explore together.” – Sierra Sugar and Allen Wilcher, Florida

 

NJMTA established the New Jersey Motor Truck Association Fund Scholarship to assist the children of New Jersey employees of NJMTA members who seek to pursue a college education at an accredited two-year or four-year college or university or at an accredited vocational/technical institution.

Scholarships are made on academic potential, financial need and unusual circumstances without reference to race, creed, gender, disability, religion or national origin.

Eligibility

Applicants must be New Jersey residents who are *dependent children, age 23 and under, of full-time New Jersey based employees of a NJMTA member, in good standing. The member company must have a minimum of six months membership with NJMTA.

*Dependent children are natural and legally adopted children or stepchildren living in the employee’s household or primarily supported by the employee.

Awards

There will be three (3) $1,000 scholarships awarded. Awards are for undergraduate study only.

Application

Interested students must complete the NJMTA Scholarship Fund Application for the next academic year and mail to NJMTA, 160 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816, along with current transcript of grades, post marked no later than May 22, 2017. Recipients will be notified in June.

Applicants are responsible for gathering and submitting all necessary information. Applications are evaluated on the information supplied; therefore, it is important to answer all questions as completely, as possible. All information received is considered confidential and is reviewed only by the scholarship committee and NJMTA staff.

Scholarship Application available at http://njmta.wildapricot.org/resources/Scholarship%20Info/2017%20Scholarship%20Application.pdf.

Scholarship Instructions available at http://njmta.wildapricot.org/resources/Scholarship%20Info/2017%20Scholarship%20Instructions.pdf

Selection

The final selection of recipients is made by the NJMTA Scholarship Committee. The committee will evaluate all applications on the basis of past educational performance and future potential, work experience, statement of career and educational aspirations and goals, leadership and participation in school and community activities. Unusual circumstances and financial need will be given careful consideration. Anyone who serves on the Scholarship Committee agrees that their family members will not be eligible to participate in the program.

Payment of Awards

The award check will be mailed directly to the school in the student’s name.

Questions

Students or employees having questions should contact:          

Jennifer Blazovic

New Jersey Motor Truck Association, 160 Tices Lane, East Brunswick, NJ 08816

Phone:  732-254-5000 Ÿ Fax: 732-613-1745

Email: jblazovic@njmta.org 

PLEASE POST FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

 

Due to the impending snow storm, all container terminals, empty and chassis depots will be CLOSED on Thursday February 9th. Free time will be extended for containers not already in demurrage. Per diems on containers and chassis will be handled in accordance with the Winter Weather Plan.

Gates will be extended this evening as follows; Maher (9PM), RHCT (7PM) and GCT Bayonne (7PM). Pleas plan to fully utilize these additional hours.

Appointments WILL NOT and required on Friday at GCT Bayonne. Monday February 13th is an ILA holiday. 

In the January 19th Federal Register, FMCSA announced that it has received an application from J.B. Hunt Transport, Inc. (J.B. Hunt), Schneider National Carriers, Inc. (Schneider), Werner Enterprises, Inc. (Werner), Knight Transportation, Inc. (Knight), Dupre Logistics, Inc. (Dupree), and Maveric Transportation, LLC (Maverick) (the Applicants) to allow hair analysis in lieu of urine testing for pre-employment controlled substances testing of commercial driver's license (CDL) holders. 

The Applicants currently conduct pre-employment urine testing that satisfies the Department of Transportation's (the Department) requirements under 49 CFR part 40 and hair analysis, separate from the Department's controlled substances and alcohol testing program. 

The Applicants' believe their data ``. . . demonstrates that hair analysis is a more reliable and comprehensive basis for ensuring detection of controlled substance use'' and the exemption would enable these fleets to discontinue pre-employment urine testing. FMCSA requests public comment on the exemption application.

Comments must be received on or before February 21, 2017.

Read the Federal Register Notice at 

https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-01-19/pdf/2017-01278.pdf. 

Extreme delays, congestion likely at Delaware River crossings due to NJ & PA Turnpike bridge closure

Motorists urged to consider carpooling, working from home, changing work hours or public transit.

The PA Turnpike Commission and New Jersey Turnpike Authority are advising motorists to expect extreme congestion and delays starting Monday at all Delaware River crossings between Bucks County in Pennsylvania and Burlington and Mercer counties in New Jersey due to the continued emergency closure of the bridge connecting the Pennsylvania and New Jersey turnpikes. 

Motorists are strongly urged to take public transit, carpool, work from home or adjust work hours outside of peak commuting times during this closure. Severe congestion is expected at all area river crossings. Expect slow-moving or stopped traffic, especially during the morning and evening rush hours.

The following detours are in place:

• ·       Motorists heading to New Jersey will be detoured at PA Turnpike Exit 351 to Route 1 northbound to I-95 northbound, which becomes I-295 southbound in New Jersey, to I-195 eastbound to the New Jersey Turnpike. PA Turnpike Exit #358, Delaware Valley, will remain open for local traffic only; watch out for a single-lane pattern approaching Delaware Valley.

• ·       Motorists heading to Pennsylvania will be detoured at New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 7A to I-195 westbound to I-295 northbound, which becomes I-95 southbound; or from New Jersey Turnpike Interchange 5 to Mount Holly Road. Motorists traveling from northern New Jersey are advised to exit at Interchange 14 and use I-78 west into Pennsylvania. 

I-276 eastbound is closed and detoured at PA exit 358. Local roadways under the bridge including Radcliff Street, Palmer Avenue and Wood Avenue are also closed until further notice. Motorists traveling east from Route 130 will be able to use Interchange 6 to access the New Jersey Turnpike via the Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension. The westbound Pearl Harbor Memorial Extension will remain closed to all traffic; there will be no access to Interchange 6 from that direction.

The bridge is jointly owned and maintained by the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority. It was deemed unsafe and immediately closed Friday following the discovery of a fracture in a steel truss. Work is continuing to stabilize the bridge while engineers engage in a more comprehensive assessment and structural analysis to determine a permanent repair strategy. No timetable has been set for the reopening.

For real-time information about traffic conditions in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, drivers are encouraged to call 511 from any telephone. 

NOTE: The PA Turnpike today launched a new web feature to provide timely, accurate updates to travelers impacted by this prolonged bridge closure. Click here to learn more: https://www.paturnpike.com/DRBAlert.aspx

Captain John Gaddy Selected as Trucking Industry Ambassador

 American Trucking Associations named 20 professional truck drivers, including Captain John Gaddy of Asbury, NJ, to the 2017-2018 America’s Road Team, an elite group of professionals who serve as trucking industry ambassadors. Mr. Gaddy is a driver for Carbon Express, Inc. Wharton, NJ. and was the New Jersey Motor Truck Association’s 2015 Driver of the Year.

“There are 3.5 million safe, professional truck drivers on our nation’s roads and every single one of them has a valuable story to tell. ATA is proud to select these respected drivers as the newest America’s Road Team Captains and we are thankful that they will continue to tell their important stories throughout the country,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “Their companies, friends and families should all be incredibly proud of these drivers for dedicating themselves to spreading a positive message about trucking.”

America’s Road Team was established in 1986 as an outreach initiative designed to introduce the motoring public, lawmakers and the media to the trucking industry. Since its inception, America’s Road Team has impressed upon millions of drivers the trucking industry’s safety record, essentiality, and professionalism.  

New Jersey is proud to have Captain John Gaddy representing our state and the trucking industry through his selection to America’s Road Team,” said New Jersey Motor Truck Association Executive Director Gail Toth,  “We are grateful for his dedication to safety and professionalism each and every day and we are excited to see him recognized with this great honor.”

In New Jersey, the trucking industry provides 1 out of every 18 jobs and is responsible for transporting 73% percent of the state’s manufactured tonnage. Additionally, 84.5% percent of New Jersey’s communities depend exclusively on trucks to deliver their goods.

“For many drivers, being named to America’s Road Team is the pinnacle of their careers,” said ATA COO and Executive Vice President of Industry Affairs Elisabeth Barna. “By compiling millions of accident-free miles, serving hundreds of hours in their communities and articulating the passion they have for their careers as truck drivers, these new Captains are excellent examples of the professionalism that’s become a hallmark of our industry.”

For the next two years, the newly chosen America’s Road Team Captains will tour North America in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, an American flag emblazoned Volvo VNL 780 with a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator. The Captains, who will remain full-time truck drivers with their various ATA member companies, will speak candidly about the life of an American truck driver, the important role trucking plays in the delivery of critical goods and the safety-first mentality held by all professional truck drivers. 

“Volvo Trucks is honored to sponsor the America’s Road Team program and take part in this week’s selection of the 2017-2018 Captains,” said Volvo Trucks North America President Göran Nyberg. “America’s Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe their hard work and dedication pays dividends for our industry. We congratulate the new class of America’s Road Team Captains and wish them the best of luck as they carry out their mission over the next two years.”

The final round of the selection process for America’s Road Team was held January 8-10 in Arlington, Va. A panel of industry officials and trucking news media judged the finalists on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages and overall safe driving record.

After receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers, the 2017-2018 Captains immediately began their work in improving public perception of the trucking industry. Trucking industry professionals can support America’s Road Team’s mission by following the team’s two-year journey on Facebook and Twitter and interacting with the Captains at major industry events, conferences and community visits.  

The 2017-2018 America’s Road Team Captains are:

Steve Brand, FedEx Freight

Jon Brockway, Walmart Transportation LLC

John Gaddy, Carbon Express, Inc.

W. Scott Harrison, K Limited Carrier Ltd

Rhonda Hartman, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Gary Helms, Covenant Transport, Inc.

Bill Krouse, YRC Freight

David Livingston, TCW, Inc.

Charles Lobsiger, Walmart Transportation LLC

Timothy Melody, ABF Freight System, Inc.

James Moore, Saia LTL Freight

Chris Outen, FedEx Freight

Charlton Paul Jr., UPS Freight

Jeffrey Payne, Reddaway, Inc.

Stephen Richardson, Big G Express, Inc.

Michael Sheeds, Werner Enterprises

Steven Smalley, ABF Freight System, Inc.

Gary Smith, Garner Trucking, Inc.

Earl Taylor, Penske Logistics

Tim Taylor, FedEx Freight

The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway.www.americasroadteam.com.

In August, long-time New Jersey Motor Truck Association Member Linden Bulk Transportation and its various operating entities were acquired and are now part of Odyssey Logistics & Technology Corporation.  Linden Bulk, a top 25 tank truck carrier established in 1982, provides safe, reliable bulk truck and intermodal transport across North America.  Headquartered in Linden, New Jersey, Linden Bulk has over 350 power units, 675 trailers, and 150 ISO container chassis with lift kits.  In addition to its Linden, NJ headquarters, Linden Bulk has facilities in Pennsylvania, Texas, and Louisiana.

Odyssey is a global logistics solutions provider with over a $2B freight network and services that include international transportation management, intermodal services, trucking services, managed services, consulting, and sample fulfillment.   With operations in North America, Europe and Asia, Odyssey operates in all modes of transport with TL/LTL trucking, containership, rail, air, and bulk transport including bulk truck, ISO Tank, railcar and tanker, as well as food-grade product lines. 

“Acquiring Linden Bulk Transportation broadens our portfolio of services,” said Bob Shellman, president and CEO, Odyssey Logistics & Technology. “Combined with our existing intermodal chemical ISO tank and North America tank brokerage businesses, this latest acquisition strengthens our position as a leader in chemical transportation.”

NJMTA Board Member and former Linden Bulk Chairman Sandy Salz reports that “the sale of Linden Bulk to Odyssey gives Linden Bulk’s many colleagues and drivers the opportunity to grow and thrive as part of the Odyssey family.”  Further, Salz explained that “Linden Bulk will continue to service its existing customers and will maintain its active participation in NJMTA and the New Jersey trucking community.”  Linden Bulk's daily operations will continue to be directed by Paul DeFalco and Michael Salz.

The FMCSA Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) Website has been updated with the December 30, 2016 snapshot from the Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).  The term "snapshot" refers to data captured from the MCMIS database as it appears on a particular date.

Request Reports Today

You may request a prospective driver's latest PSP data at: https://www.psp.fmcsa.dot.gov.

PSP records include a 5-year crash and 3-year inspection history for commercial drivers.  Account holders may access a PSP record during the hiring process after the driver's consent has been properly obtained.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) has released Port Performance Freight Statistics Program: Annual Report to Congress 2016. This report is BTS’s first edition of the annual report on the Port Performance Freight Statistics Program, established by the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act of 2015, Section 6018. The goal of the program is “to provide nationally consistent measures of performance” of the nation’s largest ports, and to report annually to Congress on port capacity and throughput. This annual report presents data and statistics on capacity and throughput at the top 25 ports by tonnage, 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU), and dry bulk tonnage; nationally consistent port performance metrics; and looks ahead at improving this statistics program. The report also includes detailed information on U.S. maritime ports and discussions of throughput and capacity concepts to provide a more complete picture of port activity and to place the statistics in context.