News

The FMCSA has announced additional delay to the implementation of URS, which was set to take effect on September 30, 2016.  As most in the industry know, once URS is implemented, the U.S. DOT number will be the sole designator assigned to any entity subject to FMCSA jurisdiction (including, for example, for-hire motor carriers, private carriers, property brokers, freight forwarders, passenger carriers, for-hire exempt interstate carriers, etc.).

The new effective date is January 14, 2017.  On that date, currently issued “docket numbers” such as the “MC” number designating for-hire motor carrier and property broker authority will no longer be assigned or used by the FMCSA and will be replaced by a DOT number.  The announcement is also expected to delay associated changes to FMCSA regulations regarding transfers of operating authority.  To the extent URS requires regulated entities to make filings for the first time (for instance, filing of BOC-3 forms from entities that were not previously subject to filing requirements), FMCSA is providing a 90 day compliance window to make such filings, which will conclude on April 14, 2017.  For entities that are currently regulated, no action is required at this time.  For instance, freight forwarders that do not currently hold a U.S. DOT number are not required to proactively seek one.  They will be assigned by the agency.

Click here to read the Federal Register notice.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) today approved a six percent toll increase for both E-ZPass and cash customers; the increase is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Jan. 8, 2017. PTC Chairman Sean Logan said this toll increase — like other annual increases since 2009 — is necessary to pay back the borrowing required to meet the PTC’s funding obligations: rebuilding and widening the PA Turnpike system and providing funding to the commonwealth to support public transportation.

“Last fall, the PA Turnpike observed our 75^th anniversary; while that is a great accolade, it means that parts of our system have outlived their design life and are in dire need of replacement,” Chairman Logan said. “Revenues from this increase will fund a newly approved, 10-year spending plan which invests more than $5.77 billion in our system in the coming decade — a large part of which will support ongoing total reconstruction and widening projects.”

Revenues from the 2017 increase will also allow the PTC to fund its annual requirement to support off-Turnpike ground-transportation enhancements. Since 2007, the PTC has been providing supplemental funding to the commonwealth that is invested by PennDOT into non-tolled highways and public-transportation providers. Starting in Fiscal Year 2015, PTC payments have funded transit exclusively.

Commissioners today also ordered a system-wide reassessment of all Turnpike improvement projects in both the design and construction phases to confirm that the best decisions are being made on capital expenditures.

“I have directed executive staff to perform a comprehensive reevaluation of all highway and bridge projects, including those now under way, to ensure we are focusing on projects that are the most relevant to our strategic objectives,” Chairman Logan explained. “Every project will be analyzed as part of this review. No project will be exempt.”

Logan added that the commission has been pondering such a measure for some time.

“We are obliged to reassess capital spending today because of concerns that more than half of our revenues go to pay down our debt service each year,” he said. “Toll revenues are forecast to reach $1.1 billion in Fiscal Year 2017, while debt service is $573 million. And that debt service obligation will grow as long as we are required to continue borrowing.”

Logan said the project review is intended to fortify the commission’s financial position.

“Without guarantees from the general assembly that relief is on its way, this is the most judicious step for the commission’s economic viability,” Logan said. “We simply cannot continue to burden customers each year because of the obligation the general assembly has imposed upon the Turnpike Commission and our customers.”

The PTC continues to focus on cost-cutting measures to mitigate future increases. For instance, it implemented a strategic plan with renewed emphasis on controlling operating-expense growth; it has held the line on operating costs; and it has reduced headcount by eight percent in the last decade — and by 20 percent in the fare-collection department in the same timeframe due to E-ZPass usage. Logan today asked executive staff to evaluate the need for a hiring freeze during the current fiscal year.

“While we will continue to mitigate toll increases through boosted efficiencies, we have no option but to increase tolls annually moving ahead,” said Turnpike CEO Mark Compton. “Right now, traffic and revenue predictions estimate increases of up to six percent per year will be necessary until 2044.”

During the last nine years, the PTC has provided $5.2 billion to PennDOT, of which $2.25 billion has supported highways while $2.95 billion has supported transit.

As a result of a transportation law enacted in 2013, the PTC’s funding obligation to PennDOT will drop from $450 million a year to $50 million a year beginning in Fiscal Year 2023.

“While this measure provides some relief, it does not wipe out the Turnpike’s debt or requirement to help fund PennDOT; we are still obligated to make further payments through 2057 totaling approximately $5 billion,” Compton said. “Therefore, the Commission is bound to increase tolls each year.”

As a result of today’s measure, the most common toll for a passenger vehicle will increase next year from $1.16 to $1.23 for E-ZPass customers and from $1.80 to $1.95 for cash customers. The most common toll for a Class-5 vehicle — a prevalent tractor-trailer class — will increase from $9.59 to $10.17 for E-ZPass and from $13.60 to $14.45 for cash.

Toll rates will not increase next year on the Turnpike’s Delaware River Bridge cashless tolling point northeast of Philadelphia. Tolls at that location will remain at 2016 rates.

While the 2017 increase equally affects cash and E-ZPass rates, PA Turnpike customers will continue to save time and money with E-ZPass. Today, more than 77 percent of transactions on the 552-mile PA Turnpike are paid via E-ZPass. The PA Turnpike manages 1.7 million E-ZPass accounts with 2.7 million PTC-issued transponders in circulation.

Motorists can buy E-ZPass at www.paturnpike.com or by calling 1-877-PENN-PASS. The E-ZPass GoPak is offered at nearly 500 retailers, including most Pennsylvania AAA offices and at stores in these chains: Acme, Giant Eagle and GetGo, GIANT Food Stores, Karns Quality Foods, Kuhn's Markets, MARTIN'S Food Markets, Walmart, Wegmans in central and eastern PA and Sunoco A-Plus stores at Turnpike service plazas. It costs $38 to open an E-ZPass auto-replenishment account using a credit/debit card; the cost includes a $35 toll balance plus a $3 annual service fee. E-ZPass retailers charge a convenience fee but there is no such fee to join online or by phone.

Nearly 3 Million Vehicles Expected on Pa. Turnpike Over July 4 Holiday

Turnpike travelers are reminded to slow down and stay alert.

Millions of vehicles are expected to be traveling the Pennsylvania Turnpike this Independence Day holiday weekend. Traffic projections show approximately 2.9 million vehicles will be on the system from July 1 through July 5. The heaviest travelled day on the Pa. Turnpike is expected to be Friday, July 1 with more than 700,000 vehicles on the roadway followed by Tuesday, July 5 with 600,000 vehicles.

Pa. Turnpike Chairman Sean Logan reminds travelers to be prepared with the right tools to ensure a smoother Turnpike experience this Independence Day. “Holiday traffic is a good reason to take advantage of our award-winning smartphone app called TRIPTalk, available for Android and iPhone users,” Logan says. “TRIPTalk helps travelers steer clear of delays caused by holiday backups or accidents while letting you keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.” He also advises motorists headed for the Turnpike to check conditions before they leave by visiting www.paturnpike.com or calling 1-866-976-TRIP (8747).

Due to the increased volume of traffic on the roadway, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is asking motorists to stay alert and be courteous. In preparation for the traffic surge, Turnpike maintenance will suspend its work and keep all available lanes open beginning at 5 a.m. on July 1 through 11 p.m. on July 11 except in case of emergencies. In the event of emergency-lane closures, the Turnpike will activate its Variable Message Signs and Highway Advisory Radio to alert motorists.

“With increased traffic volumes on the Turnpike, we will have additional Turnpike personnel patrolling the roadway and assisting with any emergencies that may occur,” says Pa. Turnpike Chief Executive Officer Mark Compton. “Our men and women are out there working on the roadway to keep it safe for our customers; we urge motorists to keep our workers safe by paying attention and driving safely.”

As holiday traffic increases, so will the patrols by the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), which plans to have troopers out enforcing the speed limit, no-texting and seat belt laws.

“We want to remind people to drive carefully, pay attention and do not drink and drive,” states Lt. Edward C. Murphy of PSP Troop T, the unit in charge of Turnpike patrols. “Troopers will be watching for aggressive drivers, anyone driving under the influence and people driving while distracted.”

To promote safe driving during the Independence Day holiday, the Turnpike is sponsoring a "Safety Break" event on July 1 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Sideling Hill Service Plaza at milepost 172 in Fulton County which serves both eastbound and westbound travelers. Turnpike staff, the State Farm Safety patrol as well as representatives from our emergency responders; Breezewood Volunteer Fire Company, Interstate Emergency Services, Hustontown Area Volunteer Fire Company, Hustontown EMS, Pa. State Police and the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program will be on hand to answer questions.

Turnpike officials remind travelers on the Northeastern Extension (I-476) that a single-lane pattern will be in effect for a three-mile stretch in Luzerne County from mileposts 101 to 104, where the pavement is being completely replaced. Delays and heavy traffic are expected between the Pocono Interchange, Exit 95, and the Wilkes Barre Interchange, Exit 105.

To report an accident or other emergencies on the PA Turnpike, dial *11 on your mobile phone. To learn more about PA Turnpike conditions or to contact us, use one of these resources:

ON THE PA TURNPIKE

·        Variable & Digital Message Signs — nearly 100 signs along the Turnpike

·        Highway Advisory Radio — 1640 AM (tune-in near interchanges)

BY PHONE

·        Turnpike Roadway Information Program (toll-free) — 866-976-TRIP (8747)

·        Customer Assistance Center (toll-free) — 800-331-3414 (weekdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

ON THE WEB

·        TRIPTalk — free, travel-alert smartphone app; download at https://www.paturnpike.com/travel/trip_talk.aspx

·        Travel Conditions Map — live, interactive conditions map; view at https://www.paturnpike.com/webmap

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced today that passengers riding in large commercial trucks will be required to use seat belts whenever the vehicles are operated on public roads in interstate commerce.  Effective August 8, 2016, the final rule revises Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and holds motor carriers and drivers responsible for ensuring that passengers riding in large commercial trucks are using seat belts.

“Seat belts save lives – period,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.  “Whether you’re a driver or passenger, in a personal vehicle or large truck, the simple act of wearing a safety belt significantly reduces the risk of fatality in a crash.”

In 2014, 37 passengers traveling unrestrained in the cab of a large truck were killed in roadway crashes, according to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).  Of this number, approximately one-third were ejected from the truck cab.

FMCSA’s most recent Seat Belt Usage by Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Drivers Survey, published in March 2014, found that commercial motor vehicle passengers use seat belts at a lower rate (73 percent) than CMV  drivers (84 percent).  Federal rules have long required all commercial drivers to use seat belts.

“Using a seat belt is one of the safest, easiest, and smartest choices drivers and passengers can make before starting out on any road trip,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Scott Darling.  “This rule further protects large truck occupants and will undoubtedly save more lives.”

Click here to read a copy of the final rule.

Truck Drivers Honor Fallen Soldiers by Promoting Highway Safety

Arlington, Va. – Today, American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team Captains are turning their attention to highway safety in anticipation of a busy Memorial Day weekend. According to AAA, this year’s Memorial Day weekend will see the second highest traffic volume in the holiday’s history, with more than 38 million Americans expected to take to the highways this weekend.  “During busy weekends, our job as professional truck drivers gets a little more challenging, but we have the skills and training to deal with the extra traffic,” said America’s Road Team Captain Kirk Weis, of ABF Freight. “We want everyone to have a safe summer of driving and, to me, that starts with having a safe Memorial Day weekend on the highway. Keep these tips in mind while you’re traveling this weekend.”  The trucking industry is remembering the fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defending the nation’s freedoms. Trucking companies take great pride in providing meaningful, rewarding work for veterans of the military who want to continue their service to the country by assisting in the transportation of its most essential goods.    “There is no greater responsibility than protecting the lives of others,” said America’s Road Team Captain Henry Bruster, of UPS Freight. “I learned how to protect others and drive a truck while in the military, and I think those responsibilities have carried over to my job as a professional truck driver. We are all called upon to make safety a priority when using the highways, especially during busy holidays when more vehicles are on the roads.”  America’s Road Team Captains offer these safety tips to remind motorists about some key elements of safe driving, especially relating to operating small passenger vehicles near large tractor-trailers. Buckle Up: Memorial Day weekend takes place during National Click It or Ticket Week. Seat belts save lives. Day or night and even if you’re riding in the back seat – wear your seat belt. Slow Down: Chances of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic. The spring and summer are periods when work zones are busiest. It is important to reduce speeds when traveling through those areas. Do not drive impaired: There is a lot to celebrate this time of year, with graduations, weddings and holidays seemingly every weekend. With that said, driving is a great responsibility and your fellow travelers are relying on safe, attentive drivers to respectfully share the road and make good decisions. Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you. Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving. Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them. Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road. Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion. Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead.  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.

Program Works with Motorcyclists to Promote Awareness, Safety Tips

Arlington, Va. – Today, American Trucking Associations and ATA’s Share the Road Highway Safety Program are bringing awareness to Motorcycle Safety Month and urging all motorists to be aware of motorcycles while driving down the highway.  “Motorcyclists and truck drivers understand that due to the unique qualities of their vehicles, they must remain vigilantly committed to safety at all times in order to keep our roads safe,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “As part of Motorcycle Awareness Month, ATA’s Share the Road program is working with motorcycle groups to educate all motorists on the importance of safely sharing the road with trucks and motorcycles.”  Last week, Share the Road professional truck drivers spoke with the Williamsport, Pa. chapter of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association about how motorcyclists can stay out of truck blind spots. GWRRA meetings held in Dalton, Ga. and an upcoming meeting in Billings, Mont. aim to bring attention to the need for cooperation and dialogue between professional truck drivers and motorcyclists.  “Like motorcyclists, truck drivers find a certain level of comfort and enjoyment while out on the highway,” said professional truck driver John McKown (UPS Freight). “With that said, we need to take every safety precaution possible and teach each other about our vehicles so that we can continue to take advantage of the nation’s roads.”  ATA’s Share the Road professional truck drivers compiled a list of truck safety tips for motorcyclists looking to stay safe this driving season.    Space is time, and time saves lives: At 65mph, trucks and motorcycles are traveling almost 100 feet per second. It takes a fully loaded tractor-trailer more than the length of a football field to come to a complete stop. Maintain a safe distance in front of trucks. Look for the driver in the mirror before beginning to pass. If the driver can’t see you, then he or she has no way of knowing you are there. When passing, never linger alongside a truck. Due to large blindspots on all sides of a truck, it becomes easy for a motorcycle to become invisible to a truck driver. When riding behind a truck, maintain at least a 4 second following distance. Stay far enough back to see the driver’s mirrors. This gives you enough time to maneuver around debris and react to emergencies. When riding as a group in a stagger pattern, it is safest to pass the truck in single file, staying to the far side of the lane. When possible, avoid passing on the right side. The right blindspot is the largest blindspot and runs the length of the truck, extending out three lanes. Pass on the left. Always wear a helmet. It is estimated that 1,699 motorcyclists’ lives were saved by a helmet in 2012.   The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that fatalities are 26 times more likely in motorcycle crashes than in car crashes. ATA and ATA’s Share the Road highway safety program are committed to improving safety between trucks and motorcycles.

New Safety Data Shows Some Yearly Gains and Continuation of Long-Term Trend

Arlington, Va. – Today, American Trucking Associations officials said they were pleased by the announcement today by the Department of Transportation that fatal truck crashes fell 3.7% in 2014, continuing the decade-long improvement in safety the industry has experienced.  “It is a tragedy whenever there is a fatality on our highways, but the trucking industry is pleased to see that it is a tragedy that fewer and fewer Americans are experiencing,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “While the one-year decline being reported by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is positive, the long-term trend is of paramount importance, and that trend is impressive. The number of crashes involving large trucks had fallen 39% since 2004 and, while there is much more to do, that is a figure our professional drivers, our safety directors, our technicians and our safety partners in federal and state law enforcement can be proud of.”  There were a number of important findings in today’s release of FMCSA’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts 2014, including: The injury crash rate for large trucks (0.29 per 100 million miles) continues to be roughly half the rate for passenger vehicles (0.58 per 100 million miles); The number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes fell 5% to 3,744 from 2013 to 2014, and is down 23.6% since 2004; The number of miles traveled by large trucks rose by 1.5% in 2014, which coupled with the decline in truck-involved crashes, dropped the truck-involved fatality rate to 1.40 per 100 million miles, a 2.9% decline from 2013 and a 40.1% decline since 2004. Speed, an issue where ATA has urged action at both the state and federal level for more than a decade, continues to be the number one driver-related factor in fatal crashes. “For 10 years, ATA has advocated for return to a national maximum speed limit of 65 miles per hour, and for mandatory use of electronic devices to limit the top speed of large trucks,” said ATA Executive Vice President of National Advocacy Dave Osiecki. “Today’s FMCSA report, coupled with recent research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety linking rising speed limits to increased highway fatalities, underscores the need for DOT to quickly advance a  rule limiting top truck speeds, and for states to re-think the setting of higher and higher speed limits.”  “Today’s announcement of a decline in truck related fatalities and crashes is significant,” said ATA Chairman Pat Thomas, senior vice president of state government affairs for UPS Inc. “It shows the continuation of the positive long-term trend, a trend made possible, in part, by our industry’s continued investment in safety tools and technologies.”

America’s Road Team Offers Tips during National Work Zone Awareness Week

Today, American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team are urging motorists to be acutely aware of work zones in order to be safe on the nation’s highways. As part of National Work Zone Awareness Week, America’s Road Team Captains, elite drivers with millions of accident-free miles, are providing safe driving tips to keep both motorists and workers safe during this spring’s construction season. “The men and women working to improve highways and build infrastructure are committed to getting each of us home safely, which is why as a professional truck driver, I think all drivers should pay close attention to safety when entering work zones,” said America’s Road Team Captain Paul Savill, of UPS Freight. “Slowing down and not being distracted are two life-saving habits that we are working to promote.” National Work Zone Awareness Week, now in its 17th year, happens every April to encourage safe driving during the springtime resurgence of construction projects along roadways. This year's theme, "Don't Be That Driver" emphasizes the message that all drivers should be constantly focused and prepared for challenging conditions in and around work zones.  America's Road Team Captains, professional truck drivers selected for their impressive driving records and commitment to safety, are sharing their wealth of experience from the road:  Work Zone Safety Tips for Motorists Expect the Unexpected – Speed limits may be reduced, traffic lanes may be changed, and people may be working on or near the road. Be Patient and Considerate – Work zone crew members are working to improve the road and make your future drive better and safer. Slow Down – Speeding is one of the major causes of work zone crashes. Don't Tailgate – Keep a safe following distance between you and the car ahead. Pay Attention to Posted Signs – Warning signs are there to help guide you, use them. Stay Alert and Avoid Distracted Driving – Work zones present uncommon obstacles. Motorists need to pay attention to the road and their surroundings. Plan Your Trip – Schedule your trip with plenty of extra time. Expect delays and leave early so you are not anxious while driving. Be Aware of Blind Spots – Trucks have large blind spots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck.  “We’re all trying to be as safe as possible out on the roads, so we owe it to the construction workers to take further precautions when we’re traveling through their work zones,” said America’s Road Team Captain and professional driver with Walmart Transportation Charlie Demchock. “With better roads, future trips become even safer and I appreciate the work those men and women do to make my job as a professional truck driver easier.”

The 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 step-children 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 Monday, May 23, 2016. 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.

Click here  for a copy of the 2-page Scholarship Application or call 732-254-5000 for a copy.

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 at 

732-254-5000 or by email jblazovic@njmta.org.   

 

PLEASE POST FOR ALL EMPLOYEES

Arlington, VA - The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), the trucking industry's not-for-profit research organization, today launched a new research initiative to collect real-world information on the daily situations and challenges that truck drivers face in locating appropriate and safe parking.  ATRI is recruiting drivers who will keep a 14-day diary of their truck parking issues. The diaries ask drivers to record daily stops that relate to fuel and food stops, their 30-minute rest break and the mandated 10-hour break.  Drivers will record the time and location of their stops, how long it took them to find available parking and other information about the location, amenities and why it was selected.  Drivers will also log the amount of time they lost in their duty day if they parked before running out of hours simply to secure available parking.  The data collected in ATRI's driver diaries will also build on existing knowledge of truck parking shortages by providing qualitative information on driver parking behavior as well as how parking uncertainty impacts the industry's productivity. "ATRI's truck parking diaries represent a first-of-its-kind opportunity for drivers to document their truck parking issues.  We all talk about how tough it is to find truck parking; ATRI is giving us the chance to document the issues on a national scale so that solutions can be identified and acted on," said professional driver David Green of Werner Enterprises and one of the America's Road Team Captains.  "I am excited about completing my diary and I encourage my fellow drivers to also participate." Drivers who are interested in participating should visit the ATRI website to complete a brief prequalifying survey, or visit ATRI's booth #40577 at the Mid-America Trucking Show.  Selected drivers will be contacted by email to obtain the diary.  The first 100 participants to return their completed Truck Parking Diary will receive a $50 VISA gift card.  Commercial drivers with questions about participating are encouraged to contact ATRI by email at ATRI@trucking.org.  ATRI rigorously protects the confidentiality of all participants and responses in its research.  Any identifiable characteristics will be removed and findings will only be reported in the aggregate.