News

We are now at a juncture in the Port of New York and New Jersey that is changing the game more dramatically than the introduction of the Malcom McLean’s Ideal X. These terminals with their current footprints were state-of-the-art when built, but as the industry evolved, we now are past that stage.

 To blame the trucking community for the lines at the terminals is beyond the absurd. The volume that any other port in the world would do cartwheels to have and not service it, properly borders on sacrilege -- no, it is sacrilege.

 The trucking community has been part of a collaborative effort by all the players to make the port as successful as it has been. To issue a summons, to punish a truckman, who is probably an owner-operator, for trying to do their job and get a heads-up to deliver the cargo to the customer’s door, so that the consumers can enjoy what they have taken for granted as a staple is beyond stupid, and will only foster dysfunction in what to date has been a tested collaborative effort.

We have the terminals experiencing in some cases a 100 percent increase in volume and still maintaining the same 60-hour weekly gates. The funnel of the volume of cargo, or gate activity, cannot accommodate the customer demand.

The terminals in many cases operate very close to 168 hours per week in vessel unloading and loading activity. Yet with the increase in volume, they will not increase the gate hours.

We are operating in the most densely populated region and most congested state in the country, and we open the terminals in this highly congested area when traffic is at its peak. What is wrong with this picture? Would it not be more prudent, to amplify the normal daytime hours with another sequence, from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. with the proper overlaps, and take advantage of our assets (our infrastructure) at their least congested times?

Most cargo, as much as 90 percent, is drop-and-pick and surely can be accommodated with these access times. As far as support for these times from truckers is concerned, nothing can exemplify that more perfectly than the most recent queue of between 300 and 400 trucks at midnight. The usual number of trucks per mile depending on configuration is about 120, so with the six mile lines you are at 700-plus trucks.

There is an expression, “Build It and They Will Come." For the truckers "Open It Up and They Will Come."

The other benefits of these suggestions and proper collaboration will very obviously help all the clean-air issues that are a constant issue by dissipating the intensity of the traffic.

Another benefit would be to attract more cargo, more ancillary activity, and more excellent-paying jobs to this port. We cannot stand still. This must be solved logically, not with truckmen and women being punished for trying to do their job, and make this what the Port of New York and New Jersey can and should be.

Tom Adamski, New Jersey Motor Truck Association – NJ Intermodal Motor Carrier Conference

By:Joseph Bonney, Posted from JOC

A U.S. Federal Maritime Commission report on port congestion impact on demurrage and detention fees stopped short of recommending agency action and invited the industry to provide evidence of allegedly unreasonable practices.

“I am hopeful that the report becomes a discussion paper among industry stakeholders and helps stimulate solutions to problems that have arisen as a result of severe port congestion experienced in the last year,” said FMC Chairman Mario Cordero.

The 64-page report, available at fmc.gov, described demurrage, which is charged for storage of containers on terminal space beyond allowable free time, and detention fees levied by carriers for late return of containers.

The report listed actions that affected parties can take to mitigate problems, and discussed actions the commission has the authority to take.

The commission said it “has made no determinations with respect to the application of demurrage and detention, or about the courses of action that it may take. The commission has a variety of actions that could be used to address issues provided there is a sufficient factual basis to support the action.”

The FMC report followed four regional forums the commission hosted last year, and continuing complaints by shippers and truckers who say they’ve been hit with fees for unavoidable late pickup or delivery of containers at congested ports.

Commissioners voted during a closed session to release the report. The vote was said to be 3-2, with Cordero, Richard Lidinsky and William Doyle voting in favor and Rebecca Dye and Michael Khoury opposed. The commission voted to release the transcript of the meeting related to the staff report when it becomes available.

Doyle said the report is the first in a series of planned commission reports entitled “Rules, Rates, and Practices Relating to Detention, Demurrage,and Free Time for Containerized Imports and Exports Moving Through Selected United States Ports.”

Cordero and other commissioners have identified port congestion issues as a top concern under the commission’s Shipping Act mandate to provide a fair, efficient and economic ocean transportation system.

The FMC chairman invited the industry to provide the commission with information on any allegedly unreasonable practices.

“Though the commission has received anecdotal evidence, the industry is encouraged to submit substantive documentation and information of unreasonable practices regarding the application of demurrage and detention,” Cordero said. “The documentation could include information related to those who pay the charges or those who impose the charges.

“In addition, industry stakeholders are reminded that they may file complaints for adjudication at the commission that involve alleged violations of the Shipping Act,” Cordero said.

Doyle urged industry stakeholders to read the report, and to share their comments. “All stakeholders in the supply chain should read the report and actively engage with each other in the industry,” he said in a statement.

Most of the FMC report is devoted to a factual explanation of demurrage, detention and free time. An appendix to the report compares demurrage and detention charges among ports and carriers. Fees generally were highest in the Port of New York and New Jersey, the report noted.

The report details possible ways vessel operators, terminal operators and port authorities to minimize congestion and resulting demurrage and detention fees.

It also outlines actions that cargo owners and truckers may take, such as requesting informal mediation and administrative or court action.

The report also identifies possible actions the commission can take to gather information and examine and address concerns related to free time, detention and demurrage practices. Those include fact-finding investigations, some of which could lead to adjudicatory proceedings against vessel operators or terminals.

Other possible commission actions could include demands for reports by vessel operators under Section 15 of the shipping act, action on petitions for relief from allegedly unfair practices, creation of an industry advisory committee,asking for  recommendations from the commission ombudsman, and proposed rulemaking to address practices that the commission has determined violate the shipping act.

Call to Eliminate Distractions Comes During National Distracted Driving Month

Arlington, Va. – Today, as part of National Distracted Driving Month, American Trucking Associations is urging motorists to put their cell phones away and focus on safe driving while behind the wheel of a moving vehicle.  “Each year, thousands of people are killed in crashes related to distractions,” said ATA President and CEO Bill Graves. “We urge motorists to put down their phones and keep their eyes and minds on the road.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 3,100 people were killed and another 424,000 were injured in distraction-related crashes in 2013, while an improvement over the previous year, ATA still believes more needs to be done. Some of the country’s most professional and safe drivers, the America’s Road Team, have some important information on the dangers of distraction, which can include electronic distractions, like navigation systems and cell phones, or more conventional distractions, like interacting with passengers and eating.   Did you know? Writing or reading a text message takes your eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. At 55 MPH, that’s like driving the length of a football field – blindfolded. If you text while you’re behind the wheel, you’re 20 times more likely to be involved in a crash than a non-distracted driver. Talking on a cell phone reduces the amount of brain activity devoted to driving by 37%. 45 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers. 14 states and the District of Columbia prohibit hand-held cell phone use by all drivers. Young people are especially at risk: In 2011, 11% of all drivers under the age of 20 involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crash. This age group has the largest proportion of drivers who were distracted.  Safety Tips: Stay Focused – Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road at all times.  One small distraction can cause an accident. Put Electronics Away – Put your cell phone away, as well as all electronics, while behind the wheel.  Nothing is more important than getting to your destination safely. Plan Your Trip – Plan your route ahead of time so you aren’t distracted looking at a map or navigation system.  Pay attention to highway signs and traffic. Be Aware of Blindspots – Trucks have large blindspots in front, back and either side. Try to avoid lingering in this space and do not cut in front of a truck. Be a Good Passenger - Speak up if the driver in your car is distracted. “Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility,” said America's Road Team Captain Henry Bruster with UPS Freight, Woodville, Miss. “If we all devote more attention to the task of driving and less to our phones, it goes a long way to making sure everyone finishes their trip safely.” 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.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook.Trucking Moves America Forward

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today (3-26-15) kicked off National Work Zone Awareness Week as construction season in most northern states approaches. Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau joined state and federal officials at the Washington Boulevard Bridge over Columbia Pike in Arlington, Va., to urge drivers to stay alert when driving near highway workers. They were joined by workers and families affected by work zone crashes.

This year’s theme, “Expect the Unexpected,” emphasizes the need for drivers to constantly be prepared for changes such as reduced speed limits; narrowed, shifted or closed lanes; and people who may be working on or near the road.  In 2013, the most recent year for which data are available, there were 579 fatalities in work zones, a small decrease from 617 fatalities the previous year.

“As the temperatures climb, thousands of highway workers nationwide are heading back to work to improve America’s roads,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “To keep them safe, we owe them our full attention when driving through work zones, so please avoid distractions like cellphones and obey posted speed limits.”

National Work Zone Awareness Week, sponsored by federal, state and local transportation officials at the beginning of construction season each spring, raises awareness of safety measures taken on roads all over the country. Typically, work zone crashes occur when drivers fail to obey posted speed limits, fail to adapt to changing road conditions, or use cellphones while driving.

FHWA works with state and local transportation officials to promote improvements in work zone planning and design, increased law enforcement near work zones, enhanced worker training and heightened awareness among drivers. Since 2005, FHWA has awarded nearly $33 million in grants to promote work zone safety training and the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.

In 2013, speed was a factor in 23 percent of fatal work zone crashes. Two out of three victims in work zone crashes in 2013 were drivers and passengers of vehicles.

During the ceremony, Nadeau paid tribute to the 132 Virginia Department of Transportation employees who died in highway work zones since 1928.

“When driving through work zones, be respectful of highway workers and their workplace by slowing down,” said Deputy Administrator Nadeau. “Following the rules of the roadway makes it easier to expect the unexpected.”

Like the FHWA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) works with other USDOT agencies to reduce work zone crashes through grants to states and research on driver behavior. FMCSA has made work zone safety a national priority in its commercial vehicle safety plans, and partners with the International Association of Chiefs of Police in its “Drive to Save Lives” campaign to encourage all law enforcement to stop trucks and buses when they are seen operating unsafely.

“In 2013, large trucks and buses were involved in 186 work zone crashes that resulted in fatalities,” said FMCSA Chief Counsel Scott Darling. “Tragedies like these can be avoided by paying attention, slowing down, carefully obeying signs and the direction of flagmen, maintaining a safe distance between vehicles, avoiding distractions and always keeping safety the number one priority.”

For more information on this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week, visithttp://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/outreach/wz_awareness.htm, follow @USDOTFHWA on Twitter, or search trending topics #NWZAW and #safeworkzones.

Toms River, NJ – March 23, 2015 – Before you hire a mover do some research to avoid problems. All Moving companies are required to be licensed, but regulations vary; for moving within NJ (intrastate), movers must be licensed with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs. For moving out of NJ, they must have a 'DOT' and ‘MC’ number, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.  Check the 'Consumer Resources/ Links section at www.njmovers.com for the correct government website to verify license information, regulations, and important brochures.

Get three estimates:  Don't rely on prices quoted on the Internet or phone because they are subject to change on moving day! Check references for movers with family & friends, check the BBB* (www.bbb.org) for the number of complaints (not just the letter grade). If the mover is  licensed, then call for an appointment. Don’t accept a mover that doesn’t come to your home; low prices quoted over the phone or on the Internet can be changed on moving day. Have a written list of items to be moved and show each estimator all items to be moved and not to be moved. Show them all items that you expect the mover to pack and what you will pack; request a separate price to pack items that you may be unable to pack like large pictures, mirrors lamps, TV's or electronic items. Remember, if the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Be aware of what can change the price on moving day:  A mover is allowed to change the price if ANY circumstances change that was not included in the written document, but he must give you the new price BEFORE they start: Realize you may be accepting increased cost when you sign documents. Additional charges can be expected for services such as: (a) You did not request packing of boxes or did not get all your packing completed as shown to the estimator. (b) Your destination has flights of stairs or elevator, and not written on the estimate (c) Access to your new residence is more that 75 feet from the mover's truck to your front door or, if a large truck can’t get within a reasonable distance, a smaller shuttle truck may be required. (d) You have added or changed the items to be moved, changed dates or destination. (e) Delays beyond the mover’s control; such as weather, waiting time, rearranging furniture or restacking in a storage space, basement, attic or garage. (f) Storage, handling and redelivery costs.

What coverage is included for damages? Movers are legally responsible for damages up to $.60 per pound per article; for example, if a large screen TV weighs 100 pounds, it is covered for $60.00. You should consider purchasing insurance or increased valuation through the mover or your homeowner’s policy or other insurer before the move begins. Movers do not assume any responsibility for: (a) Money, jewelry or collections. (b) Mechanical or electronic items or loss of data. (c) Items previously broken or repaired. (d) Loss or damage to items packed in cartons by you and loss or damaged items not documented on delivery. Items that are packed and unpacked by the mover are only covered up to $.60 per lb unless you purchase additional coverage.

Other important items: Do not pack or move items that may cause damage to your shipment, such as matches, flammables, propane, aerosols or liquids like bleach; this could void all insurance. Don’t sign a blank ‘change order’. Understand how payment is accepted by mover. Be sure to keep a copy of everything you sign until the move is finished. You are about to give everything you own to people that you do not know; its wise to do research first!          

The New Jersey Warehousemen and Movers Association (NJWMA) is a non-profit trade association that provides education and training for movers and assists consumers about regulations for moving or verifying licensed movers. All members of the NJWMA are licensed and agree to a Code of Ethics. Find more information, and verify licenses at www.njmovers.com         

* BBB Serving New Jersey is a non-profit organization whose mission is to help consumers find and recommend businesses and brands they can trust. BBB sets and upholds standards for ethical business behavior. Contact BBB at 609-588-0509

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, 2015. 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.

 Print scholarship application at

http://njmta.wildapricot.org/resources/Documents/2015_Scholarship_Application.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  

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is extending the submission deadline for the 2015 “Be Ready. Be Buckled” student art contest until March 16, 2015. The contest is being held to educate kids about highway safety and urges commercial drivers to buckle up on every trip.

The contest was organized by the Commercial Motor Vehicle safety Belt Partnership and is open to students in kindergarten through sixth grade with relatives or sponsors in the commercial truck and bus industries.

Artwork is evaluated in two categories by age groups: kindergarten through second grade and third through sixth grade. Twelve winners will be selected and their artwork will appear in the 2016 “Be Ready. Be Buckled” contest calendar.

In addition to having their artwork included in the calendar, all 12 students will also be honored at a ceremony at U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in the spring.

To find out more about the “Be Ready. Be Buckled” contest, click here.  

Five Republicans in the U.S. House have introduced a bill that would require shippers, brokers, freight forwarders and others to vet carriers prior to hiring them. The bill also aims to remove the public assumption that carrier rankings in the DOT’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability program should be used as a tool to hire carriers.

The bill would require those hiring carriers to: (1) check their registration status with the DOT, (2) ensure they hold the proper amount of liability insurance and (3) ensure they have not been given “unsatisfactory” safety ratings.

A similar bill was introduced last year, but did not make it out of committee.

H.R. 1220 was introduced Feb. 26 by Reps. John Duncan (R-Tenn.), Rodney Davis (R-Ill.), Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Erik Paulsen (R-Minn.), and they’ve billed it as one that would “enhance interstate commerce by creating a national hiring standard for motor carriers.”

Part of the enhancements to safety, the lawmakers say, will be removing the “confusing and conflicting vagaries” of CSA’s BASIC rankings — a move pushed in this bill by the broker trade group Transportation Intermediaries Association.

“TIA will continue to advocate that the CSA initiative is a valuable internal tool for the Agency, but until the Safety Fitness Determination rulemaking is complete, the BASIC data should not be used as a tool for carrier selection,” according to the lawmakers’ announcement of the bill.

Major trucking groups like the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association have made a call in recent months to take it a step further than TIA’s bill. They have asked FMCSA and lawmakers to remove the CSA rankings from public view so they could not be used as against carriers, either hiring or otherwise.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance — the group representing the enforcement community — has also asked FMCSA to remove the scores from public view until the agency can shore up concerns from industry stakeholders regarding its data quality and its methodology.

Article From: http://www.ccjdigital.com/house-introduces-bill-to-remove-csa-scores-from-public-view-require-shippers-to-vet-carriers/?utm_source=daily&utm_medium=email&utm_content=03-02-2015&utm_campaign=CCJ&ust_id=cfd8eb5830&

- See more at: http://www.landlinemag.com/Story.aspx?StoryID=28572#.VPSitPnF9PJ

Arlington, Va.  – The American Trucking Associations is asking the estimated 46.3 million motorists that are expected to take to the highways this Thanksgiving to drive safely and follow several simple tips in order to keep this a safe and joyous holiday season.

“The only turkeys we want to see are on the table, not on the highway,” said Share the Road Professional Driver, Byron Bramwell with YRC Freight. “The roads will be especially busy with people visiting family for Thanksgiving or starting their holiday shopping. Leave yourself a little extra time and space, slow down and be attentive while you’re driving.”

Among the tips Bramwell and his fellow Share the Road professionals offer to motorists are:

•  Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
• Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to Holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space cushion and reduce your speed.
• 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.
• Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front so you can avoid snow and ice blowing onto your windshield or maneuver around patches of ice.
• Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• 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.
• Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
• Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
• Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing - especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather related obstacles.
• Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
• Avoid extreme weather conditions: Ice, hail and snow make roads difficult to travel. Try to avoid driving through extreme weather conditions, and travel during daylight.
• Remove ice and snow from your vehicle: Clear your windows and roof of snow to insure you have maximum visibility and avoid creating a hazard for the vehicle behind you. Don't allow ice and snow to create additional blind spots on your vehicle.

"It seems so simple, but buckling up, planning ahead and leaving yourself a little extra time can make all the difference,” said Share the Road Professional Driver Thomas Miller with Prime Inc. “Winter weather can also make travel treacherous, so if it looks like the roads will get bad, stay home and wait to travel.

“This is a season where many professional drivers, including the ones that delivered an estimated 46 million turkeys for Thanksgiving, are away from home, so in addition to sharing the road safely, make sure you give them a little extra thought and thanks as you travel this year,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said.

The Share the Road Professional Drivers would like to remind the motoring public that from driveway to highway, safety requires patience and dedication.

*Editors: Share the Road Professional Drivers in your area are available to speak about Thanksgiving and Winter safe driving tips during the holiday weekend.

Share the Road is a highway safety outreach program of the American Trucking Associations that educates all drivers about sharing the roads safely with large trucks. An elite team of professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles deliver life-saving messages to millions of motorists annually. The safety program is sponsored by Mack Trucks Inc. and Michelin North America Inc. www.atastr.org. Follow the Share the Road on Twitter and Facebook.