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The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey today announced the beginning of major construction work on the $220 million Port Street Corridor Improvement project to redesign and rebuild Port Newark’s northern entrance at Port and Corbin streets. The interchange serves as a crucial link to the New Jersey Turnpike and Interstate 78 and provides access to one of the Port Authority’s marine facilities that make up the largest and busiest cargo gateway on the East Coast. The redesign will feature a more efficient roadway configuration with a wider turning radius, allowing for safer trucking operations to and from the Port Newark complex. The improvements will additionally offer truck drivers significant time savings while they navigate the complex, enhancing efficiency and reliability across the supply chain as well as significantly reducing carbon emissions each year.

The project received a $44 million grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) program in July 2021. The project is expected to generate 260 additional direct jobs during construction with a priority placed on working with local, minority, and women contractors. Additionally, the work is anticipated to generate $25 million in direct wages and $171 million in regional economic activity. Work is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

“The start of construction on the Port Street Corridor Improvement project marks yet another milestone toward the ongoing enhancement of efficiency and safety at this critical transportation and logistics hub,” said New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy. “These improvements will further boost the performance and productivity of Port Newark, which remains integral to economic vitality and opportunity not just across the region, but in adjacent communities. Indeed, the project will entail extensive local engagement and hiring, including among women and minority residents in Newark and Elizabeth, two of our state’s most populous cities.”

“Over the past few years, we’ve seen firsthand the importance of keeping every link in our supply chain robust and ready,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This project does exactly that, modernizing access points at this critical gateway so we can make sure everything from food and clothes to cars and electronics is arriving on time for the millions of consumers in the region, while also injecting money into the local economy by prioritizing the hiring of local contractors and workers.”

“This project will mean a safer, faster trip for trucks and other vehicles serving our seaport that require access to the port complex every day,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “That will have ripple effects across the regional and national supply chain, helping the Port of New York and New Jersey stay ahead of the curve as cargo volumes continue to grow in the years ahead.”

“I am proud to have secured the $44 million in federal funding for this project that will improve the functionality and capacity of the Port Street corridor in Newark – further facilitating the transit of goods, creating job opportunities, and increasing our country’s competitiveness,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez of New Jersey. “The Port Street Corridor Improvement project will modernize the ramps and roads of the largest port on the East Coast, ensuring safe and efficient travel for the hundreds and thousands of vehicles that use the port each day. This project will not only alleviate traffic and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it will also improve air quality for surrounding communities and enhance the efficiency of the port’s operations.”

“As the busiest port complex on the East Coast, Port Newark drives economic growth in our region, moving goods and creating thousands of good-paying jobs,” said U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey. “I’m proud to have secured this grant, working with Port Authority leaders, so we can fund significant roadway upgrades to make transportation safer and more efficient for the trucks and vehicles visiting the port.”

“The Biden Administration’s investment in Port Newark will strengthen the busiest container port on the East Coast,” said U.S. Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “This investment will make the port’s roadway network safer, more efficient, improve air quality and congestion, and reduce over 700,000 hours of travel time for truckers in its first year.”

“This project is an excellent representation of what can be achieved when ports have the vision and the opportunity to build capacity to meet our nation’s freight transportation needs — in that this project will address aging infrastructure, provide environmental benefits, and it will ultimately enhance the connection of both large and small American communities to the global economy!” said Admiral Ann Phillips, Maritime Administration (MARAD) administrator.

“The New Jersey Department of Transportation has invested hundreds of millions of dollars into projects in Hudson and Essex counties to ensure the roads and bridges connecting the port, Newark Liberty International Airport, intermodal rail yards and interstate highways can handle the increased freight volume,” said New Jersey Department of Transportation Commissioner Diane Gutierrez-Scaccetti. “The Port Authority’s Port Street project will provide a seamless movement of freight into and out of New Jersey’s port complexes, improving air quality and reducing transportation times, leading to economic benefits across the region.”

The Port Street Corridor Improvement project aligns with the Port Authority’s goals to maintain and update the seaport complex and remain on track for the cargo demand anticipated in the Port Master Plan 2050. The comprehensive roadmap of capital improvements is guiding growth and development at the seaport complex as it prepares to handle a forecasted doubling or tripling of cargo volume by 2050.

The project is focused on the northern entrance to Port Newark and the adjacent Elizabeth Marine Terminal. The entryway connects the complex to Interstate 78, the New Jersey Turnpike, and a roadway section for both U.S. routes 1 and 9. The ramp from Port Street to Corbin Street serves approximately 3,600 vehicles during a typical peak hour, 40 percent of which is truck traffic.

The interchange’s current configuration includes a series of hairpin turns with reduced sightlines, which are often challenging for truck drivers to navigate safely. More than 700 crashes were reported on the roadway between 2005 and 2022. The improvements to lane capacity, turning radius, and other safety features are expected to reduce crashes by 37 percent.

The enhancements will save 700,000 hours of travel time for vehicles accessing the complex in the first full year following project completion. The estimated savings of vehicle travel times will also improve air quality around the complex. The changes are expected to reduce average annual fuel consumption by approximately 70,000 gallons and result in the avoidance of approximately 750 tons of carbon emissions per year.

 

Among the upgrades planned as part of the project:

·       Reconstruction of the ramp from Port Street to Corbin Street, featuring a wider turning radius and the restoration of a second travel lane

·       Relocation and widening of Kellogg and Marlin streets to allow for two inbound lanes from Port Street and one outbound lane from Corbin Street with dedicated left turn lanes

·       Reconstruction of Outer Port Street with a wider turning radius to Port Street

·       Installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of Port and Marlin streets, and improvement of existing traffic signals at the intersections of Corbin and Kellogg streets, and of Port Street and Doremus Avenue

·       Raising the main interchange area to a higher elevation to alleviate flooding

·       Construction of a new storm drainage system connecting the improved roadways to a new storm water discharge point in the Port Newark Channel

·       Realignment of the grade-level railroad tracks to a safer, more visible pathway as they intersect with the street

·       Construction/addition of street lighting along Kellogg and Marlin streets

 

The port will remain fully operational through every stage of construction. Beginning in summer 2024, trucks wishing to access Corbin Street from eastbound Port Street will be routed to a detour via Marlin and Kellogg streets. Once the detour is in place, work will begin to demolish and rebuild the Corbin Street ramp.

The Port Authority worked with its federal and community partners to establish ambitious benchmarks for local involvement in the project. Contract language stipulates goals for participation from firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals and certified as disadvantaged business enterprises through the agency. The contract also contains targets for the hiring of women, minorities, residents of Newark and Elizabeth, and apprentices enrolled in federally registered apprenticeship programs. Planning for the project involved extensive outreach with port stakeholders and tenants, as well as federal, state, and local partners.

Separate from the Port Newark roadway improvements, the Port Authority’s efforts to improve access to and from the complex also include planned upgrades to its on-dock ExpressRail system. The Southbound Connector project will add a second egress point, boosting operational flexibility by allowing trains leaving the complex to turn left and head south. Currently, trains can only exit the facility’s ExpressRail Elizabeth terminal to the north. This enhancement is expected to streamline train movements and reduce congestion during peak hours. ExpressRail connects every major container terminal in the marine complex with two Class I freight railroads, Norfolk Southern and CSX. The extensive rail network allows goods to reach the Midwest, New England, and eastern Canada quickly and efficiently. The Southbound Connector project has received $6.85 million in grant funding from the New Jersey Department of Transportation for planning and construction and is also funded in part by Maher Terminals and APM Terminals, which together operate the facility through their Millennium Marine Rail joint venture. Completion of the project is expected in 2027.

The railroad and roadway improvements will benefit the agency’s many partners who use the 930-acre complex of container, bulk and auto terminals, warehouses, and wharves. The Port of New York and New Jersey is the busiest seaport on the East Coast and among the top three busiest in the country, handling cargo totaling more than $275 billion in value in 2022. Port operations supported more than 563,000 industry jobs in the New York-New Jersey-Pennsylvania region, according to a study of 2022 maritime economic activity by the Shipping Association of New York and New Jersey.

More information on the Port Street Corridor Improvement project’s scope, outreach, and progress is available on the project website.

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released a new report that examines the causes and countermeasures of predatory heavy-duty towing, with the goal of improving the relationship between the towing and trucking industries. 

The most common types of predatory towing were excessive rates, experienced by 82.7 percent of motor carriers, and unwarranted extra service charges, experienced by 81.8 percent of carriers. A majority of carriers encountered additional issues such as truck release or access delays, cargo release delays, truck seizure without cause, and tows misreported as consensual.

A comprehensive analysis of crash-related towing records found that 29.8 percent of invoices include excessive rates or unwarranted additional charges. The leading causes contributing to this total were miscellaneous service charges (found in 8% of invoices), administrative fees (found in 6.5% of invoices), and equipment rates (found in 6.3% of invoices).

The patchwork of municipal, county, and state regulations that currently govern towing are often insufficient to prevent predatory activities. The report includes an online compendium of state towing regulations and describes key areas to improve the coverage and application of regulations to close existing loopholes.

Additional analyses and interviews with legal experts outline strategies that motor carriers can use to avoid, identify, or address predatory towing, such as how to review invoices for predatory billing and how to gather data to dispute towing companies’ incident accounts when necessary.

“Predatory towing is a costly issue for motor carriers as well as compliant towing companies, and it has been overlooked for too long,” said Shawn R. Brown, Cargo Transporters Vice President of Safety. “With reliable data analysis and a thorough regulatory review, ATRI’s report sheds light on the sources of the problem and paths forward for addressing it by both regulators and trucking fleets.”

A copy of this report is available on ATRI’s website here.

Washington – Following Connecticut's withdrawal of a plan to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles by 2035, American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear released the following statement today recognizing the growing number of states that are rejecting California's unworkable electric-vehicle mandates: 

“The tide is turning as state officials across the country wake up to the reality that California's electric-truck mandates are bad policy that carry serious political consequences. Technically unachievable standards and unrealistic timelines that set the trucking industry and consumers up for failure are not how we achieve our shared goal of further reducing emissions. 
 
“As Connecticut, North Carolina, and Maine have realized, blindly following California’s sure-to-fail approach is not the only option. Ensuring the necessary infrastructure is in place and allowing for a range of technological solutions to prevail, rather than one-size-fits-all mandates, is how we succeed together on the road to zero emissions.

"We'll continue to work with EPA on a uniform, national standard that accounts for the operational realities of the trucking industry and provides a realistic path forward for the nation."  

Click here for the grace period memorandum issued by IFTA.

TRENTON – Governor Phil Murphy and Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette today announced the filing of the Advanced Clean Cars II rule for adoption on December 18, setting the state on the road toward better air quality and cleaner choices for new car buyers while combatting the worsening climate crisis. New Jersey joins a growing number of states that are requiring vehicle manufacturers to make zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) an increasing percentage of their new light-duty vehicle sales beginning in model year 2027, ramping up to 100% ZEVs by 2035.

The rule does not impose obligations on consumers or car dealers and provides compliance flexibilities for manufacturers. It requires manufacturers of passenger cars and light-duty trucks to meet an annual ZEV requirement intended to increase the percentage of electric vehicles sold in New Jersey. The rule also ensures that traditional gasoline- and diesel-fueled vehicles are manufactured to meet more stringent exhaust emission standards, which will positively impact air quality in New Jersey communities, especially those near high-traffic corridors. The rule will take effect starting in model year 2027, providing time for auto industry transition and continued development of charging infrastructure and a more robust and cleaner electrical grid in New Jersey. It does not ban gasoline cars, nor does it force consumers to buy EVs. Rather, the rule will provide certainty to vehicle manufacturers, suppliers, utilities, and charging infrastructure companies to make the long-term investments that will be crucial to large-scale deployment of light-duty ZEVs and consumer choice.

“By filing the landmark Advanced Clean Cars II rule, New Jersey builds upon its standing as a national leader in climate action and its participation in the global Accelerating to Zero commitment,” said Governor Murphy. “The steps we take today to lower emissions will improve air quality and mitigate climate impacts for generations to come, all while increasing access to cleaner car choices. Indeed, together with my Administration’s continuing investments in voluntary electric vehicle incentives, charging infrastructure, and the green economy, these new standards will preserve consumer choice and promote affordability for hardworking New Jerseyans across the state.”

“Cleaner cars and trucks mean cleaner air for our children and families, because the tailpipes of our own vehicles are a leading cause of poor local air quality,” said Commissioner LaTourette. “As New Jersey transitions to a zero-emission vehicle future, we will improve our quality of life and public health. At the same time, we will reduce climate pollutants from the transportation sector, the greatest source of planet-warming pollution in New Jersey and the nation.”

The rule will be published in the Dec. 18 edition of the New Jersey Register. A courtesy, pre-publication copy of the rule will be posted in early December to the DEP Rules and Regulations webpage.

“Today’s action by Governor Murphy and the New Jersey DEP is a major step in our fight against the worsening climate crisis,” said U.S. Representative Frank Pallone, Jr. “This rule will reduce climate pollution while also saving New Jerseyans money at the pump and spurring investments in building clean cars right here at home. Paired with the investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New Jersey’s action will accelerate the process of transforming our transportation sector for the benefit of public health and the environment.”

“As Newark continuously moves toward a healthier and more economically successful community, we welcome the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule, knowing it will reduce emissions that degrade our environment and cause respiratory problems like asthma,” said Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. “As the largest automobile transportation hub and energy generation center in the state, Newark has much to gain through this rule, through greater investment into ZEVs, more jobs for city residents, and more availability of these vehicles for motorists. I congratulate Governor Murphy and thank the EPA for this planet-friendly initiative that benefits people right here in our community and beyond.”

“New Jersey is taking bold action right here at home under the leadership of our governor Phil Murphy,” said Mayor Hector C. Lora, City of Passaic. “By adopting the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule and implementing zero-emission vehicle standards, our state is leading the way in improving air quality, combating the climate crisis, and promoting clean vehicle choices. This initiative not only benefits the health and well-being of our residents in NJ but also sets a strong example for other states to follow. For urban municipalities like mine and so many other underserved and vulnerable communities around our State it really does mean the world to know that when it comes to our planet our leaders are looking out not just for our today but for everyone’s tomorrow as well. Together, we can create a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”

“As Mayor of the City of Plainfield, I wholeheartedly commend Governor Murphy and the Department of Environmental Protection for their forward-thinking and crucial adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II Rule,” said Plainfield Mayor Adrian O. Mapp. “This landmark decision marks a significant step in our collective journey toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. In Plainfield, we are not only supporters of this vision but active participants in this environmental revolution. Our recent acquisition of 21 hybrid vehicles to replace our municipal fleet is a testament to our commitment to improving air quality, fighting climate change, and embracing clean vehicle choices. By aligning our local efforts with the State's ambitious goals, Plainfield is decisively moving towards a future where environmental sustainability and public health are paramount. Together, we are setting an example for other communities to follow, ensuring a healthier, cleaner New Jersey for generations to come."

“I am very pleased to see the continued efforts by Governor Murphy to promote clean energy technologies and to reduce vehicle exhaust emissions in New Jersey in a reasonable and thought out manner,” said Princeton Mayor Mark Freda. “Being such a densely populated state, reducing these emissions improves our environment, helps us address climate change and helps to improve everyone's health.”

“Clean cars will help improve air quality in our urban centers that make up the most densely populated state,” said Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora. “I applaud Governor Murphy’s efforts to move us in forward gear for this effort.”

“The adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II program in New Jersey is a historic and monumental step in our transition toward a cleaner transportation sector, and carbon and co-pollutant emission reductions. ACC II will provide increased consumer choice to make EV’s more accessible to New Jersey residents. This is a huge win not only for the environment, but for public health and the communities who suffer every day from the pollution from congested roadways,” said Anjuli Ramos-Busot, Director of the New Jersey Sierra Club. “We thank the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Governor Murphy for prioritizing New Jersey’s public health. We look forward to seeing a lot more zero-emission vehicles on our roads in the very near future.”

“The electric vehicle revolution is upon us, and the benefits are far-reaching — even for those who never plan to get behind the wheel of an EV. By adopting Advanced Clean Cars II standards, New Jersey is making a commitment to cleaner air, improved public health, and climate change mitigation," said Kathy Harris, Senior Clean Vehicles and Fuels Advocate, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "Thanks to these standards, New Jersey will have avoided at least 175 premature deaths and at least 170 hospital visits from polluted air by 2050. The program will also bring cost-savings to New Jersey vehicle owners of nearly $60 billion by 2050."

“This is a big moment for cleaner cars in New Jersey. Electric vehicles are reaching an inflection point and as we are likely experiencing the hottest year on record yet, this is the time to reduce climate pollution,” said Doug O’Malley, Director of Environment New Jersey. “New Jersey was one of the first states to adopt Clean Cars standards 20 years ago and today’s decision for New Jersey to join the bevy of other states to adopt the latest Clean Cars standards will put 40% of the nation’s auto market on an accelerated EV adoption pathway. Gov. Murphy, the entire Murphy Administration and the NJDEP deserve tremendous credit for ensuring that New Jersey adopted the program this year, ensuring that more electric vehicles will be available for New Jersey drivers.”

“Today NJ takes its rightful place as a leading state in the exciting electric vehicle transformation,” said Pam Frank, ChargEVC-NJ CEO. “All of us will benefit from cleaner air and by the purchase of home-grown electricity that pumps millions of dollars back into New Jersey’s economy.”

"Adopting the Advanced Clean Cars II rule will get more clean vehicles on the roads and deliver better air quality and cost savings for New Jersey businesses and consumers,” said Alli Gold Roberts, senior director, state policy, at Ceres. "New Jersey businesses, including members of Ceres' Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance, support ACC II because it will help them gain access to the volume and variety of EVs they need to meet their corporate sustainability and climate goals. By taking this step, Governor Murphy has solidified New Jersey's position as a global climate leader and a smart place to do business."

"As a network of companies committed to advancing market innovation and policy change for a more sustainable economy, we applaud the Murphy administration's decision to adopt ACCII standards," said Richard Lawton, Executive Director of the NJ Sustainable Business Council. "Consumers and companies are experiencing first-hand how EVs are cleaner, technologically superior, and less costly to operate and maintain than internal combustion engines. By accelerating the growth of the EV market, ACCII will spur continued investment and innovation in the transition to a clean energy transportation sector. Thanks to this decision, New Jersey can look forward to increased economic development, more good-paying jobs, and cleaner air."

“This policy shows that New Jersey will not back down from fossil fuel industry pressure and misinformation,” said Alex Ambrose, Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective. “Adopting the Advanced Clean Cars II initiative will lead to a cleaner, greener, and safer New Jersey. Transitioning away from gas-powered vehicles means everyone in the state will breathe easier, especially those who live in communities closest to congested roads and highways. Thanks to the Murphy Administration, the Garden State is once again a leader in advancing clean energy policies.”

“The transportation sector is the largest source of climate-harming pollution in New Jersey, generating roughly 40% of our emissions. We are pleased Governor Murphy is taking important steps to advance and adopt the Advanced Car II standards to improve air quality and public health as well as saving drivers money over dirty fossil fuels from the pump,” said Ed Potosnak, Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. “Not only do EVs cost less over their lifespan than a fossil-fuel powered car, they do not spew out toxic pollutants that affect the health of our communities. This is a critical moment for New Jersey to join the wave of states moving towards a clean transportation future, provide business with certainty, and to ensure New Jersey can access the full range of economic and public health benefits of the transition.”

Emissions from the transportation sector constitute the largest source of climate pollution in New Jersey at 37% of those emissions. By increasing ZEV sales and the stringency of the multi-pollutant exhaust emission standards, the state will also reduce emissions of localized air pollution from nitrogen oxides (NOx) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that will provide important public health benefits, especially in urbanized areas and overburdened communities. 

With the new rule, vehicle manufacturers must ensure that 43% of their annual production volume in 2027 is ZEVs. The percentage increases each year, peaking at 100 percent in 2035 and thereafter. 

The adoption of the Advanced Clean Car II rule is an evolution of rules adopted by the DEP in 2006 which incorporated, by reference, California’s ZEV requirement and emission control standards for all model year 2009 and subsequent passenger cars and light-duty trucks. 

Consumer demand for electric vehicles continues to rise. The number of EVs in New Jersey has grown to more than 123,000, representing 12 percent of new vehicle sales. Since just last December, sales have surged 50 percent. 

In 2007, New Jersey’s Legislature passed the Global Warming Response Act (GWRA), N.J.S.A. 26:2C-37 et seq., which recognized that climate change, primarily caused by emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases, poses a threat to the planet’s ecosystems and environment. 

In 2019, the Legislature amended the GWRA to require the State to develop programs to reduce emissions of both greenhouse gases and short-lived climate pollutants through a comprehensive strategy. In 2020, the Department released the GWRA 80x50 Report, which analyzed New Jersey’s emissions reductions, evaluated the plans for further reducing emissions, and presented a set of strategies across seven emission sectors, including transportation, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent from 2006 levels. 

A successful EV transition through the Advanced Clean Car II rule depends on adequate access to charging infrastructure and sufficient charging points across the state, including home charging, which is the most convenient and frequently used, and usually the least-cost source of electricity for charging.  

The Murphy Administration, through the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, Board of Public Utilities, Economic Development Authority, and Department of Transportation continues to advance funding and initiatives to develop charging infrastructure. Since 2019, the State has funded 2,980 charging stations with 5,271 ports at 680 locations.

The Administration continues to work toward the development and expansion of wind, solar, energy storage, and other clean energy technologies in New Jersey, while ensuring that infrastructure, interconnection, and electricity supply meet the increased charging demand of ZEV users.

Association Member Trust is excited to announce their upcoming webinar on December 6th at 12pm featuring Sleep Expert Kali Patrick. The webinar, titled "AMT Lunch and Learn: Stop Chasing Remedies: How to Finally Get Refreshing Sleep," will cover a range of topics related to sleep health.  

AMT’s goal is to provide More Options for More Health, and they want to supply our members with educational materials to improve their health in all areas of their lives. Kali Patrick is a Sleep & Well-being Coach who can help you prioritize rest & sleep in the context of your busy work life.  She especially has success with those who have a hard time sleeping due to stress & anxious thoughts. Kali struggled with sleep for 2 decades as she climbed the high-tech, corporate ladder. Healing from burnout taught her what it really takes to feel better. She now helps clients to be successful AND maintain a healthy mind-body.

We encourage all members to attend this informative and engaging webinar. Whether you're looking to improve your overall sleep health, increase your energy levels, or simply learn more about sleep science, you're sure to benefit from Kali's expertise. Mark your calendars for December 6th at 12pm and join Association Member Trust for this exciting event!

Register in advance for this webinar: Webinar Registration - Zoom

With an estimated 55.4 million people traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday this year, the American Trucking Associations and professional drivers from ATA’s Share the Road program are encouraging Americans to practice safety on the roads.

In addition to congestion, Thanksgiving travelers may face wintry weather such as winds, snow and ice. Freezing temperatures can create treacherous conditions and reduce visibility on the road, so drivers must be alert in the face of unpredictable conditions. In addition, stress and revelry can put additional anxiety on drivers as they head home for the holidays.

“As a truck driver from Maine, I have been trained to deal with wintery road conditions,” said Share the Road Professional Truck Driver Ronald Round of Bison Transport USA. “It is important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for extended trips. Check your wiper fluid and antifreeze, and pack a few extra blankets before you pull out of the driveway in case of an emergency.”

“Given the high volume of travelers for Thanksgiving, it is important to implement safe driving measures so everyone can make it to the dinner table,” said Share the Road Professional Truck Driver Gina Jones of Werner Enterprises. “As a professional truck driver, I am delivering all the trimmings necessary for Thanksgiving. I hope my fellow motorists will consider these safe driving tips when traveling to their Thanksgiving destinations.”  
 

1.     Buckle Up: Safety belts save lives. Day or night – and even if you are riding in the back seat – wear your safety belt.  

2.     Slow Down: The chance of a crash nearly triples when driving faster than surrounding traffic. Icy conditions can make the roads slippery. Slowing down your vehicle will help you avoid losing control.

3.     Do not drive impaired: There is much to celebrate this time of year during the holiday season. With that said, driving is a great responsibility, and your fellow travelers are relying on safe and attentive drivers to respectfully share the road and make good decisions.  

4.     Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you cannot see the professional truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the professional truck driver cannot see you.  

5.     Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents, especially among young drivers. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Never text while driving.  

6.     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.  

7.     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 might strand motorists on the side of the road.  

8.     Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you will not be anxious about arriving late. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.  

9.     Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle ahead.  

10.  Understand congestion patterns:High traffic volumes lead to greater opportunities for accidents, so plan your trip to avoid traffic bottlenecks and increased traffic volumes.

Washington – American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement on the introduction of the GOT Truckers Act:

“This proposal is nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt to boost trial attorneys’ fees. It would reduce drivers’ paychecks and decimate trucking jobs by upending the pay models that for 85 years have provided family-sustaining wages while growing the U.S. supply chain.

"Truckload drivers today are earning nearly $70,000 on average plus benefits, and wages across the board continue to rise at historic rates year-over-year – except at Yellow, where one party’s refusal to come to the table destroyed 30,000 jobs. The bill would not affect owner-operators, who, as independent contractors, are not covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act.
 
“To support this misguided legislation is a vote for supply chain chaos and the inflationary consequences for consumers. Rather than plaintiffs’ bar bailouts, lawmakers interested in actually supporting drivers could begin by fixing the nationwide truck parking shortage that costs drivers on average $5,500 in lost earnings annually.”

Myth v Fact Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that State Police will be conducting a bridge hit enforcement campaign across New York State from Sunday, November 5 through Saturday, November 11. Each year, commercial truck operators, as well as those driving rental box trucks and moving trucks, fail to recognize their vehicle’s height and collide with bridges and overpasses, colliding with bridges and creating public safety hazards, traffic delays and damage to bridges across the state. From 2021 through 2022, there were a combined 808 reported bridge strikes across New York State.   

“Bridge strikes are potentially hazardous to motorists and first responders and have caused needless inconveniences for local communities – but these incidents are 100 percent preventable,” Governor Hochul said. “While we have implemented measures and technologies across the state to help prevent bridge strikes, nothing is more powerful than knowledge. Drivers of overheight vehicles have a responsibility here as well: follow posted warnings, know the height of vehicles and most importantly pay attention.” 

New York State Police will patrol areas of known bridge hits and parkways in an effort to prevent commercial motor vehicles and oversized vehicles from colliding with an overpass. They will also coordinate enforcement details with local law enforcement commercial vehicle inspectors in areas that have high occurrences of bridge strikes.  

In coordination with the enforcement campaign, State Police, the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), the Thruway Authority and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee will raise awareness through various social media channels throughout the week.   

The NYSDOT’s campaign, “Check Your Height, Know It’s Right,” is designed to ensure that drivers know the height of their vehicles so they know if they can safely make it under any and all bridges. It will feature numerous videos, graphics and photos, and social media messages. The aim of the campaign is to impress upon all drivers that it is their responsibility to know their height and avoid bridges that they are too tall for. Additionally, NYSDOT will continue to alert drivers of overheight vehicles that consumer GPS and cell phone mapping systems do not include warnings for bridge heights, which puts them at risk of collisions. 

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee will be visiting motor carrier inspection sites to hand out information on bridge strikes and how to prevent them. 

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “There have been far too many incidents of bridge strikes involving trucks and over-height vehicles in recent years, which are not only dangerous but completely preventable. While we will continue implement measures that alert drivers to potential low-clearance bridges, it is the responsibility of the operators to drive safely and pay attention to all warnings in place. I thank Governor Hochul and our agency partners for their work in keeping all everyone safe on New York’s roads.” 

DMV has proposed a set of regulatory amendments which include assigning point values on a driver’s license for striking a bridge or speeding in a work zone. Those proposed regulations are posted in the State Register and the public comment period runs through November 6.

New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner and Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Chair Mark J.F. Schroeder said, “It is so important that drivers of all kinds of trucks check the height of bridges on their planned routes to be sure their vehicle will safely fit. Mapping software can be useful in many ways, but it doesn’t always provide information on bridge heights so drivers must conduct their own checks before getting on the road.” 

New York State Police Acting Superintendent Dominick L. Chiumento said, “Commercial vehicle drivers must know their height, and must always be cognizant of any low bridges along their route.   Too many times have we had a commercial vehicle that thought they could squeeze under an overpass.  Avoiding these low bridges is crucial for the safety of all that travel New York’s roadways. Not only do bridge strikes cause significant damage and disruption to traffic but they have the potential to present additional hazards to other drivers and the communities wherein these low bridges are found. The State Police will continue to work with our state and local partners with the goal of eliminating these low bridge strikes and thus ensuring everyone’s safety.”

Since the beginning of 2023, there have been 91 reported bridge strikes on the New York State Thruway’s 570-mile superhighway, compared to a total of 63 reported bridge strikes in all of 2022, a 44 percent increase from the prior year. One of the most serious incidents included the South Broadway overpass in South Nyack, which was struck by an overheight tractor trailer on August 31, 2023. Due to the hit, all southbound lanes of I-87/I-287 were closed for 16 hours on Sept. 9 to facilitate the removal of two damaged girders to stabilize the overpass.

Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Frank Hoare said, “Bridge hits due to overheight vehicles are almost always preventable. The response and subsequent repairs not only disrupt traffic, but these incidents are also costly and prevent our maintenance and engineering teams from focusing on other essential duties to maintain a safe and reliable highway. The majority of commercial drivers follow the rules and ensure their loads are below the posted maximum height limits.  We urge all truck drivers to check their height before each trip.”

Trucking Association of New York President Kendra Hems said, “TANY is proud to work with our state partners on the Bridge Hit Mitigation Task Force to prevent bridge strikes in New York. Education is a critical component to ensure that drivers, both professional and those that drive rental trucks, take the extra step to check the height of their vehicle, know their route, and be diligent about paying attention to road signs. In conjunction with the education campaign, targeted enforcement sends the message about the seriousness of the issue. TANY looks forward to continuing to work on this important issue with our partners as we all strive to prevent bridge strikes in the future.”