June 29, 2009

Colorado Congresswoman Cosponsors Truck Weight Bill

Congresswoman Betsy Markey,a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, recently announced that she will co-sponsor H.R. 1799, the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act, which would allow states to harmonize transportation weight limits with those of surrounding states.
 “America’s current patchwork of differing weight limits often forces trucks onto roads not designed for heavy traffic,” said Rep. Markey. “This raises safety concerns and hurts local economies by reducing the efficiency of freight networks. Supporting the efficient movement of goods and services throughout our country is critical to our economic recovery and a core principle on which America’s free market system is built.” 
Rep. Markey added that agricultural trucking is particularly hindered by this restriction, and that allowing trucks to move more weight in fewer trips will help truckers save on fuel costs. 

The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act would authorize states to statutorily permit the operation of 97,000 pound trucks as long as they are equipped with six axles. Federal law currently limits vehicles to 80,000 pounds distributed over 5 axles.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there would be 20-year pavement restoration costs savings of nearly $2.5 billion dollars if five-axle 80,000 pound trucks were replaced by six-axle 97,000 pound trucks.

H.R. 1799 has been referred to the House Transportation Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.  Both CMCA and the ATA support HR 1799 and appreciate Congresswoman Markey’s support for this measure.

Surcharge on OSOW Single Trip Permits - Effective July 1, 2009

Single Trip and Special Transport Permits that are issued on July 1, 2009 or later will be assessed a surcharge equal to the amount of the permit fee pursuant to the passage of Senate Bill 108 that passed during the last legislative session.  This means that an oversize only Single Trip permit will increase from $15 to $30.  Special permits will increase from $125 to $250.  Single Trip permits issued for size and weight or weight only will increase from $15 + $5/axle to $30 + $10/axle.   There are no changes in annual Oversize/Overweight permit fees.

Photos Needed to Redecorate "New" Boardroom

CMCA is soliciting photos from our member companies so we can decorate our newly refurbished board room.

We are looking for black and white photos of trucks – no people please. 

Photos should be in good condition and ready to be framed.  They should be between 11”x14” to 18”x20” in size.  CMCA will matt and frame these photographs.

Overall, we are looking for 6-10 photos from different members.  If you are interested, please call Jessica at 303-433-3375, ext. 101.

Drug screeners accuse competitor of monopoly

Drug testing companies in Texas and Colorado have filed a lawsuit accusing a competitor of monopolizing drug and alcohol screening for contractors for U.S. energy companies.

The lawsuit was filed Thursday in federal court in Denver against DISA Inc. and several energy companies who use its services. The lawsuit says DISA has exclusivity agreements with the companies and controls a database of test results that the companies require contractors to use. The lawsuit says DISA leverages the database to sign contractors on for more services.

A DISA representative was out of the office until Monday and didn't return an e-mail seeking comments.

The plaintiffs seek class-action status for the lawsuit, triple damages, and costs and attorneys' fees. Brought to you by the HoustonChronicle.com

 

REMINDER!

Chains or other ATDs must be on I-70 bound trucks Now.

This is for I-70 only, between Morrison and Edwards. Please get your drivers ready for winter. Chain Tip Brochures are available at CMCA. Call for yours today!

LCV Users - Note Restrictions for July 4th Weekend

All Longer Vehicle Combinations (LVCs) are prohibited from operating on Friday, July 3rd, from 12:01 a.m. through Saturday, July 4th, Independence Day 12:00 p.m. midnight - (48 hours from 12:01 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. midnight). Please plan your trips accordingly based on this restriction.

Allied Golf Tournament Nearly Sold Out!

This year’s Allied Golf Tournament will be held on July 13th at Riverdale Dunes in Brighton.  We have limited space this year – only 3-4 foursomes are left.

We also have spaces for various sponsorships.  Call Tracy at 303-433-3375 ext. 103 to register or sponsor.

CMCA Economic Stimulus Plan

The Safety Management Council is selling raffle tickets for a chance to win $5,000!  Only 1,000 tickets will be sold so your chances are great.  Tickets are $20 and proceeds go to a great cause.  Contact CMCA to purchase your tickets today, and help raise money for the Ray Smith Scholarship Fund and safety programs throughout the state.

Rocky Mountain Regional Safety Rendezvous

The Wyoming Trucking Association’s Council of Safety Supervisors is hosting this event scheduled for July 22-24, 2009 in Cody, WY. They have put together an outstanding program with excellent speakers. The attendees will be educated in the following ways:

Jones Loflin, of Denton, NC,Keynote speaker will educate participants on being more successful with less than cooperative people with his presentation entitled, “Herding Cats Is Not An Impossible Job.”

Bob Petrancosta, VP of Safety, Con-way Freight will outline the “Wellness
Program” their employees are participating in which results of workplace injuries and related workers’ compensation costs have decreased 80% and lost workdays dropped 75% within their participating employees.

Jim Geeting, Retired Wyoming Highway Patrol officer, currently compliance coordinator for Weatherford, will offer practical exercises