Q3 FALL 2019
THE OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE MARYLAND MOTOR TRUCK ASSOCIATION
ARE YOU READY FOR FMCSA’S NEXT MANDATE?
INSIDE:
State of the Economy
FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
Royer Takes TDC & Kidd Scores at SuperTech
Not just another name in the computer, we provide a personal account representative
A company you can depend on Griffith Energy Services began serving the Mid-Atlantic in 1898 as a coal provider and, over the years, has transitioned into a full-service petroleum distributor. Although times have changed, one thing has not — our commitment to exceed our customers’ expectations and deliver superior customer service.
Improve Your Bottom Line As a full-service provider of gasoline, diesel, and heating oil, Griffith allows you to focus on your business instead of worrying about your fuel delivery needs. Some of the ways we help you increase your company’s productivity include:
• • • •
Transport deliveries Fleet Fueling (Wet-Hosing) Job site tanks Competitive Pricing
With 12 locations in the Mid-Atlantic, Griffith is there when you need us.
Call us at: |
2
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Ph 888-474-3391 www.griffithenergyservices.com
Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM
CONTENTS
Q 3 FA LL 2 0 1 9
COVER 27 FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse FMCSA’s next mandate starts January 6, 2020. BY DAVE OSIECK
FEATURES 9 ROYER
State of the Economy
A deep dive into trucking economics with ATA’s chief economist Bob Costello. BY STEVE BRAWNER
27 Maryland on the Move 2019 BEST of the BEST: Trucking Driving Championships and SuperTech Maryland Winners Royer, YRC Worldwide, and Kidd, Travel Centers of America, are the Grand Champions of 2019 BY SELENA GRIFFINI KIDD
OF THE
BEST BEST
DEPARTMENTS 5 6 30
Chairman’s Message Dates to Know Advertising Resource Index
ON THE
MMTANET.COM MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
3
4
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM
The Official Magazine of the Maryland Motor Truck Association Behind the Wheel is owned by the Maryland Motor Truck Association and is published by Matthews Publishing Group. To request additional copies, order reprints of individual articles or to become a subscriber to Behind The Wheel, please contact Selena Griffin at (410) 644-4600. To inquire about advertising, please contact the publisher at (501) 690-9393.
Publisher Jennifer Matthews-Drake Matthews Publishing Group jennifer@matthewspublishing.com Executive Editor Louis Campion lcampion@mmtanet.com Managing Editor Selena Griffin sgriffin@mmtanet.com Creative Director Fran Sherman fran@shermanstudios.com Graphic Designer Barbara Negron Copy Editor/Proofer Harris Jimanski Photographer David Sinclair Contributing Writers Steve Brawner Derek Rayment Dan Calabrese Jennifer Barnett Reed Mary Lou Jay John Schulz Renee Miller Todd Traub
CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE
AS DRIVERS IN THEIR 60S, 70S, AND (SOMETIMES) EVEN 80S RETIRE, WE ARE NOT BRINGING IN ENOUGH NEW ENTRANTS TO BACKFILL THOSE JOBS.
The most recent data from the American Trucking Associations continues to reflect a massive shortage of 60,000 commercial truck drivers and
that the industry must recruit more than 1 million new drivers in the next 10 years to keep up with demand. While much of the shortage is in the long-haul sector, this problem is systemic, and it impacts virtually every motor carrier regardless of industry sector. To overcome a systemic problem, we need a long-term grassroots strategy to attract more people into the
Maryland Motor Truck Association Louis Campion President & CEO lcampion@mmtanet.com Dottie C. Duvall Vice President - Administration dduvall@mmtanet.com
trucking industry at an earlier age. We are simply not bringing enough people into the pipeline to overcome our demographic challenges. The average driver age is about 10 years older than the average age across other comparable blue-collar industries. As drivers in their 60s, 70s, and (sometimes) even 80s retire, we are not bringing in enough new entrants to backfill
Brenda Tharp Director of Safety btharp@mmtanet.com
those jobs.
Selena L. Griffin Controller sgriffin@mmtanet.com
drivers. In outreach to those schools, they say that the average age of their students is
Margie Anne Bonnett Marketing & Communications Director mbonnett@mmtanet.com Kathy Norris Administrative Assistant knorris@mmtanet.com
MMTA has several member community colleges that are training our next CDL typically in their late 30’s to early 40’s, often pursing second careers. We’ve often lost 20 years of work life from these prospects before they ever consider driving as an opportunity. Many of you are aware that federal law currently prohibits drivers under the age of 21 from hauling interstate freight; however, there are meaningful efforts trying to address that. These include: Drive Safe Act - Under this legislation being considered in Congress, 18 to 20-yearold drivers could operate across state lines when they obtain a CDL, with certain
Maryland Motor Truck Association is an affiliate of the American Trucking Associations. MMTA is a Maryland corporation of trucking companies, private carrier fleets and businesses which serve or supply the trucking industry. MMTA serves these companies as a governmental affairs representative before legislative, regulatory and executive branches of government on issues that affect the trucking industry. The organization also provides public relations services, education services, operational services and serves as a forum for industry meetings and membership relations.
restrictions and added training. This includes 400 hours of on-duty time and 240 hours of driving time with an experienced driver in the cab. All trucks used by younger drivers would have to be equipped with certain safety technologies like active braking collision mitigation systems, forward facing cameras, and a speed governor set at 65 miles per hour.
CONTINUED
For more information, contact MMTA at: Maryland Motor Truck Association, Inc. 9256 Bendix Road, Suite 203 - Columbia, Md. 21045 Phone 410-644-4600 | Fax 410-644-2537 mmtanet.com
MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
5
DATES TO KNOW SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2019
Call on Washington
8:00 a.m. A chance to discuss key trucking issues with your members of Congress. SEPTEMBER 17TH OR NOVEMBER 13TH
Compliance Training
8:30 a.m. at MMTA Make sure your company is in compliance with the various state and federal regulations. SEPTEMBER 26TH, 2019
MMTA Annual Meeting – Boosting Your Business
9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Turf Valley Resort – Ellicott City MMTA’s signature event featuring FMCSA Deputy Administrator Alan Hanson and ATA President Chris Spear. OCTOBER 15TH OR DECEMBER 10TH
Drug & Alcohol Training
8:30 at MMTA DOT mandates all supervisors of drivers to be trained in drug & alcohol testing rules! This seminar meets all DOT requirements.
RECENTLY I READ ABOUT A PROGRAM IN CALIFORNIA WHEREBY ONE HIGH SCHOOL IS NOW ENTERING ITS 3RD YEAR TRAINING POTENTIAL DRIVERS. THE PROGRAM USES DRIVING SIMULATORS AND A TEXTBOOK TO LAY THE GROUNDWORK FOR EARNING A CDL. STUDENTS WHO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM CAN THEN APPLY FOR A COMMERCIAL LEARNER’S PERMIT AND START A STANDARD CDL TRAINING PROGRAM. FMCSA younger driver pilot - FMCSA
textbook to lay the groundwork for earning
is conducting a three-year pilot program
a CDL. Students who complete the program
to study the feasibility, benefits, and safety
can then apply for a commercial learner’s
impacts of allowing 18 to 20-year-old drivers
permit and start a standard CDL training
to operate commercial motor vehicles in
program. In its first year, there were seven
interstate commerce. The pilot applies to
students enrolled; that number increased to
military veterans who received heavy-vehicle
16 in year two, and there are 24 registered for
driver training and experience while in the
next year.
service. Participants must be sponsored by a participating motor carrier. While these opportunities are promising,
We need innovative programs like this if we are ever going to address the systemic shortfall of truck drivers. There is no single
their outcomes are uncertain, and we need
solution. We can’t leave any stone unturned.
to look beyond them to raise awareness of
That’s why I’ve asked the MMTA staff to
existing opportunities for younger drivers to
look into this further and see if there is a
get involved in our industry straight out of
way to create some type of pilot program in
Covers the purpose of the clearinghouse, implementation timeline, registration requirements and how to comply.
high school. These include operating a farm
Maryland in partnership with our community
vehicle, getting a CDL-B and working in
colleges. This is an opportunity to offer high
the construction industry, and more. These
school students a meaningful opportunity
jobs can provide meaningful employment to
for a bright future. We have great jobs in
DECEMBER 5 , 2019
high school students who aren’t bound for
the trucking industry and we always have
Western MD Chapter Legislative Dinner
college and are a stepping-stone to greater
openings. It’s time we stop being a middle-
opportunities when a driver turns 21. Many
age person’s second career choice, rather than
of these jobs are also very physical in nature
the first choice of an 18-year old who wants
(with less driving) – perfect for an 18, 19, or
to be a driver.
OCTOBER 30TH, 2019
Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse
TH
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. Dutch’s Daughter; Frederick MD Featuring Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford
20-year old – but give that young person a chance to move into a less physical position (with more driving) as he or she ages. Recently I read about a program in California whereby one high school is now
6
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
entering its 3rd year training potential drivers.
Maria Wittmeyer
The program uses driving simulators and a
2018-2019 Chairman of the Board MMTANET.COM
KEEPING AMERICA ON THE ROAD
THE HARDEST WORKING BRAND IN HEAVY-DUTY LUBRICATION From crushing rocks to hauling cargo throughout this great nation, Drydene has been a part of building our country since the turn of the century. If you’re looking for a high performance line of engine oils, greases, hydraulic and transmission fluids that increase the life and efficiency of your equipment, you need to call or visit our website today!
1-877-DRYDENE
DRYDENE.COM
/TEAMDRYDENE
BTW-SPRING2019
ATA ECONOMIST SAYS TRADE WAR SLOWING ECONOMY;
SOME FLEETS WON’T MAKE IT BY STEVE BRAWNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Continuing uncertainties over American trade
recession have increased, and though he stopped
while the American Trucking Associations’ chief
short of predicting it will happen, he added, “My
economist won’t yet say a recession is imminent, he
concern is that we’re going to end up causing a
does believe some fleets will struggle in what will
recession by accident.”
likely be a falling rate environment and could be forced to close their doors. Bob Costello, the ATA’s chief economist and
A freight recession, like the one that occurred in 2016, seems more likely than a full recession in the short term. That year, the economy slowed but
senior vice president, said in an interview June
didn’t fall into a recession. However, the United
26 that businesses are starting to consider if they
States was not engaged in a trade dispute at the
really need to expand and invest because of those
time. Costello doesn’t think a recession is right
uncertainties, even if they aren’t directly involved in
around the corner, “but certainly it’s something
international trade.
we’re watching closely.”
“I think everybody at least knows that trade
In a speech to the Arkansas Trucking
impacts them in all ways, right?” he said. “So even
Association May 16, Costello was moderately
those that are saying, ‘Well, I’m not an importer
optimistic, saying the economy is “slowing, but
from China and so forth,’ they still know it has an
we’re still growing.” He said then that the economy
impact on the economy.”
was returning to an average growth rate of 2% –
Coming on the heels of the Great Recession, the decade-long expansion is now the longest in
MMTANET.COM
modern history. Costello said the risks of another
policy are one factor slowing the economy, and
slower than 2018’s unusually strong gains, but still good.
CONTINUED
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
9
* * * SPECIAL EDITION ON ELDS * * * of 1.5% growth. Unemployment is at a
still purchasing trucks, cancellations are
however, his worries had increased. Asked
50-year low and the economy is close to full
increasing. Fleets should add trucks only to
about that earlier statement, Costello said, “I
employment, but he believes job creation is
meet their own demand.
think the growing part is getting smaller and
already slowing from more than 200,000
“When weglobal first implemented smaller.” The economy isn’telectronic growing logs, every driver intoisour as fastwe asbrought the United States’, China slowing North Little Rock office for training before down, and trade disputes continue. While turning on the unit,” Brown tells us.later And, the first quarter’s numbers were OK, keep in mind that Maverick is an OTR data has not been as encouraging. May was operation, so bringing their 1,700 drivers particularly soft, and the first half of June in for training was no easy feat. wasn’t great either. The numbers might show At Maverick, training consisted of two a surge at the end of the quarter, which hours of instructor-led and hands-on traincommonly occurs, but he expects them to ing. Drivers spent time in a lab, changing weaken again after July 1. comfortable with duty statuses and getting fundamentals areeven not as good the“Freight devices before they ever attempted as last year,” he said. “The spot market is to operate the electronic logs in their cabs. particularly but even freight Trainers weak, then took theircontract education one step is further. They climbed into the cab now softening significantly.” with each driver, logged them in, made Among the major economic indicators, sure the technology was working as housing continues to be weaker than inexpectthe ed, and double-checked to ensure drivers past. More homes were built last year than in understood it worked. any year sincehow 2007, but the numbers were In the end, this investment on the front nowhere near the 2 million homes built that end dramatically minimized frustration year. Factory output is slipping, and Costello and confusion among their drivers. It said he may have to lower an earlier forecast wasn’t a simple thing to do, but it made for
per month to 150,000. Only one of the four
moment unless you’ve got a bunch of
months prior to the interview had reached the
business coming in, but for the industry, not
By the time of the interview June 26,
“There’s no reason to expand at the
individual trucking companies, there’s no “THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO TO THESE reason to expand,” he said. “There’s still a lot GUYS IS HAND THEM ofNEW TECHNOLOGY replacement activity going on, and that’s trucking capacity has increased. Meanwhile, WITHOUT TRAINING — not WITHOUT ultimately a bad thing at all.” shippers want to get their money back after EXPLAINING IT WORKS, WHAT ITtheDOES, If a recession happens, trade war will paying higher trucking rates inHOW recent years, AND WHY THEY HAVE IT. TURNING IT ON be a contributing factor, CostelloAND said. The much of which went to drivers. Over the last ‘EM DEFINITELY Trump administration is considering a 25% 18-24 LETTING months, fleets have raisedLOOSE driver pay, WOULD’VE tariff on all imported autos, and the trade which Costello said they should have done, BEEN A MISTAKE.” previous 12-month average.
Demand has slowed somewhat, while
and also offered guaranteed minimum weekly
dispute with China continues. According
—WAYNE BROWN, OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY, to the Office of the United States Trade pay. Walking back driver pay is veryVP difficult, MAVERICK TRANSPORTATION
so in an environment where rates are stagnant
Representative, the trade deficit with China
or falling, some fleets may struggle to make
in 2018 was $378.6 billion. The Trump
payroll – particularly smaller companies.
administration has imposed 25% tariffs on
“You could start to see a lot of trucking
a much more experience for everycompanies go positive out of business,” Costello said. onelater involved. He added, “I think what you will see is,
“The worst thing you can do to these guys is hand them new technology without falling rate environment.” training — without explaining how it Costello noted that while fleets are works, what it does, and why they have it.
you will see some carnage in the industry in a
more than $250 billion in Chinese goods Turning it on 301 and of letting ‘em loose under Section the Trade Act of 1974, would’ve definitely been a mistake,” alleging unfair trading practices. Chinasays Brown. responded with tariffs of 5-25% on $110 Of course, drivers weren’t the only ones billion of U.S. goods. President Trump has to undergo training at Maverick. Everyone threatened tariffs on another $300 billion,
➥
SALES • PARTS SERVICE • BODY SHOP 800-832-7278 2723 Annapolis Road • Baltimore, MD 21230 410-685-4474
www.baltimorefreightliner.com BEHIND THE WHEEL 10 www.mmtanet.com
| Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM BEHIND THE WHEEL ~ Q3 Fall 2016 25
covering most Chinese exports.
has added jobs in trucking.
However, after meeting with
There are more port jobs. But
Chinese President Xi Jinping
on top of it, as consumers we
on June 29, he said those
all benefit because goods are
additional tariffs would not
generally cheaper because they
move forward – for now. But
go to places that specialize in
the uncertainty remains.
making certain things.” There has been some good
Tariffs disrupt the supply chain of goods coming from
news in recent months. The
China that are shipped by
Trump administration had
trucks. If goods become more
threatened to impose tariffs
expensive, the economy slows,
on Mexico unless that country
consumption is reduced and
addressed the flow of illegal immigrants across the border.
truck volumes fall. At the same
parts come from China. Meanwhile, the next
time, the United States exports fewer goods
round of tariffs could affect 53-foot domestic
That threat ended in June after Mexico
and services to China as that country levies
containers – all of whom, to Costello’s
agreed to take steps to limit immigration.
its own retaliatory tariffs. Half of all U.S.
knowledge, come from China.
manufactured products are for export. “You start doing this trade war stuff, those people get hurt,” Costello said. Moreover, tariffs directly increase the
Costello had worried that the tariff
Costello said China is a problem that
dispute was jeopardizing the United States-
needs to be addressed – just not through
Mexico-Canada Agreement, President
a trade war. He said the benefits of trade
Trump’s replacement of the North American
outweigh the costs.
Free Trade Agreement. Leaders of the three
“Yes, there are people that lose their jobs
countries approved the new agreement last
already been levied on trailer and container
when some stuff goes overseas, but we have
year. Mexico has ratified the USMCA, and
chassis. While trucks driven in the United
a good blue collar trade story in trucking,”
prospects seem good of it being passed by the
States are built here or in Mexico, some
he said in an earlier interview June 5. “It
trucking industry’s costs. A 25% tariff has
CONTINUED
KELLY Benefit Strategies is proud to be endorsed by the
Maryland Motor Truck Association (MMTA)
kellybenefitstrategies.com
MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
11
Canadian Parliament.
Costello described in his speech before the
and keep production in the U.S. because that
Arkansas Trucking Association as a “high-
benefits trucking, so it’s more of an indirect
the tariff dispute continued, it would have
stakes game of chicken.” Doing so could lead
impact on us.”
been a “deal-breaker,” Costello said.
to a court case.
It still must be ratified by Congress. Had
The economy grew at an annual rate of
Costello said he’s been spending a lot
Cross border trade generates just under
3.2% in the first quarter, but those numbers
of time lobbying Congress on behalf of the
$13 billion annually for trucking and employs
were skewed by bloated inventories caused
USMCA, which he said is a better deal for the
about 90,000 full-time equivalent employees
by companies stocking up on imported goods
United States. While “90% of it is the same as
in the U.S. trucking industry, 60,000 of whom
as a hedge against tariffs. Otherwise, actual
NAFTA,” it reflects macroeconomic changes
are drivers. Mexico is the second largest U.S.
growth was about 1.9%.
since NAFTA was signed into law in 1993,
import source, while Mexico and Canada are
such as e-commerce. The other 10% doesn’t
the two largest export markets. Meanwhile,
‘Our warehouses are plumb full,’” he said.
directly impact trucking.
according to Reuters, more than 75% of both
“Go talk to warehousing companies. They’ll
Mexican and Canadian exports go to the
tell you they’re killing it right now because
United States.
they are full.”
But political considerations could scuttle the agreement, and the window is closing.
“We need a good, solid North American
Democrats know passage would be a big
“I’m hearing a lot of companies saying,
The inventory-to-sales ratio fell from
win for President Trump in a year before a
trade zone,” Costello said June 5, “so that this
1992 until the Great Recession as the supply
presidential election. They have appointed
stuff doesn’t go to southeast Asia or China or
chain became more efficient. It peaked in
a group to try to move the process along,
India or Africa or places like that. … Relative
2016, which led to the freight recession, and
but Costello said they need to find a win
to the United States and Canada, Mexico is
has since fallen as the supply chain worked
politically, too. U.S. Trade Representative
a cheaper alternative in many cases, but it’s
off some of the excess.
Robert Lighthizer has met often with
not the cheapest in the world by far. There
Democrats. If the agreement doesn’t pass,
are many cheaper places to produce. So we
were during that long decline, and Costello
then NAFTA stays in place, but Trump could
have to work as a trading bloc so that we
does not expect them to fall that low again.
threaten to pull out of that agreement in what
can compete with the Europeans, the Asians,
The supply chain needs larger inventories
RICE TIRE EXPERTS IN TIRE SOLUTIONS TM
But inventories are still higher than they
WE ARE YOUR
FLEET
MAINTENANCE HEADQUARTERS MARYLAND LOCATIONS BALTIMORE: 410-737-8010
FREDERICK: 301-695-9652
CUMBERLAND: 301-777-0400
GAITHERSBURG: 301-330-8473
FORESTVILLE: 301-736-8797
HAGERSTOWN: 240-420-0009
Virginia Locations: Manassas, Brandy Station, Harrisonburg, Winchester
WWW.RICETIRE.COM 12
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM
Tax Cuts
never happened previously.
E-commerce
That reduction will affect driver pay, truck purchasing cycles, and profitability.
DRIVERS NEEDED Trade Wars
If the economy heads toward a recession, the Federal Reserve can’t cut interest rates much to stimulate the economy because rates are already low. The Fed had been increasing them, but it stopped because the economy is slowing. The other option would be a stimulus package. “We just did a huge tax cut,” Costello said. “I don’t know what more they can do there. That’s another reason why I’d love to see them move on a transportation infrastructure bill. That would be a stimulus,
to provide the quick deliveries consumers
haul has fallen from 796 miles in 2000 to
expect from e-commerce purchases.
507 miles in 2018, a drop of 36%. There
and that’s something that pays dividends for
were four months in 2018 when the average
a long time – not just a temporary shot in
was below 500 miles, which has
the arm.”
E-commerce is having an effect on haul length as well. The average dryvan truckload
BALTIMORE POTOMAC TRUCK CENTERS, INC. Baltimore Tr T uck Center,r,r Inc. 610 Nursery Road Linthicum, MD 21090 410-636-6200
Baltimore Tru T ck Center, Inc. 803 Central Av Aven venue Linthicum, MD 21090 410-636-9330
Baltimore Tr T uck Center,r,r Inc. 11715 Greencastle Pike k ke Hagerstow o n, MD 21740 ow 301--733-1707
Potomac Tru T ck Center,r,r Inc. 3371 Ke K nilw l orth Av lw Ave venue Bladensburg, MD 20710 301-864-2000
Potomac Tru T ck Center,r,r Inc. 7750 Progress Court Gainesville, VA V 20155 703--753-6444
Now offering full-service leasing and rental!
www.BPtruckcenters.com NAVY BLUE: PMS 2965
MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
13
For 72 years Maryland’s safest truck drivers have gathered to test their skills as they compete at the Maryland State Truck Driving Championships (TDC). On June 1, 2019 Kurt Royer of YRC Worldwide topped more than 100 drivers and was named the event’s Grand Champion. Mr. Royer competed in the 4 Axle Van class. This was his fifth time winning his class, but the first time he has taken home the top prize of Grand Champion. He has been a professional truck driver for 31 years and has over 1 million safe miles under his belt. Kurt is a familiar face at this event, participating several times over a 20-year span dating back to his rookie year in 1999 (when he took 1st place in the 5-axle class). If you catch a glimpse of him during the event, he seems to be studying his surroundings, paying close
ON THE OF THE
BEST BEST 2019 Truck Driving Championships
FUN FACTS!
Congratulations to all the winners! 14
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM
Five-time class winner takes Grand Champion at the 2019 Truck Driving Championships! BY SELENA GRIFFIN / MANAGING EDITOR attention, soaking up the atmosphere,
among first-time competitors and won the
driving skills. The competition included a
and always looking serious and prepared.
Tanker class. Carter competed with nine
rigorous field course that required drivers
You’d never expect to find him on only two
other drivers in the Tanker division and he
to execute precise maneuvers in conditions
wheels, but he loves riding motorcycles as
delivered! Mr. Carter was in competition
like those encountered on America’s
much as driving his big rig. Good luck at
with drivers who had ALL competed
highways. Drivers were also tested on their
Nationals Kurt!
before, and he was ecstatic to find himself
knowledge of safety regulations, as well
on the podium with TWO trophies in hand.
as their ability to inspect vehicles in the
history, Giant Food’s drivers edged out XPO
An exceptional performance for a first
aforementioned Pre-Trip competition.
Logistics by a mere seven one-hundredths
timer ~ way to go Vic!
In possibly the closest race in Maryland’s
This event involves months of planning,
First place in the Pre-Trip Inspection
a huge time commitment, over 100 pieces
for having the highest average score
competition went to veteran driver Lou
of equipment, sponsors and donations of
among its competitors. Congratulations
Petrovia of XPO Logistics. With 13 state
every kind – but most of all it’s the people
to Giant’s drivers Stephen Trott, Roan
competitions and 10 trips to Nationals, it
we couldn’t do without. Companies from
Edwards, Valentine Schell, James Mulcare,
goes to show that experience pays off. Pre-
across the state of Maryland send willing
Jerome Spencer, Kenneth McKay, and Jerry
trip competitors inspect a vehicle to find
volunteers to come and do jobs ranging
Stephenson on their overall performance at
defects that have been planted. This safety
from grilling a hot dog to jockeying a truck
the event. What an amazing win!
inspection can be challenging because the
around a crowded course all day – but they
drivers are inspecting an unfamiliar vehicle
all come with a smile. A million “thank
that they do not normally drive every day.
you’s” to each of you, we literally could not
of a point and took home the team trophy
Vic Carter of the UPS Chesapeake District was named Rookie of the Year for achieving the highest overall score
• Four classes had 1st and 2nd place winners separated by ten points or less – great scoring! • One of the drivers reports “losing his brakes” once while driving in a construction zone. He had to think
The Championships are a true test of
• Another brave truck driver extinguished a car fire on the N.J. Turnpike – wow! • Several drivers have experienced “Ice
do this without your help.
Oh, and LIVE SNAKES ….And KIDS! • We have coaches, volunteer firefighters, mentors and leaders who
Road Trucking” all over the country and
like golf, fishing, woodworking,
stayed safe.
flea-marketing, sports and everything
• Strangest hauls according to the drivers:
in-between – but most of all we have
fast – he drove on the opposite side of
the e-coli virus (uh oh), 100 ft. long piece of
102 SAFE DRIVERS to thank for
the road to avoid a crash and ended up in
steel, empty radioactive container, golf carts, missile parts, a truckload of comic books!
delivering the good stuff to us
a farm!
MMTANET.COM
every day.
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
15
2019 Maryland TDC GRAND CHAMPION
Kurt Royer
TEAM CHAMPION
Giant of Maryland
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Victor Carter
UPS Chesapeake District
PRE-TRIP INSPECTION
Louis Petrovia
XPO Logistics
NAME
COMPANY
CLASS
TWINS
STEP VAN
MIXERS
DUMPS
3 AXLE VAN
4 AXLE VAN
5 AXLE VAN
FLATBED
SLEEPER BERTH
STRAIGHT TRUCK
TANKER
16
Winners
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
PLACE
YRC Worldwide
1 2 3 1 2
Jason Trego Louis Petrovia Wayne Todd Eric Schiller Michael Darden
UPS Freight XPO Logistics UPS Chesapeake District UPS Chesapeake District FedEx Express
3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3 1 2 3
Michael Forchetti Stewart Wells, III Mark Jarratt Andre Butler Guy Billings Gilbert Frye Chester Dove John Nash Barry Holland Sean Barney Kurt Royer Donald Nichols Jesse Weeks Christopher Sleeper Muamer Pleh Valentine Schell Jerome Spencer Charles Huber Rizwan Zahir Donald Karaszkiewicz Mike Miltenberger Anthony Carper Gerrod Simms Carl Baker Darren Bernett Victor Carter Jeffery Hoover Kenneth McKay
FedEx Express Mideast Division Logistics Chaney Enterprises Chaney Enterprises Chaney Enterprises Ross Contracting Chaney Enterprises UPS Chesapeake District UPS Freight FedEx Freight YRC Worldwide ABF Freight System A. Duie Pyle Albertsons/Safeway UPS Chesapeake District Giant of Maryland Giant of Maryland UPS Chesapeake District D. M. Bowman Domino’s Pizza Pitt Ohio Express FedEx Ground Aggregate Transport Corporation Breakthru Beverage Maryland Albertsons/Safeway UPS Chesapeake District FedEx Ground Giant of Maryland MMTANET.COM
TDC WINNERS
MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
17
TDC COURSE
18
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
ON THE
MMTANET.COM
TDC JR. RODEO
MMTANET.COM
TDC PRE-TRIP
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
19
ON THE
Thank you TO OUR GENEROUS
TDC & SUPERTECH SPONSORS! Aggregate Transport
FedEx Freight
Protective Insurance Co.
Albertsons/Safeway
FedEx Ground
Purkeys
Altec
Fleetpro
Quest Transport
ASE - National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence
FMCSA
Richard B. Rudy
Giant of Maryland
Robson Forensic
Great West Casualty Co.
Ross Contracting
H&S Bakery
Rukert Terminals
HDA Truck Pride
SAF-HOLLAND
Idealease of Baltimore
Saucon Technologies
Imperial Supplies
Schuster Concrete
Lee Transport Systems
Scott B. Taylor
Lord Baltimore Uniform
SKF
Magnolia Plumbing
State Highway Administration
Maryland Dept. of the Environment
Taylor Transportation Consultants
Maryland Motor Truck Association
Technology & Maintenance Council
Maryland State Police
The Ritter Companies
Maryland Transportation Authority
UPS
Maury, Donnelly & Parr
UPS Freight
Mitchell 1
Victory Packaging
Night Owl Transport
Western Star Trucks of Delmarva
Old Dominion Freight Line
WIX Filters
Baltimore Auto Supply Co. Baltimore Cargo Tank Services Beltway Companies BGE Bob’s Discount Furniture Bozel Transfer Burris Logistics Carroll Motor Fuels Center of Applied Technology North Chaney Enterprises Chevron Lubricants Columbia Fleet Services Cowan Systems Cummins D.M. Bowman Eaton Corp. FedEx Express
20
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
Pitt Ohio
MMTANET.COM
ON THE
2019 7 Annual th
SuperTech Maryland John Kidd Sr. from Travel Centers takes the Grand Championship BY SELENA GRIFFIN MANAGING EDITOR
MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
21
ON THE When John Kidd, Sr. of Travel Centers of
him back in 2019. He must have learned
Council partnered with Fleetpro to host
America was named SuperTech Maryland’s
a lot in that time because he increased his
the 7th annual statewide skills competition
2019 Grand Champion, a surprised look on
overall total score by 80% in that period.
known as SuperTech Maryland. SuperTech
his face was followed by a full smile and the
Congratulations Mike, we hope to see you in
is a carefully constructed test of “book
satisfaction of knowing that he had done
the future competing as a technician.
knowledge” and hands-on skills to test
his best. Kidd received a trophy, a cash
mechanics’ expertise diagnosing and repairing
prize and a trip to the national competition.
Bowman intern who attends James Rumsey
commercial vehicles. Among the skills tested
John will compete in North Carolina this
Institute. Isaac Kyne had an impressive
included brakes, preventive maintenance
September at TMC’s National SuperTech
showing with high scores at the Wheel
inspection, wheel end, fifth wheel, fasteners,
where he has a chance to win a trip to the
End and Fasteners stations. Great
engines, service information, electrical
Daytona 500. Congratulations John!
work Isaac.
On June 22nd MMTA’S Maintenance
Our 3rd place winner is also a D.M.
The 2nd place trophy was awarded to
Also, as part of the day, HDA Truck
compliance. The technicians complete a
Michael Sandmeier of First Vehicle Services,
Pride, North America’s largest independent
written test based on ASE’s standard practices
who has competed every year since 2016.
provider of commercial motor vehicle
and then rotate through each skills station.
Mike’s diligence paid off – he’s shown his
parts and service, used the competition as
broad skill set by winning the brake, engine
a qualifier to determine which of its top
competition also took place within the
and electrical stations in past competitions.
two techs will go to the national event.
event, which allowed students enrolled in
This year he put it all together and landed in
Winners were James Bennett and Brian
a mechanic training program to compete
the top three. Congratulations to Mike, who
Judy. Congratulations to HDA’s winners and
against each other at the same stations.
is someone to keep our eyes on in the future!
thanks for your support!
systems, precision measuring and CSA
The 4th annual “FutureTech Maryland”
Students are paired with employed
Our 3rd place winner, Matt Grapes of the
Congratulations also goes out to the
technicians as they travel through the
Beltway Companies, has competed since the
first-place finishers in each station. Every
skill stations, so they can learn about
first year. Matt has placed in the top three
station winner received an impact driver and
working in the industry. It also gives
four different times now. We are positive his
grease gun. SuperTech showcases the high
them an opportunity to mingle with
“perfect storm” is in the making and when it
degree of skill and knowledge that truck
potential employers.
hits – we’ll all be happy to cheer him on.
technicians use every day. Troubleshooting
The 2019 FutureTech Champion was
and diagnostics are like a puzzle and the
North High School in Anne Arundel County.
Joshua Gerber, who comes from Washington
professionals in this field must be good
2019 proved to be another stellar year
County Tech Institute and interns at D.M.
critical thinkers. Respect and admiration go
with over 50 techs and students registering
Bowman. Josh held his own against many
out to all the competitors.
to compete. It is believed that SuperTech
full-time techs. He had the 5th highest overall
Maryland is among the largest state level
score on the ASE Written Test and in the
they’re worthless, but because they’re
competitions of its kind.
Service Information station, scored in the top
priceless.” This quote sums up all the
Once again, SuperTech was held at CAT
“Volunteers don’t get paid, not because
3rd at the Preventive Maintenance station,
special people MMTA is lucky to have at
competitors down to 36, the anticipation
and landed above 13 certified technicians
both SuperTech Maryland and the Truck
built as techs moved through each skill
on the Brakes station. It was quite an
Driving Championships. They step up to
station. With only two stations remaining,
accomplishment for a young man who’s only
plan, donate, proffer, build, oversee, work,
naming who would win was still anybody’s
worked in this field for a few months.
explain, support and smile – and they keep
After an initial written test paired the
coming back. Thank you to all the folks
best guess. The scores were that tight. As the
Second place overall went to Carroll
final stop was announced, the feeling of relief
County’s own Micheal Coffey. Mike came
who spent their days with us to make
was palpable. They had done their best and
to us last year as a junior in his high school
SuperTech Maryland and the Truck Driving
now waited to find out who would prevail.
diesel program. We were happy to see
Championships a wonderful success!
22
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM
2019
s r e n Win
Grand Champion
1
FutureTech Maryland Winners
1 2 3
Micheal Coffey Carroll Co nty Career nstit te ssac yne Ja es R sey ech nstit te
HDA Truck Pride Winners
1
James Benedict, The Serv ice Company
tation
inners
Engine Electrical Preventive Maintenance Fasteners Fi h heel Service n or ation Brakes heel En Electrical Precision Meas ring CS Co pliance
MMTANET.COM
2 3
2 3
John Kidd, Trav el Centers of America
Michael Sandmeier, First Vehicle Services Matt rapes Belt ay Co panies
os
a er er
Brian J y R Evan Lang El
as ington Ct Tec
nstit te
Repair Repair
Daniel Porter D M Bo an Matt rapes Belt ay Co panies Josh a ilson Penn Po er ro p Michael Sandmeier, First Vehicle Services Scott re inger Belt ay Co panies lenn hisenan hi Mason Mc echnie Fleetpro Josh a Cochran First Vehicle Services Steven Henes, FedEx Freight John i ravel Centers o erica
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
23
SUPERTECH SKILL STATIONS
24
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
ON THE
MMTANET.COM
SUPERTECH VOLUNTEERS
MMTANET.COM
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
25
26
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
MMTANET.COM
The New Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse: A Push and Pull System BY DAVE OSIECKI
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Starting Jan. 6, 2020, all 500,000 of the country’s motor carriers, including owneroperators, will be required to use FMCSA’s
can establish a Clearinghouse account before
has successfully completed the return-to-duty
the new system goes into effect.
process, whichever occurs later.
The Clearinghouse’s purpose is to
Motor carriers will be required to query,
new Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse.
promote highway safety. It applies to
or pull information out of the Clearinghouse
Carriers will be required to pull information
truck drivers and also school bus drivers,
at certain times defined in the rules. They
out of it and push information into it. And
construction equipment operators, federal
must perform a “full” query each time they
at first, there won’t be much information in
employee drivers who have CDLs, and others.
want to hire a CDL driver, but they’ll have to
the system.
It also applies to Canadian and Mexican
obtain the driver’s consent first. Drivers will
drivers who are required to comply with the
have to log in to the Clearinghouse and check
agency’s drug and alcohol requirements.
an electronic box allowing the carrier to view
Government often moves slowly, and the Clearinghouse is no exception. Congress in 2012 directed the Secretary
It will be especially valuable in helping
their records. This approach to driver consent is unique.
of Transportation to create it as part of a
carriers identify prospective drivers who
highway reauthorization bill called Moving
have had a DOT drug and alcohol program
Other motor carrier industry background
Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century
violation working for an ex-employer, but
checks such as those for motor vehicle
Act (MAP-21). It would take another four
conveniently left out that detail on their
records, past employment, and a criminal
years before FMCSA published the final rule
application. With some limited exceptions,
record allow drivers simply to sign their
designed to implement the program on Dec.
the Clearinghouse will contain violations
name on the bottom of an employment
5, 2016. Starting this fall, drivers and fleets
reaching back five years, or until the driver
MMTANET.COM
CONTINUED BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
27
fmcsa d&A application containing certain consent-related
the necessary return to duty steps in order to
completes the return to duty process, that
information. One obvious and foreseeable
operate a CMV.
also will be entered into the Clearinghouse.
problem with the Clearinghouse’s full query
For limited queries, drivers can provide
Drivers will be able, under FMCSA’s rules, to
consent approach is this: What happens if a
their consent when hired and will not be
challenge their report’s accuracy but not the
driver cannot remember his or her username
required to provide it for each subsequent
accuracy of test results or their own refusals
or password when logging in to the system?
limited query. Carriers will be able to batch
to test.
Who among us hasn’t forgotten a bank
the limited queries for all their drivers, and
account or credit card password? If a driver
many probably will. Regardless of how it is
to handle many portions of their DOT drug
is unable to access the system to provide
performed, carriers will have to perform this
and alcohol testing program. In fact, an entire
consent, then the carrier won’t be able to
action at least annually.
cottage industry has developed around the
check the Clearinghouse at that time during
While fleets will be required to pull data
Many fleets hire third-party service agents
DOT testing requirements. For Clearinghouse
from the system, they’ll also be required to
compliance, service agents can be authorized
push data into it. Any time a CDL driver has
by motor carriers to perform the queries
carrier hires a CDL driver. Carriers must also
a qualifying violation, it must be entered into
and report information to the system on
perform an annual “limited” query of each of
the system within three days. Those violations
their behalf.
their drivers, where they will check the system
include a blood alcohol test of at least .04%
to see if any data appears. On a limited
concentration, a refusal to test for alcohol or
requirements will be time-consuming. They
query, the system will merely confirm that
drugs, or a fleet’s actual knowledge of a DOT
will add burdens on carriers, as well as costs.
information is available on that driver; if so,
testing program violation. Actual knowledge
In fact, there will be a cost involved each
fleets then will be required to perform a full
would include a carrier’s direct observation
time a carrier queries the system, though the
query to learn exactly what happened, when
of use on duty and a driver’s admission of
transaction costs for the full and limited queries
it happened, and if the driver has completed
use on duty, among others. When a driver
have not yet been determined by FMCSA.
the hiring process. Full queries must occur each time a
28
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
The new Clearinghouse-related
MMTANET.COM
method to determine if a driver applicant, or
also have limited access to driver records in
much for that money at first. When the
an existing driver within the fleet, is qualified.
order to enforce the regulations while also
system goes into effect Jan. 6, 2020, the
That method could involve contacting
maintaining some level of driver privacy.
Clearinghouse will be empty, and it will take
FMCSA and requesting the agency perform
a while for information to be entered. Only
the check.
Interestingly, fleets won’t be getting
violations that occur after that date will be
As you might expect, there are special
On the heels of the ELD mandate, the Clearinghouse will be the next major change in an industry that often faces major
included. Meanwhile, fleets will continue to
rules for owner-operators. They will be
changes and compliance challenges. In order
be required to inquire about a driver’s drug
subject to all the requirements for companies
for carriers to learn the details of the new
and alcohol violation history with previous
as well as all the requirements for drivers,
Clearinghouse, FMCSA recently created an
employers during the first three years of the
and they will have to designate a third-party
informational website for the industry. This
Clearinghouse implementation, or until
administrator to assist them in complying
site can be found at https://clearinghouse.
Jan. 6, 2023.
with the rules.
fmcsa.dot.gov. Fleets are encouraged to check it out, and subscribe for updates from
FMCSA’s Clearinghouse rules also
Finally, there’s a yet-to-be-completed
contemplate what could happen if a fleet
component for state CDL licensing agencies.
FMCSA as the January 2020 compliance
submits inaccurate information about a
When drivers obtain their CDL, or renew,
dates nears.
driver, perhaps as a retaliation tactic after the
transfer or upgrade it, state licensing agencies
driver has left the company. If that happens,
will be required to check the Clearinghouse
training session on the new Clearinghouse
the carrier’s Clearinghouse registration can
to determine the eligibility of the driver
for its members on October 30. Look for
be revoked. While the carrier can remain in
to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
more information in the coming weeks on
business, it will have to use an alternative
Government enforcement agencies will
how to register.
MMTANET.COM
MMTA will be hosting an informational
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
29
big o
of k-
l and . To
MMTA NEW MEMBERS SINCE 1956 RICE TIRE HAS
BEEN DEDICATED TO FLEET Prepcon, Inc. SOLUTIONS Beltway Hagerstown MANAGEMENT EXPERTS IN TIRE SOLUTIONS IN MARYLAND & VIRGINIA. A T ING Robert Ferguson, Inc. First National CELEBR Bank Urland Development North American Commercial WWW.RICETIRE.COM FACEBOOK.COM/RICETIRE USI Insurance Services Vehicle YEARS Show Vacuum Truck Rentals Parker, Pallet, Slezak & Russell, LLC The Parsons Group Ltd.
RICE TIRE
60
ADVERTISER RESOURCE INDEX ATA MCE19 ..............................Inside back cover Baltimore Freightliner Western Star ..............10 Baltimore Potomac Truck Centers ..................13
g k-
Brad’s Fuel Filtering .......................................... 7 Drydene Lubricants/PPC................................... 8
s
if-
Duralene Heavy Duty Lubricants/ The United Oil Company .................................. 4 FOR HIGH LEVEL SERVICE AND VALUE VISIT US AT ONE OF OUR 10 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS.
BALTIMORE: 410-737-8010
a y, ust
FREDERICK: 301-695-9652
CUMBERLAND: 301-777-0400
GAITHERSBURG: 301-330-8473
FORESTVILLE: 301-736-8797
HAGERSTOWN: 240-420-0009
Great West Casualty Company .........Back cover Griffith Energy Services...........Inside front cover Kelly .................................................................11 Maryland Mobile Trailer Service.....................30
Virginia Locations: Manassas, Brandy Station, Harrisonburg, Winchester
Rice Tire............................................................12
e e
Scott B. Taylor Retirement Services ................30
Maryland Mobile Trailer Service, Inc.
hy you miss ng, n
Truck Enterprises Hagerstown........................26
• Since 1983 •
This publication was made possible with the support of these corporate advertisers. They support the trucking industry by enabling MMTA to provide this publication to its members, prospective members, elected officials and the business community at large. They deserve your consideration and patronage when making your corporate purchasing decisions.
COMPLETE TRAILER & TRUCK MAINTENANCE FACILITY • Fleet P.M. Program • D.O.T. Indpections • MD State Inspections “Trailers” • Road Service • DuPont Certified Paint Facility / 60ft. Paint Booth • R.V. Body Repairs • Maxon Liftgate Distributor • Interlift Liftgate Distributor • Morgan Parts Distributor / Warranty • Great Dane / Utility Warranty Facility
hat im-
y u
onucent
Please visit mmtanet.com to see the digital version of Behind the Wheel with live links to advertisers’ websites.
6735 DORSEY ROAD, ELKRIDGE, MD 21075 410-761-4884 410-379-6090 PHONE FAX
,
➥ 30
BEHIND THE WHEEL
| Q3 FALL 2019
BEHIND THE WHEEL ~ Q3 Fall 2016
19
MMTANET.COM
Join 3,000 of trucking’s top decision-makers to: Get the Latest Pulse in Trucking Influence Regulatory Policy and Legislative Issues Discover New Innovations in the Exhibit Hall
Network and Exchange Ideas Celebrate Industry Victories and Enjoy Entertainment by Jason Bonham Led Zeppelin Evening at the Annual Reception & Banquet
For more information and to register, visit:
http://mce.trucking.org
Premier sponsor of MCE 2019
Values Drive Performance Shared Values Can Lead to Organizational Excellence
800.228.8602
gwccnet.com
We understand you are in business to make a profit. Our Value-Driven® Company modules can help you reduce losses and increase profits by focusing on influencing employee behavior, changing culture, improving communication, and managing risk successfully. We believe it is everyone’s job to do what they can to prevent losses. We have developed a variety of training tools to help get all employees involved in safety. From seminars and webinars to Self-Service e-Tools and FAQs, we have solutions to fit your operations. We see “Critical Crashes” as a risk to your company. Our Value-Driven® Driving program focuses on helping drivers do what they can to prevent these types of accidents: rear-end, loss of control, lane change, and run under. All of our driver training programs are FREE to our insureds and can be accessed 24/7 on Great West’s Online Learning Library. GREAT WEST CASUALTY COMPANY – No matter where the road takes you, you will discover that at Great West, The Difference is Service®.