Behind the Wheel – Q3 Fall 2019

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

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BEHIND THE WHEEL

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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

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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

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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

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| Q3 FALL 2019

entering its 3rd year training potential drivers.

Maria Wittmeyer

The program uses driving simulators and a

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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

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* * * 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,

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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

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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

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| 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

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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!

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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.

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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

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TDC COURSE

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ON THE

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TDC JR. RODEO

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TDC PRE-TRIP

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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

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Pitt Ohio

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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!

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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

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SUPERTECH SKILL STATIONS

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SUPERTECH VOLUNTEERS

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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Maryland Mobile Trailer Service, Inc.

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• 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.

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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

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BEHIND THE WHEEL ~ Q3 Fall 2016

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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

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