This morning, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued its final rule creating a first-ever federal clearinghouse for driver drug and alcohol test results.

Every winter season creates challenges for our industry and the trucks that have to travel over California's high elevation mountain passes in order to make their deliveries. With the 2016-2017 winter months rapidly approaching, I'd like to call your attention to the Pusher Truck Program, one of the many CTA member benefits that makes a difference for hundreds of trucking companies each year as they pass the tough mountain climb on Interstate 80.

CTA recently hosted a HazMat (HM) Securement training session in Sacramento at CTA HQ. The session was attended by more than 30 member company representatives. The training session was in response to the number of inquiries CTA had received from some member LTL carriers regarding clarification on how HM securement laws are being enforced. In response to the inquiries and in an effort to provide its members with the best information, CTA reached out to the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and requested that a HM securement information session be presented to interested members. Click here to view the presentation that was provided by the CHP. For more information contact Eric Sauer at esauer@caltrux.org.

Beginning January 1, 2017, employers with 10 or more employees will be required to electronically submit employment tax returns, wage reports, and payroll tax deposits to the Employment Development Department (EDD). All remaining employers will be subject to this requirement beginning January 1, 2018. Any employer required under existing law to electronically submit wage reports and/or electronic funds transfer to the EDD will remain subject to those requirements.

 

 

The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency (SFMTA) recently held its Large Vehicle Safety Working Group meeting in San Francisco. One of the items discussed was the draft survey questions that will be sent to companies that make deliveries in the City of San Francisco.

This is a reminder that it is approximately one year until the second phase of the ELD rule kicks in. The 7th Circuit Court of Appeals recently upheld the rule from legal challenges.

CARB recently announced that, in addition to the possibility of a new, lower NOx engine standard, it is currently in the process of evaluating existing regulations affecting new and in-use heavy-duty engines and vehicles warranty and durability requirements.

Surface transportation systems depend on computer networks to operate, and recent high-profile hacking cases involving ransomware underscore the importance of good cybersecurity practices.  Ransomware is a form of malware that targets users' systems and critical data for the purpose of extortion. Ransomware is frequently delivered through spear phishing emails. Once the victim has been blocked from accessing his or her data, the hacker demands a payment. After receiving payment, the hacker usually provides an avenue for the victim to regain access to the system or data. However, paying the ransom does not guarantee the encrypted files will be released. To review the report click here.

CTA’s Central Valley Unit and the Fresno Transportation Club are joining together to make this holiday season a time to celebrate and a time to give. Join us on Friday, December 9, 2016, 6:30 p.m. at the Belmont Country Club.  Click here for more information.

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Unit Meeting 

Kern Unit will be holding their annual donations on December 13, 11:30 a.m. social, 12:00 p.m. meeting at Hodel’s Country Dining, 5917 Knudsen Drive, Bakersfield, CA 93308. Click here to register. 

Make-A-Wish "Helmet for Hope"  

On November 10 our Kern Unit participated in the annual Make- A-Wish "Helmet for Hope" donation drive and lunch.  The unit has been involved since it started five years ago. It's a lot of hard work but we love giving back to our community. This year our Steering/Planning Committee members with the help of PG&E made 1050 Deep-Pit sandwiches in 1 hour and 45 minutes. With the help of our group, Make-A-Wish was able to raise $34,000 that day. Please take the time to look at the attached pictures by clicking here.

- Bill "Burgie" Burgemaster 

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Thank you to all who attended the Nov 30 President's Night. Photos from the event are now available. To view them, click here. 

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Thank you to all who attended the Nov 29 President's Night. Photos from the event are now available. To view them, click here. 

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Thank you to all who attended the Dec 1 President's Night. Photos from the event are now available. To view them, click here. 

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CTA’s 2017 Annual Membership Conference is this January. Sponsoring this event is a great way to kick off the year showing your support for CTA and the trucking industry. Make your voice heard and help us make this a successful event to remember. To view all sponsorship opportunities, please visit our website.

Click here to view the CTA calendar of events. The CTA calendar showcases all events provided by the California Trucking Association. 

Penalties for not meeting all hazardous waste requirements could incur fines up to $25,000 or more.  Regulators are stepping up their inspection and enforcement actions.  This training will help you properly manage the typical hazardous waste most trucking operations produce, such as: used oil, antifreeze, brake fluid, batteries, aerosol cans, and floor sweep contaminated with automotive fluids.  You’ll learn how long these wastes can be stored at your facility, how containers with those wastes must be managed and disposed of, and the documents you need to have during a regulatory inspection.  Participants will receive a reference manual and a certificate of completion that regulators often ask for to confirm you are meeting the training requirement. Click here to register. 

CTA can help you take care of them!  We can save you time and money so don’t wait, contact Tina Ferguson at (916) 373-3525 or tferguson@caltrux.org to get started. 

Members receive a 6% discount when they submit a quote request directly to AccuSure, CTA’s Exclusive Circle Club Partner who facilitates multiple programs that offer member discounts. Don't wait any longer and ask your broker to request a quote. Contact AccuSure at (877) 774-6694 or email at relations@accusure.com.