top of page

07/18/2022 On The Horizon













Mark Cole

Past Montana Trucking Association president Mark Cole lost his battle with cancer last week. Mark's name rises to the top as one of the volunteers that helped our association. He was a true advocate and key player moving the trucking industry forward. More than that he was a great friend to many. Our thoughts are with his family and friends through this time. OBITUARY


New ATRI Research Outlines Best Practices for Recruiting, Training, and Retaining Younger Adults in Trucking

Arlington, Virginia – The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) today released a new report that investigates how to best integrate younger adults aged 18 to 25 into trucking careers. This research, a top priority of ATRI’s Research Advisory Committee in 2021, synthesizes a variety of data and analyses including younger driver surveys, carrier interviews, and the latest workforce statistics. The research also documents motor carrier perspectives on participating in the new FMCSA Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program. The ATRI research found that, while Millennial and Gen Z drivers are partially motivated by pay, the majority of them consider other factors equally or even more important when it comes to joining or remaining with a motor carrier. Eighty-four percent of younger drivers consider company culture important. The report goes on to describe ... READ MORE


EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY DECLARATION UNDER 49 CFR § 390.25

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hereby declares that an emergency exists that warrants extension of the emergency declaration issued by the Governor of the State of Montana, and continuing the emergency relief granted for certain regulatory requirements in Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) as set forth herein. On June 14, 2022, due to rapid snowmelt and heavy rains resulting in widespread severe flooding, the Governor of the State of Montana issued a declaration of a statewide disaster emergency (E.O.-4-2022). The emergency regulatory relief under 49 CFR § 390.23 related to that declaration expires on July 14, 2022. On July 11, 2022, the Governor of the State of Montana requested FMCSA extend the emergency relief from 49 CFR § 395.3 for commercial motor vehicle drivers providing direct assistance to the emergency. Because emergency conditions have not abated .. READ MORE


California’s AB 5 Goes Into Effect, Leaves Questions for Carriers, Owner-Operators

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review a challenge to a controversial California law aimed at reclassifying owner-operators as motor carrier employees, carriers and independent contractors could soon be thrust into an uncertain business environment. By remaining silent on a challenge to California’s AB 5 law, the high court on June 30 sent a clear message to the trucking industry, but the fallout could be unsettling for some on both sides of the issue. The California Trucking Association, which asked for a Supreme Court review of its 2018 lawsuit, said of the court’s decision to not hear the case: “Gasoline has been poured on the fire that is our ongoing supply chain crisis.” CTA also said the AB 5 law “would cause motor carriers .. READ MORE


Save The Date

Montana Trucking Association Fall Trainings 11:00 to 1:00+ August 22-24, 2022 11:00 - Bruce Holmes, Montana Administrator of FMCSA – Bruce (in person!!) will be sharing some updates and changes to keep you current and in compliance. You’ll have plenty of time to talk with Bruce and he’ll be available to answer all your questions. Lunch Served 12:15 - Dr. Karen Underwood of Drowzle.com – Information and training on the effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea with Commercial truck operations. In addition, Representatives of Drowzle will be on site to talk with you about a low-cost diagnostic tool to diagnose OSA. Drowzle is offering special pricing for those in attendance. Monday August 22 at 1100, Energy Partners, Missoula Tuesday August 23 at 1100, Payne West, Great Falls Wednesday August 24, at 1100, Billings – Location TBD Trainings will be from 1100 – 1300, with a working lunch. Lunch will be provided by: If your interested in sponsoring a lunch for these trainings, please contact: mgehl@mttrucking.org Our registration will open next Monday, July 18, 2022 at: https://www.mttrucking.org/safety or email Karen at karen@mttrucking.org This will be a FREE training for all MTA members. Non-members $25.


Montana Truck Driver Appreciation

On September 14, 2022 Montana Trucking Association will be hosting two (2) Driver Appreciation events. One will be at the Laurel scales and the other will be at the Haugan scales. How can you help? · Become a Sponsor · Volunteer to cook and/or hand out food (anytime between 10:30 am - 2:00 pm) · Donate your company's swag (it will be given to the drivers) If you have questions or can help in any way email Karen at karen@mttrucking.org Click HERE for the sign-up form


Share the Road in Billings

We need your help for the August 2nd, 3rd & 4th Share the Road presentations in Billings. Each presentation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Here is what we need at each of the high schools: August 2nd at Senior High = 1 truck/driver and 1 volunteer August 3rd at Skyview High = 1 truck/driver and 1 volunteer August 4th at West High = 3 trucks/drivers and 3 volunteers If you are able to help any or all of these dates, please email Karen at karen@mttrucking.org or call 406-442-6600.



Our Sponsors




If you would like to be a Sponsor, please contact Karen at 406-442-6600 or karen@mttrucking.org


Mike's Safety Tip

Vehicle Theft Protection Month – Protect your ride July is Nation Vehicle Theft Protection Month. There are numerous antitheft devices designed to make it more difficult to steal your ride, and to make it easier to recover. Audible and visible devices, like horns and flashing lights. Immobilizing type devices which prevent a thieves from bypassing a vehicles ignition system. Vehicle recovery systems which use technology to help law enforcement locate your vehicle. Have a great week Mike



2022 Annual Inspection Decals



Call MTA to order the 2022 Inspection Decals 406-442-6600 Or you can Email Karen: karen@mttrucking.org


Upcoming Events

August 2, 2022 Share the Road Senior High 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Volunteers needed August 3, 2022 Share the Road Skyview High 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Volunteers needed August 4, 2022 Share the Road West High 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Volunteers needed August 16 - 19, 2022 National Truck Driving Championship Indiana Convention Center Indianapolis, IN August 21 - 27, 2022 Brake Safety Week August 23, 2022 Truckers Against Trafficking Delta Hotel by Marriott - Helena Colonial 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Click HERE to register September 11 - 17, 2022 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week September 14, 2022 Montana Truck Driver Appreciation Day Volunteers and Sponsors needed September 25 - 29, 2022 National SuperTech Competition Huntington Convention Center Cleveland, OH


Have you gotten your annual MVR's yet?

If not, Motor Carriers of Montana can run your Montana annual MVR's (Motor Vehicle Report) for you. The cost is $10.25 per MVR. All you need to provide is:

  • Employees name

  • Employees Montana driver license number

  • Employees date of birth

So if you would like us to help you with your annual MVR's, send an email to karen@mttrucking.org or call 406-442-6600




Montana Trucking Association 501 N. Sanders, Suite 201 Helena, MT 59601 406-442-6600

2 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page