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On The Horizon - January 15, 2024

Updated: Feb 15

Trades Education and Training Tax Credit

This last session, MTA continued to make sure trucking was included in Montana’s Trades Education and Training Tax Credit. With this, employers may take an income tax credit for the expenses incurred in providing employees with education and training for a trade profession. In addition to trucking, click here to see full list of qualifying expenses, trainings and trade professions. 

For more information, click here


Welcome New Member


Here is a message from our new member Cascade Electric out of Great Falls!

Cascade Electric is your experienced, proven, and highly rated electrical contractor company located in Great Falls, Montana. Family owned since 1917, we have provided the residents of Montana with high-quality service and expertise. Cascade Electric is proud to provide its quality services as a union company. We love our staff as much as we love our customers. We are here for all your home, commercial, and industrial electrical needs. There is no job too big or too small for us and guarantee that after service with us, you will be a customer for life. We guarantee there is no company in town you can trust more than Cascade Electric.


MDT Winter Maintenance Practices Webinar


Stay up to date with Montana Department of Transportation winter maintenance practices.

Join us for an online webinar to learn and ask questions about:

  • Safety around snow plows

  • MDT winter maintenance practices

  • MDT plowing challanges

  • When chains are required

  • Tow plows

  • Etc..

Date: January 24, 2024

Time: 1:00pm-2:00Pm

Secure your spot today by contacting us at mwilliams@mttrucking.org or 406-442-6600!


Billings Share the Road


Three more fantastic Share the Road events at West High, Skyview High, and Senior High in Billings. A big thank you to Diversified Transfer & Storage, The Legacy Corporation, Warren Transport, and Montana Department of Transportation for helping educate over 200 students on how to safely drive with trucks.


New Independent Contractor Rule


The Biden Administration released a new independent contractor rule that makes it more difficult to determine whether an individual is properly classified as an independent contractor, or employee.

The following statement released by American Trucking Associations on this. 


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 9, 2024

Sean McNally

(703) 838-1995

Trucking Reacts to Biden Administration’s Independent Contractor Rule and Renomination of Julie Su

 

Washington – American Trucking Associations President and CEO Chris Spear issued the following statement today after the Biden Administration published a final rule on independent contractor classification and renominated Julie Su to lead the U.S. Department of Labor:

“I can think of nothing more un-American than for the government to extinguish the freedom of individuals to choose work arrangements that suit their needs and fulfill their ambitions. More than 350,000 truckers choose to work as independent contractors because of the economic opportunity it creates and the flexibility it provides, enabling them to run their own business and choose their own hours and routes. That freedom of choice has been an enormous source of empowerment for women, minorities, and immigrants pursuing the American Dream. 

 

“The trucking industry has used independent contractors since the inception of interstate trucking, and court decisions over the last 90 years have continually reaffirmed the legitimate role ICs play in the economy. It's unfortunate that the Administration has chosen to replace a clear and straightforward standard with a tangled mess that weakens our supply chain and undermines the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of truckers across the country.

 

“The coordinated release of this rule with the renomination of Julie Su to lead the Department of Labor is proof positive that the Administration is doubling down on destructive policies that eliminate choice and opportunity for our workforce. Had Su actually taken the time to talk to independent contractors, she’d know firsthand what a misguided rule this really is. That is exactly why we opposed her nomination before and why we will continue to oppose it now. Radical California agendas have no place in federal policy. 

 

“ATA will work with members of Congress and other stakeholders to defeat this ill-advised rule.”


Will's Safety Tip


In this 3rd discussion on fire extinguisher safety, let’s take the mystery out of the size codes.

 

Fire Extinguisher Size Codes Explained:

 

Fire Extinguisher Size Ratings

You might come across a fire extinguisher labeled 4A:20B:C. The numbers indicate the size rating of each extinguishing agent. Here’s how it works:

  • The Class A size rating represents the water equivalency. Each number represents 1 ¼ gallons of water. For instance, 2A means the extinguisher is just as effective as 2 ½ gallons of water. 4A is equivalent to 5 gallons of water.

  • The Class B size rating indicates the square footage the extinguisher can cover. 20B means that as long as you sweep the nozzle side to side, there is enough extinguishing agent inside the canister to provide 20 square feet of coverage.

  • There is no size rating for Class C. After all, a Class C electrical fire is nothing more than a Class A or Class B fire with energized components requiring a non-conductive extinguishing medium. To effectively fight Class C fires, choose your extinguishers based on the Class A and Class B size ratings.

  • There is also no size rating for Class D fires. The effectiveness is detailed on the nameplate based on the specific combustible metal for which the extinguisher is recommended.


Stay Safe!


Upcoming events


Share the Road- Billings

March 18, 2024 - Senior Highschool

March 19, 2024 - Skyview Highschool

March 21, 2024 - West Highschool

Volunteers/Trucks Needed


Board Meeting

February 1, 2024 - Helena


Truck Driving Championship

June 7-8, 2024 - Helena


Annual Convention

September 23-25, 2024 - Missoula

















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