Driver of the Month
Congratulations Robert Scheibel of Diversified Transfer & Storage for being selected March Driver of the Month! Robert is a safe and consistent driver that has earned the respect of customers and fellow employees! Thanks Robert for continuing to make the roads safer for everyone!
Crowded highways: Memorial Day car travel expected to set new record
If you're on the road and not at home for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, be prepared for much heavier than normal traffic. In fact, you can expect a record number of holiday travelers on the interstates.
AAA projects 43.8 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Memorial Day holiday travel period. This year’s total number of travelers is a 4% increase over last year and comes close to matching 2005’s record of 44 million Memorial Day travelers. Read More
FMCSA Continues Nationwide Crackdown on Fraudulent Household Goods Movers and Brokers
Today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the launch of Operation Protect Your Move, the agency’s nationwide crackdown on scam interstate household goods (HHG) movers and brokers. This enforcement initiative will address complaints about HHG moving company and broker compliance with federal safety and consumer protection regulations and statutes.
“Americans deserve a fair deal when they move into a new home—and we’re cracking down on moving companies that hold people’s possessions hostage,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “This initiative will build on last year’s progress holding scammers accountable and is another example of the measures the Biden administration is taking to better protect consumers.”
“We take our consumer protection role seriously and aim to help educate and protect those who may be moving their household goods from one state to another,” said FMCSA Acting Deputy Administrator Sue Lawless. “We are committed to this work, and we are putting forth even more resources to make a greater impact, including increasing the number of HHG investigators on staff and establishing additional partnerships with state attorneys general offices.”
FMCSA conducted a similar, moving company-focused operation in the spring of 2023 as well as three HHG broker-focused operations in Nevada, New York/New Jersey, and Florida later in the year. The 2023 operations resulted in the discovery of more than 1000 violations of FMCSA regulations and focused on addressing consumer complaints. The agency took enforcement actions, where appropriate, by issuing Letters of Probable Violation or by revoking moving companies’ FMCSA operating authority. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a civil penalty enforcement case resulting from the 2023 operation. That case is pending in federal court in California. And, where appropriate, FMCSA will continue to refer criminal violations to DOJ for prosecution. This year’s operation will target movers and brokers across the country with the highest numbers of consumer complaints.
Ahead of the busy summer moving season, FMCSA is also launching the agency’s Protect Your Move education campaign to raise consumer awareness of household goods moving scams as the moving season kicks into high gear.
FMCSA encourages consumers to research and plan before moving across state lines by using the agency’s free online resources, including:
A handy moving checklist for before and during the move
The Consumer Rights and Responsibilities pamphlet
A “how to…” guide known as Spot the Red Flags of Moving Fraud
If you have experienced moving fraud and wish to file a complaint against a moving company or broker, the FMCSA National Consumer Complaint Database remains available.
Proposed Rule Would Reschedule Marijuana as Less-Dangerous Controlled Substance
As expected, the Drug Enforcement Agency (part of the Justice Department) has moved forward with a proposal to recategorize marijuana as a less-dangerous drug, noting widespread state legalization and currently accepted medical uses.
However, the American Trucking Associations has raised an alarm about whether trucking and other safety-sensitive industries would still be able to drug-test drivers for marijuana if the rule was changed. Read More
Executives, Analysts See Less Cloudy Truckload Market Outlook
The outlook for truckload freight markets and rates is less cloudy after a dismal first quarter, according to carriers and analysts.
“The industry is emerging from a challenging quarter,” said Lee Klaskow, senior freight transportation and logistics analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence. “Improved sentiment coupled with Truckstop’s rising Market Demand Index suggest [truckload] rates may move higher from here.”
According to a Bloomberg-Truckstop survey released May 8, sentiment among North American carriers operating in the spot truckload market improved in the past three months, although some concerns linger. Read More
MTA Golf Tournament
Registration is open for the MTA Golf Tournament! Join us for a day on the greens on June 20th at the Pryor Creek Golf Course! There will be a luncheon following the tournament in memory of former MTA president JE Williams. Use below links for registration and sponsorships!
Will's Safety Message
Ever sign a JSA? Read on for information about job safety analysis shared by safeopedia.
What Is a Job Safety Analysis?
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), is a technique used to examine all aspects of a specific job-related task in order to identify hazards before they cause accidents.
According to OSHA, a JSA must focus on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. After hazards have been identified, employers must then take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.
Benefits of a Job Safety Analysis
The purpose of a JSA is to help employers prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. In addition to this, they have a number of direct and indirect benefits, including:
Establishing proper job procedures
Ensuring that all employees are properly trained
Identifying previously unnoticed hazards
Reducing workers’ compensation costs
Increasing worker productivity
Assisting with regulatory compliance
Maintaining a healthier workforce
Allowing employees to feel better about their jobs
When Should You Conduct a Job Safety Analysis?
You should conduct a JSA for all job roles. OSHA does, however, recommend giving priority to the following job types:
Jobs with the highest injury, illness, and fatality rates
Jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness, even if there is no history of previous accidents
Jobs where one simple human error can lead to a severe accident or injury
Jobs that are new to the company's operations or have undergone changes in processes and procedures
Jobs complex enough to require written instructions
1. Get your employees involved. Discuss what you are going to do and why.
2. Review your accident record. Review the company’s accident history with your employees.
3. Conduct a preliminary job review. Discuss with your employees the hazards they face in their current job task and work environment.
4. Set priorities.
5. Outline the steps or tasks.
6. Identify the hazards.
7. Develop preventive measures.
8. Review and finalize the JSA.
Contact Will for more information, or to get JSA’s started at your workplace.
Stay Safe!
Montana Trucking Association 2023 Awards
We are accepting nominations for the 2023 Awards! Below are the four different categories and forms that can be applied for! You can also apply on our website. Please return completed forms to mwilliams@mttrucking.org by May 31, 2024
MTA Truck Driving Championship
Don't forget to register! Registrations are due May 31st. The championship will be held on June 8th at the Lewis & Clark County Fairgrounds. If you have any questions please feel free to reach out! Click the links below for the registration form, sponsorship opportunities and hotel room block information!
We need help to put on this great event! So if you are able to help or know of anyone, please let us know! Thank you in advance for your help in making this event happen! To register to volunteer use the sign up sheet below
2024 Annual Sponsorship Opportunities
MTA is accepting 2024 sponsorships. See link for full benefits and registration form!
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