News

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order No. 192, providing mandatory health and safety standards to protect all New Jersey's workers at work during the pandemic.

The executive order will take the following actions:

Workplace health and safety standards to cover all NJ workers

The executive order will require both private and public sector employers to follow health and safety protocols that will serve to protect their in-person workforces. The Order mandates that as of 6:00 a.m. on November 5th, all employers, at minimum, require individuals at the worksite to maintain at least six feet of distance from others to the maximum extent possible and require employees and visitors to wear masks when entering the worksite, subject to certain limited exceptions.
Other protocols require employers to:

• Provide approved sanitization materials to employees and visitors at no cost to those individuals;
• Ensure that employees practice hand hygiene and provide sufficient break time for that purpose;
• Routinely clean and disinfect all high-touch areas in accordance with DOH and CDC guidelines;
• Conduct daily health checks, such as temperature screenings, visual symptom checking, self-assessment checklists, and/or health questionnaires, prior to each shift, consistent with CDC guidance;
• Exclude sick employees from the workplace and follow requirements of applicable leave laws; and
• Promptly notify employees of any known exposure to COVID-19 at the worksite.

Collaborative enforcement mechanism to address complaints

The Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) will support the Department of Health's efforts to address worker complaints from their employers. NJDOL's roles will include establishing an intake form on the NJDOL website to receive complaints and developing an investigation and inspection protocol to review complaints.

Training program to inform workers of their rights and to encourage employer compliance

The executive order also directs NJDOL to provide compliance and safety training for employers and employees. The department will provide materials to inform workers of their rights and businesses of their obligations as well as coordinate with workforce training partners to create and provide training.

Copy of Executive Order No. 192

I’m pleased to announce that Association Master Trust is changing its name. We’re now Association Member Trust. It’s a name that better communicates the fact that we exist to benefit NJMTA members and our sixteen other association partners and their participating businesses.  

Link to “Why AMT” video

·         AMT’s healthcare plans are designed to give small businesses more options with better service at lower cost

·         Our partner networks are Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, giving members access to one of New Jersey’s, and the nation’s, largest medical provider networks, and Delta Dental, one of the largest dental provider networks.

·         AMT delivers superior, personalized service, and we put our profits into improving our plans. When possible, we pay dividends. 

It’s always important to have the best health plan to meet your needs. This year it’s crucial. AMT offers the options and expertise to help you customize the perfect plan for your business, so you and your employees can stay healthy and productive in the year ahead. 

A reminder: Open Enrollment begins November 1^st. You must enroll by December 15^th to ensure coverage beginning January 1^st, 2021.  
 

To learn more, please visit the AMT website at www.amt-nj.com

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 1:00-2:30 pm EDT.

Comments sought on the regulation of property carrier brokers in general, and on three pending petitions concerning specific property carrier broker regulation issues. This meeting does not pertain to broker or freight forwarder minimum financial responsibility matters. Register at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../fmcsa-broker-freight...

Toll Collectors to Return to GWB & Lincoln Tunnel While New, More Sophisticated All-Electronic Tolling Is Installed  

 Holland Tunnel Will Remain Cashless; New Tolling Technology to Come Online in Next 60 Days 

Watch Time Lapse Video of Installation of New Electronic Tolling Gantries at Holland Tunnel Here 

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced that cash toll collection will be temporarily restored for the next 18 months at the Lincoln Tunnel and at the upper level of the George Washington Bridge beginning Monday, October 26.  

Approximately 100 toll collectors will return to toll booths for approximately 18 months while construction continues to transition the Lincoln Tunnel and George Washington Bridge from older tolling systems to more sophisticated, modern, all-electronic tolling technology. To ensure the safety of the toll collectors at these crossings, all workspaces such as booth interiors and common areas will receive enhanced cleanings. Employees will receive PPE and disinfectants to use while in their booths.  

Cash toll collection at the Lincoln Tunnel and the George Washington Bridge will cease permanently by mid-2022 when the construction and installation of new tolling technology is expected to be completed. At the Holland Tunnel, cash toll collection ceased on March 22, and the tunnel will remain cashless permanently as the installation of this modern technology will be completed in the next 60 days. 

The Port Authority upgraded to an all-electronic tolling system, which uses overhead gantries in place of toll lanes and booths, at the Bayonne Bridge in February 2017, at the Outerbridge Crossing in April 2019, and at the Goethals Bridge in September 2019.  

NJ MVC EXTENSIONS AND CDLS

Was my expiration date extended?

The following documents, if expiring between Mar 1 and May 31, have been extended to September 30.

If expiring between June 1 and August 31, they have been extended to December 31.

• All standard driver licenses (including permits) 
• Standard non-driver IDs 
• Vehicle registrations 
• Inspections 
• Temporary tags 

Commercial Driver Licenses (CDLs) and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs)

What about CDL Extensions?

Any valid New Jersey CDL or CLP due for renewal between March 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020 has been extended until December 31, 2020. This means expirations that were previously extended to September 30 have been extended for another three months

Medical Certifications have also been extended.

For CDL and CLP holders whose medical certification or medical variance expired

• March 1 to May 31, 2020, your new due date is October 31, 2020.
• June 1 to December 31, 2020, the new due date is December 31, 2020.

HAZMAT endorsements that expired between April 1 and June 30 are extended for 180 days.

HAZMAT endorsements expiring between July 1 and October 29 are extended to Dec 31, 2020.

The extensions mirror those issued recently by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which oversees CDLs, and the federal Transportation Security Administration, which oversees Hazardous Materials endorsements (HAZMAT).

https://www.state.nj.us/mvc/ 

UPDATED Thursday, October 1, 2020

BRIDGE AUTHORITY ANNOUNCES START OF

NEWBURGH-BEACON BRIDGE DECK REPLACEMENT PROJECT

Project to Bring New Road Surface for Westbound Travelers

Traffic Patterns Announced for Construction Period

Highland, N.Y. – The New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA) today announced the start of the full deck replacement project on the north (westbound) span of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, as well as new traffic patterns that will take effect by mid-December. Once the multi-year project is complete, drivers will experience a brand new road surface while traveling westbound on the span. It represents a major capital improvement in a critical connector for the Hudson Valley and the Northeast.

The north span of the Newburgh-Beacon Bridge is the older of the dual spans and carries westbound Interstate 84 traffic across the Hudson River. First opened in 1963, the last deck replacement took place in the early 1980s, shortly after the south span of the Newburgh-Beacon was opened.

To ensure that the project is completed effectively and efficiently, the Bridge Authority and its contractor have announced a plan to reroute traffic during construction. Most traffic will be routed onto the wider south span, with the exception of westbound traffic coming from Route 9D. By December 15, 2020, the following traffic patterns will be in effect:

• For eastbound traffic coming from I-84: Two lanes, rather than the usual three, will go across the south span of the bridge. Traffic entering I-84 from the Route 9W on-ramp will need to merge into eastbound traffic.
• For westbound traffic coming from I-84: Two lanes from I-84 will be routed toward the south span within the vicinity of the toll plaza. Once on the bridge, eastbound and westbound traffic will be separated by a concrete barrier.
• For westbound traffic coming from Route 9D: Drivers will utilize the exit ramp and stay in the northernmost lane on the north span, which currently functions as a breakdown lane. Bridge Authority maintenance staff will be repaving the breakdown lane during summer 2020 to prepare it for its increased use during construction.

“Our engineering team and contractor believe the traffic plan we have put in place is the best option for keeping traffic flowing while the bridge receives this vital improvement,” said Tara Sullivan, Acting Executive Director for the Bridge Authority. “The Newburgh-Beacon Bridge is a critical connector for the Hudson Valley and the entire Northeast. It will remain that way for decades to come, thanks to this deck replacement.”

The entire deck replacement project at the north span is expected to wrap up by July 2023, with most work expected to take place in 2021 and 2022.

Yonkers Contracting Co. was awarded the project in June. In addition to the deck replacement, Yonkers Contracting will also be putting in structural elements for a future conversion to cashless tolling. The Bridge Authority encourages all drivers to make the switch to E-ZPass in order to save time and money during their travels. Information on setting up an account can be found at www.e-zpassny.com.

The south span of the Newburgh-Beacon had its deck replaced between 2012 and 2014. One difference with the newest deck replacement project will be that the concrete will be poured in place on the bridge, rather than pre-poured panels of concrete being installed on the bridge. This eliminates joints between panels and ensures a better finished product. Another difference from the previous deck replacement project is that traffic will have more room to travel by being able to access the wider south span during the construction project.

Once complete, the deck replacement of the Newburgh-Beacon north span will cap off a decade-long period of several significant improvements to the Bridge Authority’s most traveled crossing. In addition to the south span deck replacement, the Bridge Authority completed a rehabilitation of the I-84 overpass over Route 9W in 2019.  

Traffic updates for all spans operated by the New York State Bridge Authority can be found on NYSBA’s Facebook and Twitter profiles at www.facebook.com/NYSBridge and www.twitter.com/NYSBridge.  

The New York State Bridge Authority

The New York State Bridge Authority operates the Bear Mountain, Newburgh-Beacon, Mid-Hudson, Kingston-Rhinecliff and Rip Van Winkle Bridges. It also owns and maintains the structure of the Walkway Over the Hudson pedestrian bridge. The Authority is funded principally from bridge tolls and receives no state or federal tax monies for bridge maintenance and operation. Learn more at www.nysba.ny.gov.

Hours of Service

“Hours of service” refers to the maximum amount of time drivers are permitted to be on duty including driving time, and specifies number and length of rest periods, to help ensure that drivers stay awake and alert. In general, all carriers and drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must comply with HOS regulations found in 49 CFR 395.

View a summary of the HOS regulations for property- and passenger-carrying drivers.

HOS Final Rule

On June 1, 2020, FMCSA revised four provisions of the hours of service regulations to provide greater flexibility for drivers without adversely affecting safety. Motor carriers are required to comply with the new HOS regulations starting on September 29, 2020.

What has changed?

Short-haul Exception

Expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-miles and allows a 14-hour work shift to take place as part of the exception.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

Expands the driving window during adverse driving conditions by up to an additional 2 hours.

30-Minute Break Requirement

Requires break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.

Sleeper Berth Provision

Modifies the sleeper berth exception to allow a driver to meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement by spending at least 7 hours of that period in the berth combined with a minimum off-duty period of at least 2 hours spent inside or outside the berth, provided the two periods total at least 10 hours. When used together as specified, neither qualify period counts against the 14-hour driving window.

Educational Tool for Hours of Service (ETHOS)

FMCSA launched a new online tool that allows users to enter driver records of duty status to see if there are potential violations with the new hours of service regulations.

Learn More About The HOS Final Rule

HOS Final Rule in the Federal Register

HOS Final Rule Fact Sheets

HOS Visor Card

HOS Rule Change Webinar Recording (June 2020)

508 Compliant Webinar Slides

HOS Question & Answer Session Recording (July 2020)

508 Compliant Webinar Slides

HOS Question & Answer Session Recording (September 2020)

Get to Know the New Rule (Español)

HOS Fact Sheet (Español)

Questions?

If you still have questions after reviewing the materials provided above, please submit your questions for consideration in future HOS webinars.

Who Must Comply?

Most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers must comply. In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:

·         Weighs 10,001 pounds or more

·         Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more

·         Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation

·         Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation

·         Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards

This Inspection Bulletin reviews accepted standards as well as alternative means for securing roll-on/rolloff, hook-lift and lugger boxes on commercial motor vehicles.

Click below for a copy of the Bulletin.

https://www.cvsa.org/wp-content/uploads/Inspection-Bulletin-2020-05-Roll-on-off-Hook-Lift-Lugger-Containers-Securement.pdf

The New Jersey Motor Truck Association Golf Outing & Networking Event originally scheduled for September 10th has been postponed until SEPTEMBER 24th at Forsgate Country Club.

Due to our postponement we are now able to accept more golf registrations.  If you missed our previous deadline you now have until September 17th to register.  Get your registration in today! 

SIGN UP ONLINE TODAY AT WWW.NJMTA.ORG. 

A special thank you so some of our sponsors

Major Tournament Sponsor - Safeway Trucking Corporation

Player Gift/Prize Sponsor - Atlantic Utility Trailer Sales, Inc.

Cocktail Party/Lunch Sponsor - Hall's Fast Motor Freight

Cigar Roller Sponsorship - National Retails Systems, Inc.

Mega Door Prize Sponsorship - NFI

Breakfast/Beverage Cart Sponsor - Hermann Transportation Services

Golf Cart Sponsor - Bergey's Truck Centers

Halfway House Sponsors - Strick Trailers & Campbell Freightliner & FedEx

Cup Sponsor - Mack Trucks, Inc.

Putting Green Sponsor - Edge Consulting

Email jblazovic@njmta.org if you have any questions.