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Thursday, January 21, 2016
Volume 7 --- Issue 2
FMCSA Issues Proposed Safety Fitness Determination Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a proposed safety fitness determination rule that would use data from agency and roadside inspections and investigations, or both, in evaluating on a monthly basis whether a carrier is fit to operate.

The proposed rule would replace the current three-tier federal SafeStat rating system of "satisfactory, conditional or unsatisfactory" for carriers used since 1982 with a single determination of "unfit," which would require the carrier to either improve or cease operations. A carrier could be proposed unfit by failing two or more Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) through inspections or investigation results, or a combination of both, the agency said.

Once in place, the rule will permit FMCSA to assess the safety fitness of approximately 75,000 companies a month using the agency's Compliance, Safety, Accountability program's safety measurement system methodology. FMCSA said it currently is only able to investigate 15,000 motor carriers annually.

Read more about this article at www.iowamotortruck.com

SOURCE:  Transport Topics
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Trucking Conditions Point to Potential 2016 Improvements
The November FTR Trucking Conditions Index jumped by more than three points to a reading of 8.64-- possibly pointing to improvements for truckers in 2016, according to FTR.

The carrier environment is forecast to strengthen as shippers continue to worry about tight capacity, said FTR. However, the downside risks for carriers could trump this if freight fails to grow as expected because of weak industrial output.

Despite some stock market turmoil in recent months, low oil prices and other economic indicators point to modest growth domestically. Manufacturing is down but a modest rebound is expected by mid-year and if that holds true, FTR believes rate growth to stay positive and capacity to tighten in late 2016.

Read more about this article at www.iowamotortruck.com

SOURCE:  HDT Trucking New
Final Rule Adds 96 Haz-Mat Special Permits
A new final rule from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration places an additional 96 hazardous-materials special permits into regulation. PHMSA submitted the rule for publication to the Federal Register on Jan. 12.

The agency said such special permits "set forth alternative requirements- or a variance- to the requirements in the Hazardous Materials Regulations in a way that achieves a safety level at least equal to that required under the regulations."

PHMSA added that these permits also provide a mechanism for testing new technologies, promoting increased transportation efficiency and productivity and improving global competitiveness.

Read more about this article at www.iowamotortruck.com

SOURCE:  Heavy Duty Trucking
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Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation Scholarships
Since 1986, the Iowa Motor Carriers Foundation has awarded scholarships to Iowans pursuing education in any field of study at an Iowa-based college or university. 

To be eligible to receive an IMCF scholarship, a student must be a permanent resident of the state of Iowa.  Selections are based on the applicant's academic record and outside activities as they pertain to school and community citizenship.

For information on the 2016 IMCF scholarships, and how to apply, please visit www.iowamotortruck.com.  Application deadline is March 15, 2016 --- do not delay!
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Still Time to Submit Nominations for CVSA Driver Excellence Award
Each year, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) recognizes the exceptional careers of professional commercial motor vehicle drivers and their commitment to public safety. CVSA officially acknowledges these individuals through the annual International Driver Excellence Award (IDEA).

This annual award recognizes individuals who go above and beyond the performance of their duties as a commercial vehicle driver, distinguishing themselves conspicuously and beyond the call of duty through the achievement of safe operation and compliance carried out with evident distinction for an extended period of time.


For more information on this award opportunity, visit www.iowamotortruck.com
CSA Safety Management System Website Updated
The CSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) Website has been updated, and pursuant to the FAST Act of 2015, some of the information previously available on the FMCSA Website related to property carrier compliance and safety performance is no longer available for public display.

As a motor carrier, your Vehicle Miles Travelled and Power Unit data from the Motor Carrier Registration form (MCS-150) are used to calculate your Unsafe Driving and Crash Indicator Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Category percentiles.
 
To ensure the most accurate information is used to calculate your percentiles, update your VMT and PU data before January 28th.

For more information on how to view, or update, your SMS results visit www.iowamotortruck.com

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FREE IMTA Webinar:  State of the Economy
IMTA welcomes Bob Costello, Chief Economist at the American Trucking Associations, to the IMTA member webinar series to share an update on the current economic situation as it relates to trucking.

You won't want to miss this webinar. The information will be of benefit to all trucking company personnel and should help you in making economic and operation decisions as they relate to your company, as well as give you an understanding of the current state of our country's economy.

For more webinar information, or to register online, visit www.iowamotortruck.com
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Top 10 Forecasts for 2016 by Kiplinger
  1. A good year for US economy but not a great year - modest GDP growth/overall inflation will pick up
  2. Chances of terrorist attack in US and abroad remain high
  3. Expect a shake - up in the Republican Presidential race - someone will emerge as the new mainstream challenger once voting begins in Iowa and New Hampshire
  4. Crude Oil prices will bounce back...but just a bit
  5. Modest gains in the stock market and even more volatility
  6. President Obama will travel to Cuba before he leaves office in January 2017
  7. The end of the 40% excise tax on high-cost health plans will be in sight
  8. Congress will OK a trade deal that Obama covets - the Trans-Pacific Partnership will ease tariffs between the US and 11 other nations.
  9. More small satellites will mean big opportunities for all kinds of firms - There will be 300 -plus small satellites launched in 2016, three times as many in 2013.
  10. Generation Z - 70 million kids born after 1998 will start making their mark. Generation Z will challenge merchants and bosses with their wants.
 
Source: The Kiplinger Letter 
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IMTA Platinum Sponsors
  
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Brenda Neville, President � [email protected]
Jon Dill, Membership Manager � [email protected]
Don Egli, Director of Safety � [email protected]
DeAnn Moody, Office Manager � [email protected]
Janelle Stevens, Director of Communications, Education & Events � [email protected]
Whitney Tapia, Marketing & Public Relations Manager � [email protected]