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Thursday, February 4, 2016
Volume 7 --- Issue 6
FMCSA's Coercion Rule Becomes Effective
In November, FMCSA published a Final Rule dealing with driver coercion. The rule prohibits carriers, shippers, receivers, or transportation intermediaries from coercing drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles in violation of provisions of the FMCSRs, including hours-of-service limits, the commercial driver's license regulations, drug and alcohol testing rules, and the hazardous materials regulations.

In addition, the rule prohibits any who operates a CMV in interstate commerce from coercing a driver to violate commercial regulations.

The rule, which became effective on Friday, January 29, 2016, includes procedures for drivers to report incidents of coercion to FMCSA, establishes rules of practice that the Agency will follow in response to reports of coercion, and describes penalties that may be imposed on entities found to have coerced drivers.

IMTA has discussed this rule with FMCSA and FMCSA has informed us that they will have a formal process in place where the driver must have documentation to prove the coercion report. A driver calling and alleging coercion, with no supporting proof, will be handled differently than a driver who has proof of the incident. Also, the rule specifies that the complaint must be filed within 90 days after the event.

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Proposed DOT Rulings Expected This Month
The Department of Transportation gave its first update since November on a rulemaking to require speed limiters on heavy trucks, now projecting the rule to be published in February. The proposed rule, a joint effort from FMCSA and another DOT agency, has been stuck in the White House's Office of Management and Budget since May 2015.

The DOT now projects the rule that would mandate use of speed limiters on heavy trucks to be published Feb. 15.  This rule could require governors on all trucks weighing over 27,000 pounds to a speed established by the rule

Read more about this article at www.iowamotortruck.com

SOURCE:  CCJ
Large Truckload Carrier Driver Turnover Rate Increases in Third Quarter
The annualized turnover rate for large truckload carriers rose 13 points to 100 percent in the third quarter of 2015, the highest it's been in three years, according to ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello.

The turnover rate at smaller truckload carriers, however, dipped to 68 percent, its lowest point since the fourth quarter in 2011.

For the first three quarters of 2015, the turnover rate for large carriers - fleets with more than $30 million in annual revenue - average 90 percent, down from 2014's average of 95 percent. The smaller carrier average was 75 percent through the first three quarters of 2015, a significant drop from the 90 percent it averaged in 2014.

Read more about this article at www.iowamotortruck.com

SOURCE:  CCJ
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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 one of the $1000 scholarships, 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 please visit www.iowamotortruck.com.  

Application deadline is March 15, 2016!
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Iowa DOT Tests Icy Road Warning Sensors
The Iowa Department of Transportation is currently testing road sensors designed to detect and warn drivers of icy road conditions.
 
The devices, called PATeye sensors, are installed in the road like center lane deflectors and begin to flash when icy conditions are present. The PATeye is designed to detect the likelihood of frost development on different surfaces, including multiple road types, rails, and sidewalks.

The sensor is triggered when the ground temperature reaches a pre-determined mark and illuminates the road to get a driver's attention as well as illuminate any patches of black ice.

Read more about this article at www.iowamotortruck.com

SOURCE:  Heavy Duty Trucking
Is Your Safety Professional a Member of the Iowa Council of Safety Management?
Safety is a top priority in the trucking industry and this council is a way for you to gain the information and the recognition you deserve
 
In addition to informative meetings each month, this council provides you with the opportunity to meet other safety professionals and establish valuable working relationships, including relationships with Iowa DOT officials, FMCSA officials and Iowa Highway Patrol officials.  

It's never too late to sign-up to become a member of the ICSM.  If you are involved with your company's safety operations, you need to belong to this worthwhile division of the IMTA.
 
Read more about ICSM and see the upcoming meeting schedule at www.iowamotortruck.com

Sign-up today & attend your first meeting next week on Tuesday, February 9!

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Kirkwood Community College Hosts Dan Baker Seminar on March 24
If you did not get an opportunity to attend the IMTA Dan Baker seminar last year, now is your chance to attend a similar seminar hosted by Kirkwood Community College in Marion, Iowa.

Dan's seminar will provide invaluable insight on how to engage, appreciate and retain the diverse workforce of men and women who move America.

March 24, 2016  |  8am - 3pm

Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services
Marion, Iowa

Interested individuals may apply online utilizing the following link.  If you have questions, please contact IMTA member Greg Stewart at (319) 398-7130 or greg.stewart@kirkwood.edu.
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IMTA Leadership Class Application Now Available
The Iowa Motor Truck Association's leadership program was developed over 20 years ago and from the onset, the objective of the program was to help the next generation of leaders become prepared not only to serve their companies and communities in a more effective manner, but also to serve the industry and their association.
 
Due to the success of this distinguished program, each year there is a waiting list of worthy applicants.  We ask that prior to applying for the program you confirm your availability for all sessions.  Space limitations unfortunately prevent us from accepting every applicant that applies. 
 
To view the Leadership Class information packet & to register, visit www.iowamotortruck.com
Online, On-Demand Training Program Available at Your Fingertips
Did you know that IMTA members have exclusive access to hundreds of interactive & video on-demand training courses through a partnership with J.J. Keller & Associates?  

The curriculum & content is comprehensive, & the course library is consistently being updated & expanded to meet the needs of the companies utilizing the program.  Additionally, the entire system can be tailored to your company's needs, offering the ability to track offline activity & to group employees needing similar training. 

For more information on the online training program & to register your company, visit www.iowamotortruck.com
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IMTA Platinum Sponsors
  
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Brenda Neville, President · brenda@iowamotortruck.com
Jon Dill, Membership Manager · jon@iowamotortruck.com
Don Egli, Director of Safety · don@iowamotortruck.com
DeAnn Moody, Office Manager · deann@iowamotortruck.com
Janelle Stevens, Director of Communications, Education & Events · janelle@iowamotortruck.com
Whitney Tapia, Marketing & Public Relations Manager · whitney@iowamotortruck.com