INFO ON CLEAN TRUCK PROGRAM RETROFIT

We have talked a little about the retrofit that is available for 1994-2003 models, that will allow them access to the Port of Long Beach, and the Port of Los Angeles.  I know that most of you are not considering the retrofit, and I can tell you that we are working aggressively to get alternate solutions for our pre-2004 units to haul containers out of these ports.  I have highlighted the specific details in red below.

Important Message to Licensed Motor Carriers and Independent Owner Operators!

RETROFITTING MODEL YEAR 1994 TO 2003 TRUCKS FOR ACCESS TO PORT TERMINALS AFTER JAN. 1ST 2010

Starting January 1, 2010, drayage trucks with engine Model Years of 1993 and older will be banned from entering terminals at the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. Trucks with engine Model Years 1994 to 2003 will be allowed access only if equipped with a level 3 verified diesel emission control system (VDECS) that also achieves a minimum 25 percent reduction in NOx emissions. Trucks with engine Model Years 2004 and newer will continue to have access until January 1, 2012, after which ONLY trucks with engines that meet the 2007 emissions standards will be allowed entry into the ports.

Licensed Motor Carriers (LMCs) and Independent Owner Operators (IOOs) considering retrofits for their trucks equipped with Model Year 1994 to 2003 engines should be aware of the following:

· Not all 1994 to 2003 engine Model Years are approved for retrofit with a CARB or U.S. EPA approved level 3 VDECS. You should consult with a retailer or installer whether your truck is eligible and suitable for a retrofit.

· The emissions standard for VDECS approved by the Long Beach and Los Angeles ports are NOT the same as the emissions standard for VDECS approved by the state. The ports require that you install a level 3 VDECS that also achieves a minimum 25 percent reduction in NOx emissions. NOTE: If your truck receives a VDECS that meets the ports’ retrofit standard, by definition it will also meet the state’s retrofit standard.

· Even if your truck’s engine is approved by the vendor as being on the eligible list for retrofitting, it must be checked out by the vendor to ensure that it is in suitable condition and being operated in accordance with the VDECS manufacturer’s requirements. For example:

o Your truck’s engine must be mechanically sound and it cannot have excessive levels of engine oil in the exhaust

o Your driving profile must generate enough exhaust heat to meet the operational requirements of the VDECS. That means things like how often you stop, how far you drive and how long you idle on a typical day will determine whether or not the retrofit works. Before installing a level 3 VDECS in your truck, the vendor must log data from your truck (typically a week) before determining whether your truck can be retrofitted.

· Retrofitting of a VDECS can moderately increase backpressure on your truck’s engine, adding additional stress to engine components. It is very important that your rig and the emission control device are well maintained. The cost of a properly installed, ports-approved level 3 VDECS is estimated at $20,000 to $25,000. Maintenance costs are estimated at $300 to $500 a year. Additionally, your fuel economy (MPG) may be slightly reduced.

· Currently, no retrofit is available that will make your truck equipped with a Model Year 1994 to 2003 engine exempt from the January 1, 2012 ban of all trucks equipped with a Model Year 2006 or older engine; therefore, you must continue to pay the $35 per TEU Clean Trucks Program fee.

Truck owners that retrofit their trucks equipped with Model Year 1994 to 2003 engines with the proper diesel emission control system must visit the Temporary Access Center (TAC) BEFORE the January 1, 2010 deadline to verify that their trucks comply.

The Temporary Access Center is located at 3593 New Dock Street (Pier S Avenue and New Dock Street), Terminal Island, San Pedro, CA 90731.

Failure to do so means you will be barred from the terminals starting on January 1, 2010, until the truck is verified by the TAC..

Note: Applicants for Proposition 1B (Prop 1B) funded replacement trucks should contact the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) for more information about possible continued use of their trucks IF they have signed a Prop 1B award contract.

To learn more about equipping your port drayage truck with a verified emission control technology:

· Visit the Ports’ websites http://www.portoflosangeles.org/CTP/idx_ctp.asp and http://www.polb.com/cleantrucks.

· Call the Clean Trucks Program Help Line – (866) 721 – 5686

· Contact the Clean Trucks Center – 888-KLN-TRUX (888-556-8789)

· Contact the AQMD (Proposition 1B Program) – (909) 396-2000

Happy Thanksgiving! New Newsletter is up!

Hi there!

Click the images above to view Mercer’s new Thanksgiving Ads. Of course, this year we are thankful for our fantastic owner operators.

We have a new newsletter up on Mercertown.com. Check it out.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

-Johanna

CSA 2010 DRIVER RATINGS DEPEND ON GOOD ROADSIDE INSPECTIONS

A lot of folks have been stopping in to discuss CSA 2010, which will replace the current audit-based carrier safety rating system. I’ve written about it a lot and talked to a bunch our drivers about it, both in Louisville and at every field inspection location I’ve visited this year. It is important to understand that not only will carriers be rated, but drivers will also receive a rating, also based on their roadside performance. Data collection for that process began this year and the data will be on each driver’s record for three years. Not only will a driver’s current carrier have access to it (beginning in December) but any prospective carrier to which a driver applies will also have access to it. It will add a fourth element to the driver’s background check. Carriers will look at experience, MVR, criminal history and CSA 2010 driver fitness rating in making a lease or hire decision. Anything written up on a roadside inspection will affect both the carrier’s and the driver’s fitness rating. Anything. The point weights of the various violations vary, but everything is assigned a value. Everything counts.

Most of our folks are getting the message about this and I’m seeing more and more clean inspections. Some need to do better….quickly. Here’s what I see:

Speeding. If you don’t want to be inspected, don’t speed. Not a nickel over, not a penny over. Most of our inspections are the result of getting pulled over for speeding. Remember, under CSA 2010, if “speeding” is written on the inspection report, you just got burnt for it, regardless of whether or not you were issued a ticket. Any problem with logs, any, will be a big problem for you and will be on your record for three years, starting in 2009. Most log problems show up on the roadside when a driver is stopped for speeding. Remember, running hard doesn’t make you a “hero”, it just shows that you are in a hurry to find another line of work.

Load Securement. Not putting an extra strap or chain on the first bundle or item of your cargo causes more securement OOS write ups than anything else, closely followed by defective straps. Smart drivers make it a habit to put one extra securement device on the front no matter what and no matter if they think they have it right or not. Always secure your load as if your career depends on it, because with CSA 2010, it does. I strongly recommend every driver become a member of the “strap of the month club”. That is, make it a habit every month to replace one strap. You simply can no longer risk being written up for cut or torn straps. Toss the bad ones. No matter what you’re told, my truck would have twenty good 4 inch straps on it at all times. 20, viente.

Brakes. Have someone look at your brakes and adjust them monthly. Check them daily. They have got to pass a Level 1 every week. You will see increased roadside activity under CSA 2010 and that is a biggie.

Industry observers predict that as many as 30% of the current driver workforce will be out of a job after the first year of CSA 2010 due to deficient driver ratings. Remember, since all carriers can see them, if one carrier can’t handle a driver due to bad inspections, it is unlikely any other carrier will want him or her, either. And if the FMCSA says a driver is unsatisfactory, neither Mercer nor anyone else will be able to ignore it and use him or her anyway.

Several drivers have asked about training for CSA 2010. Here it is: Log legal, over secure your load, don’t speed and religiously maintain your truck. I can’t overstate how important this stuff is. Everyone has got to get it right. The time to break bad habits is now. Drive carefully. Be safe.

TRUCKING INDUSTRY AT WAR?

This article is a must read.  This guy claims that there is a war being waged against the trucking industry.  He outlines all of the major changes that you all may face in the very near future.

http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/blog/It_s_Personal/26383-The_War_On_Trucking_Continues.php

CBP ANNOUNCES CHANGES FOR FAST CARD HOLDERS

CBP Announces Changes for Commercial Frequent Traveler Program Members

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) today announced that members of its Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program will not be able to use their old FAST cards in passenger lanes effective January 5, 2010.

CBP has been issuing new cards for current FAST members since March 16. The new cards have enhanced security features that allow U.S. citizen cardholders to comply with the documentary requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI).  All members are requested to activate their new cards within 30 days by going to https://goes-app.cbp.dhs.gov/ and destroy their old ones.

If members have not received their new cards, they should go immediately to their local enrollment center to either pick up their new card or to apply to have a new card issued, which will take approximately seven to 10 business days to receive.

All old FAST cards will be deactivated January 5, 2010.  CBP officers will permit a one-time entry into the U.S. to travelers with old FAST cards, but will seize the card from the traveler and refer the member to the Enrollment Center.

The Free and Secure Trade program is available to commercial drivers crossing both the northern and southern borders.  Currently, the program has more than 92,000 members.

TRUCKERS PROTEST THE CLEAN TRUCK PROGRAM

On Friday, Hundreds of trucks convoyed from the ports of Long Beach, and Los Angeles, to City Hall in downtown L.A.  They slowed traffic on the 710 Freeway.  They circled city hall while honking their horns.

The truckers were protesting the next phase of the year-old Clean Truck Program, a pollution-reduction effort at the ports that bans older trucks, among other rules.  Beginning Jan. 1, trucks built before 1994 will be barred from the ports. Trucks built between 1994 and 2003 will require retrofits to reduce emissions.

The National Port Drivers Association is pushing for an extension of the deadlines, grant funding made available to independent truckers to help pay for retrofits and cleaner trucks, and an investigation of the program. The association also opposes the Port of Los Angeles’ mandate that requires all drivers to be employees of trucking companies by 2013.

All I have to say about this, is I hope that this happens every week for the rest of the year.  I think that these ports are trying to regulate trucking.  Our owner-ops only go into the ports maybe 5, 10, or 15 times a year. They are not contributing to the pollution problem at the port nearly as much as the drivers that go in and out of the ports daily.   Some exceptions need to be considered for owner-ops.  Hopefully protests like this will make some people listen.

COMPLIANCE AND THE HOLIDAYS

It is that time of the year folks.  Holiday season.  Next week I will be at home stuffing myself full of turkey, and hanging out with the family.  I’m sure that many of you will be doing the same.  Most of you will have significant home time during the holidays.

Please do your best to make sure you are staying compliant with your logs, physicals, maintenance reports, and inspections.  These items have to be current whether you are working or not.  If you don’t keep them up to date, especially your logs, you could have even more home time than expected.  Because if they are behind, you will be shut down and put Out Of Service.  Be proactive before you take that time off, so when you are ready to come out and work, your coordinator will be able to find you some freight without interruption.  Happy holidays everyone.

CHANGES IN DETENTION FOR MENLO

Most of you have hauled military freight for Menlo Logistics lately.  Menlo has taken over the freight operations for many of the bases around the country that we haul freight into and out of.  They will continue to take over operations at more and more of these bases.  We have recently had some changes in the requirements for billing detention for shipments that we move for Menlo.  These requirements only apply to military loads handled by Menlo, and do not apply to all military freight.  You should see Menlo listed on your GBL, or your coordinator can let you know if your load is a Menlo shipment.

First of all, there are changes with the amount of free time that is given to Menlo.  The amount of free time is determined largely by what type of shipment that you have. 

1. If you are loading vehicles – 3 hours
2. Fully palletized shipments, 20,000 pounds and over -  2 Hours
3. Tow-away (power only) shipments – 1 hour
4. All other freight less than 3000 pounds – 1 hour
5. All other freight  3000-10000 pounds – 2 hours
6. All other freight 10000-20000 pounds – 3 hours
7. All other freight 20000+ pounds – 4 hours

Documentation and Notification of Detention (DEP):

- Please note that the detention clock begins when the driver is on site and has checked in (with a responsible representative). As soon as it comes to our attention, we must notify Menlo of a potential detention issue. From that point, we are required to have the following:

1. Bill of Lading signed by US GOVT representative
2. Location
3. Time arrived at dock for loading/unloading and location of dock (such as warehouse # or street address).
4. Time departed dock and loading/unloading location.
5. A detailed explanation, to include specific times and circumstances of the reason for detention and applicable contact information.

All of the requirements listed above, must be met for us to bill Menlo for detention time.

VETERANS DAY

Wanted to take some time to thank all of you Veterans that read the blog.  Your service, and commitment will not be forgotten.  If you are a Veteran, I think it would be cool if you would leave a comment in the comment section.  Have a great day everyone!

PA Turnpike Tolls Calculator

More and more of you are starting to use the computer, and anytime I find a helpful website for you, I like to pass it on.  Heidi came across a website that you can use to calculate the exact cost of the tolls you will have on the Pennsylvania Turnpike.  You will have to select where you will enter, and exit the turnpike, and also choose your vehicle weight, and amount of axles.  It will then give you a cost for your tolls.  Here’s the link http://www.paturnpike.com/toll/tollmileage.aspx

 

UPDATE:  There is a scheduled detour on the turnpike this weekend.  Here is the news directly from their website.

Attention motorists, please be advised of a planned detour this weekend on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, Interstate 76, between the Irwin (Exit 67) and New Stanton (Exit 75) Interchanges. Eastbound traffic will be detoured off of the Turnpike at Irwin, and westbound traffic will be detoured off at New Stanton. The closure will begin at midnight Saturday, November 14th and last until Sunday, November 15th at approximately 3AM, so crews can erect an overhead sign structure at milepost 73.9. More specific detour routes to re-enter the Turnpike will be available at the time of the closure. Motorists should plan for additional travel time & delays if traveling through the area during this time.

 

Good News From Debbie Berkel

Debbie Berkel wrote us some good news about their charity auction, and the Wounded Warrior Project!  Here it is:

Just to let every one know we had our charity auction with a huge THANK YOU to Mercer, office people and drivers!!! You are the BEST!

Just wanted to let you know we are sending Mercer’s Wounded Warrior Fund a check for $1700.00 and that is just the start. We are going to have a raffle at Mercer’s BBQ and at the truck show. Come see us!

We will be raising more and I will let you know how much when we send the checks!

Thanks for all you do Tom and Debbie!

LKY INSPECTIONS SCHEDULED AT TPA OFFICE

I will be doing LKY inspections at the TPA office in Plant City, FL this coming Monday and Tuesday (11/9-10) from 7:30am-5:00pm both days. If you need a Louisville inspection and have trouble getting to Louisville, here’s your chance. The more the merrier.

Passport Card

Lately, I have had several contractors tell me that they had to stop going to Canada, because they don’t have a passport.  Who has the time or the money to get one anyway?  I think I may have found a good alternative for truck drivers though.

A Mercer Contractor showed me his passport card the other day.  It looks a lot like a driver’s license.  It can be used to enter the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda, by land border crossings, or sea ports-of-entry.

The card is equipped with a RFID chip.  As you approach the border crossing, the RFID chip communicates to Border Patrol that you are close by.  This will expedite your crossing, because they will have you records pulled by the time you reach the border.

The card costs $45 for an individual that does not currently have a passport.  If you do have a passport, you can get the passport card for $20.  Click this link (http://travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html) to get more information on the passport card.

Contractor Web vs. BlackBerry

I am fielding a ton of calls from contractors that use internet capable phones, such as the BlackBerry.  There are several issues with phones not being compatible with our contractor web.  For those of you that encounter these problems, I do not have a lot of answers for you.

Some phones work with our contractor web, and some just don’t.  For now, our contractor web is what it is, and we are not planning on making any adjustments to it to make it more compatible with phones. Your phone, however, may be able to be adjusted to work with the contractor web.  The most common error that I see is Java Script errors.  Java Script has to be enabled for your phone to work with our contractor web. You also need to make sure that your phone is running an Internet Explorer compatible browser.

Every phone is different, and they all have different programing, and different web browsers.  If your phone is not compatible with the contractor web, the best advice that I can suggest is to go to a store location of your cell provider.  Show them our website that you are trying to access.  They know these phones inside out, so they are the most capable people of making adjustments to you phone to get it to work.  Also, if you are planning to upgrade phones, try before you buy.  Tell the salesperson that you will be using your phone to access our website, and make sure it works, before you leave the store with your new phone.

I’m sure that we will continue to encounter this problem as technology changes. If I learn any new tricks to get these phones to work, I’ll post them.

Happy Halloween!

Show us your dark side.