$105.2 Billion Highway Reauthorization Passed by Congress
Recently, on 29 June 2012, Congress passed the “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act,” a $105.2 billion highway reauthorization bill. The bill includes the following:
- Tolls: The bill maintains the status quo on allowing states to toll existing Interstates, but makes it easier to build new Interstate lanes with toll financing.
- Truck Size: There is no increase in size and weight limits.
- Freight Policy: The bill established a new National Freight Network and requires the Department of Transportation (DOT) to create a national freight plan.
- Broker Bond: Increased the broker bond to $75k.
- Wetliness: DOT is prohibited from publishing a wetlines rule for 2 years or until a GAO study determines whether such a rule will be necessary.
- Entrant Testing: New entrant motor carriers must complete a proficiency test on safety regulations and complete a DOT safety review within one year.
- Employer Notification: Within 1 year, FMCSA must establish standards for state systems that automatically notify motor carriers of drivers’ moving violations and other changes.
- Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse: Within 2 years, DOT will establish a clearinghouse to capture drivers’ positive drug/alcohol test results.
- 34 Hour Restart: DOT must complete a field study by March 31, 2013 of the changes to the hours of service 34 hour restart provision, which is due to go into effect in July 2013.
- Electronic Truck Logs: Within 1 year, DOT must establish guidelines for electronic logs (EOBRs) for motor carriers, who will have 2 years to install the new devices.
The bill provides a continuation of existing federal transportation funding levels through Sept. 30, 2014.
If you have any questions about The Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act or The Trucking Industry, please contact Middleton and Meads by calling 410-752-5588 or click here today!
With three locations to serve you throughout Baltimore, Washington DC and Virginia, Middleton and Meads will keep you “on the road.” So go ahead and do what you do best and let us take care of the rest. Our service professionals are experienced and knowledgeable. That is why companies of all sizes depend on us – day in, day out, mile after mile.
The Middleton & Meads Company has a long and respected history in the transportation industry. We are a family owned and operated company through four generations, celebrating over 90 years quality of truck, bus and equipment repair and service.
We work with you to provide the solutions to your transportation needs!
You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well!
Sources:
Maryland Motor Truck Association – MMTA E-News
