Posts by MTAC Staff
Department of Labor issues final rule on independent contractor status
From Transport Topics. The U.S. Department of Labor has issued a final rule revising its interpretation of independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act that it said will “promote certainty for stakeholders, reduce litigation and encourage innovation in the economy.” The final rule explains that independent contractors are workers who, as a matter…
Read MoreButtigieg eyes ‘Big, Bold’ infrastructure plan, Schumer says
From Transport Topics. Advancing a “big, bold” infrastructure policy measure with an emphasis on climate change is a priority for President-elect Joe Biden’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation, said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. The top Democrat in the Senate, who met with Pete Buttigieg, formerly the mayor of South Bend, Ind.,…
Read MoreIn memoriam: Don Vallerie, Sr.
MTAC is sad to report that longtime MTAC Board member, and previous MTAC Chairman Don Vallerie, Sr. passed away on Dec. 28. Due to the COVID 19 restrictions affecting all of us at this time, a private funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 5 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Elizabeth Seton Church, Ridgefield.…
Read MoreTCI ignores science and economic reality
Op Ed by MTAC President Joe Sculley Gov. Ned Lamont has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to signal Connecticut’s intention to join the Transportation Climate Initiative. However, a MOU has no force of law, and the Connecticut legislature should follow the lead of other states (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, New Jersey, Maryland,…
Read MoreFMCSA extends CDL, CLP & Med Card Waiver through Feb. 28
Summary by American Trucking Associations (ATA). This waiver becomes effective on January 1, 2021 and expires on February 28, 2021. Please read the specific provisions below, as the dates and applicability vary. For CDL/CLP Drivers, the waiver will: Waive until February 28, 2021, the maximum period of CDL validity for CDLs due for renewal on…
Read MoreConnecticut Paid Leave Act – Register and act today
From CT Employment Law Blog. Here are three things to do right now: Register with the State Authority. This is essential; all employers need to do this (presumably by January 1 for reasons I’ll explain next.) Figure out if you’re going to use the state Paid Leave plan or a private plan. Contact your payroll…
Read MoreReminder: Employers must conduct annual queries by Jan. 5
From FMCSA. If an employer has already conducted a query on all currently-employed CDL drivers, that employer has met the annual query requirement, and is not required to conduct a query for one year from the query date. Employers may also designate a consortium/third-part administrator (C/TPA) to conduct these queries on their behalf. Employers can…
Read MoreBiden introduces Buttigieg as transportation choice
From Transport Topics. Pete Buttigieg, the former Democratic presidential candidate as well as former mayor of South Bend, Ind., will be nominated to lead the U.S. Department of Transportation under the Biden administration. In a statement announcing the pick, President-elect Joe Biden described Buttigieg as “a patriot and a problem-solver who speaks to the best…
Read MoreTrucks carry first doses of COVID-19 vaccine to hospitals
From Transport Topics. As the first doses of a COVID-19 vaccine begin to ship, trucking experts on the ground level of the distribution effort said the logistical elements are in place for a successful rollout of an estimated 50 million doses of the vaccine between now and the end of January. “We have dedicated and…
Read MoreNegotiators near agreement on long-delayed COVID-19 aid bill
From Transport Topics. Top congressional leaders are closing in on an agreement on a long-delayed COVID-19 relief package, hoping to seal a deal as early as Dec. 16 that would extend aid to individuals and businesses and help ship coronavirus vaccines to millions. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.), a coauthor of a $908 billion bipartisan package,…
Read More