Connecticut truckers say “no” to tolls

From Dan Lovallo / Brad and Dan Show Joe Sculley, president of the Motor Transport Association of Connecticut, said the group he represents opposes adding tolls to the state’s highways. This morning, Brad Davis and I interviewed Sculley on the Talk of Connecticut. Sculley on tolls: “The truth is, there is a federal law which…

Read More

New federal income tax law now in effect

From the Wilson Elser firm. While tax planning and advice is specific to each situation, there are several areas on which you should consider seeking advice from your accountant and tax advisor, including the following: The new 21% income tax rate for C corporations is much lower than the rate applicable for other forms of…

Read More

Invite to take brief tax reform survey

ATA logo

From the American Trucking Associations. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) was heavily involved in the effort to enact tax reform. We know reduced tax rates will have a positive impact on ATA members as well as the broader economy. Accordingly, we are sending out this short 8-question survey to membership so that we can better…

Read More

Snow rakes available

MTAC has a small supply of snow rakes available for sale. These rakes can be used to clear snow and ice from the top of trailers in order to comply with the state law. Connecticut law imposes a $75 fine for failure to remove accumulated ice or snow from commercial vehicles, including the hood, trunk…

Read More

UCR registration opens

FMCSA logo

Today’s [Jan. 5, 2018] edition of the Federal Register includes the publication of the long-awaited rulemaking by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration setting fees for the Unified Carrier Registration program for 2018. The rule is effective upon publication, so UCR registration for 2018 is finally open! The Indiana Department of Revenue, which operates the…

Read More

Rules change on driver meal expenses

US Capital

By Bob Pitcher, State Laws Newsletter The federal tax reform package that passed Congress December 20 changes the rules for some truck drivers on the expenses they incur for meals and incidentals while they’re away from home on travel. Employee truck drivers whose carrier does not pay them a per diem allowance will no longer…

Read More

Malloy postpones $4.3 billion in transportation projects

From Hartford Courant. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said Wednesday that $4.3 billion in state transportation projects will need to be postponed indefinitely if the General Assembly fails to quickly appropriate more money. The transportation projects at risk include replacing the Hartford I-84 viaduct, widening of I-95 from Bridgeport to Stamford, and revamping the Waterbury I-84…

Read More

How grim is Connecticut’s 2018 economic outlook?

Connecticut State Flag

From Hartford Business Journal. Connecticut faces a multi-pronged whammy: federal tax law changes and continued state deficits. First, although it’s not fully clear yet, federal tax law changes will likely cap state and local tax deductions for individuals at $10,000 and limit further the home mortgage deduction. Second, despite having adopted a new budget a…

Read More

Full speed ahead for economy, trucking in 2018

From Transport Topics. Trucking firms are revved up for 2018, with predictions of tight capacity and strong demand for freight hauling setting the stage for an anticipated big year ahead for the industry, and indicators pointing to a potentially sustained period of business expansion in the United States and around the globe. That confidence is…

Read More

Some tax bill changes could have big impact on motor carriers

US Capital

From the Scopelitis firm. As everyone is well aware, yesterday Congress passed the new tax reform bill. While the bill’s new higher standard deduction, reduced corporate tax rates, and scrapping of the Obamacare individual health insurance mandate have received widespread attention in the news, there are a few provisions in the bill receiving little attention…

Read More