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May 23, 2006
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News
PTDI Certifies Truck Driver Training School Courses at HR Career Development in Montpelier, Ohio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 15, 2006
Contact: E. Nancy O'Liddy, Director Public Affairs
703/838-1950 or noliddy@truckload.org
Alexandria, Virginia – T he Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) is proud to announce that HR Career Development in Montpelier, Ohio, recently received certification for its truck driver training courses. HR Career Development joins the many schools, as well as motor carriers, state associations, and insurance companies, who are recognizing and seeking the high standards and credibility that PTDI program certification offers.
“At the onset we had a desire to be PTDI certified because of the safety benefits, the quality of the training PTDI promotes, and the curriculum offered,” said Ron Dean, CEO at HR Career Development.
Schools applying for PTDI program certification must undergo an onsite visit from a three-member evaluation team that examines the school's existing standards, procedures, and practices. A Certification Committee then reviews the results of the onsite visit and other supporting documents before certifying the courses. Although the PTDI certification process is costly, Dean said, “The benefits outweigh the costs: better job placement, better instructional methods, additional students.”
This small school, located in the northwestern corner of Ohio, mainly serves Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana students, and will graduate an estimated 100 to 110 students this year. It sought to use a PTDI-based curriculum from its beginning in 2000, which made it easier to adapt to the requirements of the PTDI certification process.
As a result of going through this process, Dean said, “We became more proficient in our training and advertising. And there were great people on the [PTDI] team that worked with us throughout the process.”
The PTDI standards program serves a variety of valuable interests and objectives, including increased safety for the motoring public, reduced risk exposure for insurance companies and motor carriers, minimal remedial driver training time, improved sense of driver professionalism, and enhanced student driver opportunities. These are only a few examples of why promoting a national standard for training drivers makes sense.
“Our school provides a top-notch education, and this will enhance what we're doing,” Dean said. “We wanted the professionalism that being PTDI certified entails. We also know that insurance companies take this certification seriously. And we agree it's important to have uniform standards of training.”
Dean said carriers recognize this as well, and it will now be easier for him to place graduates with trucking companies that want PTDI-trained students. “The importance of having the type of standards that PTDI offers is that it will help students get the training they need,” he said. “He or she will be better prepared to go out and define the job. That's what makes employers seek these graduates, because they see the benefits down the road.”
PTDI is a national, nonprofit organization established for the twofold purpose of developing uniform industry skill, curriculum, and certification standards for entry-level truck driver training and motor carrier driver finishing programs, and certifying entry-level truck driver training courses at public and private schools and driver finishing programs at carriers for compliance with PTDI standards. PTDI is based in Alexandria , Virginia .
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FMCSA to Hold Listening Sessions on NCRME
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced, through the Federal Register, on May 18th, two Public Listening Sessions. The Listening Sessions will continue the dialogue on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NCRME) program for interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers.
In accordance with SAFETEA-LU, which requires the Secretary of Transportation “to establish and maintain a current national registry of medical examiners who are qualified to perform examinations and issue medical certificates.” The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is developing the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NCRME) program that was announced at a June 22, 2005, public meeting in Arlington, Virginia. The NRCME program would be comprised, in part, of a training and testing program that would result in a public registry of certified medical examiners who are authorized to conduct medical examinations of interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers and determine their physical qualifications to operate in interstate commerce.
The First NCRME Listening Session will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on June 29, 2006 at the Hilton San Diego Airport/Harbor Island, San Diego, CA . The Second NCRME Listening Session will be held from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on July 26, 2006, at the Renaissance Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO. (Registration begins at 8 a.m). Top
Truckload Carriers Not Alone on Raising Weight Limits
Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta said raising truck weight limits at the federal level is not an option.
An increasing number of shippers and the trade associations that represent them are pushing for increasing truck size and weight limits as part of a solution to high fuel costs and mounting congestion, a problem the Department of Transportation has been highlighting this week.
But Mineta said in an interview with Traffic World that increasing weight limits is not an option due to the standards to which U.S. roads and bridges have been engineered.
"With our 80,000-lb. limit, bridges have been designed, roads have been designed to the 80,000-lb. limit," Mineta said, noting that the conflicting truck weight limits between the United States and Canada and Mexico has been a key problem in opening U.S. roads to foreign trucks as directed by the North American Free Trade Agreement.
Mineta, however, left open the possibility of raising federal truck length limits, especially if the change is made as a sweetener to trucking industry support for tolled truck-only highway lanes.
"It may be that triple-trailers in truck-only lanes may be okay," he said. "We haven't come to a conclusion on that." Top
FMCSA Announces Grant Program for CDL Program Improvements
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced on Tuesday, May 9 th , the availability of Commercial Driver's License Program Improvement (CDLPI) grant funding as authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This act establishes a program for the improvement of the commercial driver's license (CDL) program. The program is a discretionary grant program funded by a single source. It provides funding for improving implementation of the State's CDL program, including expenses for computer hardware and software, publications, testing, personnel, training, and quality control. Grants made under this program may not be used to rent, lease, or buy land or buildings. The Agency in each State designated as the primary driver licensing agency responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the CDL program is eligible to apply for and receive grant funding. Applications for grant funding should be sent to the FMCSA Division Office in the State where the applicant is located no later than June 8, 2006.
The funding being made available in FY2006 through SAFETEA-LU will be used to implement new initiatives as well as to continue to make related program improvements and build on the successes already achieved. SAFETEA-LU authorizes CDLPI through FY2009.
Click here to review the entire notice as it appeared in the Federal Register.
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Uniform Carrier Registration Plan BOD Announced by FMCSA
On Friday, May 12th, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced the establishment of a Board of Directors for the Unified Carrier Registration Plan mandated under SAFETEA-LU. The Board will be responsible for issuing rules and regulations to govern the Uniform Carrier Registration Agreement (UCR Agreement). The UCR Agreement is the replacement system for the Single State Registration System (SSRS) due to expire on January 1, 2007. The UCR Agreement will govern the collection and distribution of registration and financial responsibility information provided and fees paid by for-hire and private motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and leasing companies. The Secretary of Transportation established the initial 15-member Board of Directors by direct appointment due to the imminent sunsetting of SSRS and the potential for significant loss of revenue to the 39 participating States if work is not completed prior to January 1, 2007. FMCSA plans to solicit in the Federal Register nominations for successor membership prior to expiration of terms of membership. The initial appointments to the Board of Directors are effective beginning June 1 st , 2006 and are as follows:
U.S. Department of Transportation.
- The Deputy Administrator of FMCSA will represent the Department. In the absence of a Deputy Administrator, the Secretary would appoint another such Presidential appointee from the Department to represent the agency.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
- Anthony D. Portanova, Deputy Commissioner , Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CTDMV) is being appointed to represent the FMCSA Eastern Service Center .
- Angel O. Oliver, Supervisor, Credentialing Unit, Motor Carrier Division, Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) is being appointed to represent the FMCSA Southern Service Center.
- Ruth Sluzacek, Director of Motor Carrier Services, Iowa Motor Vehicle Division, Iowa Department of Transportation, is being appointed to represent the FMCSA Midwestern Service Center .
- Frank Laqua, Administrator of Motor Carrier Services, North Dakota Department of Transportation is being appointed to represent the Western Service Center .
State Agencies. NCSTS has nominated, and the Secretary has appointed, the following individuals to represent State agencies on the Board:
- Avelino A. Gutierrez, Staff Counsel, New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC).
- Barbara Hague, Special Projects Coordinator, Missouri Department of Transportation Motor Carrier Services (MODOT).
- Dave Lazarides, Director of Processing and Information, Illinois Commerce Commission, Transportation Bureau; Program Manager, Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Network for the State of Illinois .
- William Leonard, Director of the Freight Compliance and Safety Bureau, New York Department of Transportation (NYDOT).
- Terry Willert, Chief, Transportation Section, Colorado Public Utility Commission (COPUC).
Motor Carrier Industry
- ATA representative. Robert C. Pitcher, ATA Vice President, State Laws Division, is being appointed to represent the national trade association representing the general motor carrier of property industry.
- OOIDA representative. Rick Craig, Owner Operator and Independent Driver Association, Treasurer and Director of Regulatory Affairs and the Executive Director of the OOIDA Foundation is being appointed to represent small motor carriers that fall within the smallest fleet fee bracket.
Other motor carrier industry representatives:
- Robert A. Voltmann, Transportation Intermediaries Association, President and Chief Executive Officer, is being appointed as the third motor carrier industry representative.
- Richard P. Schweitzer, National Private Truck Council, General Counsel, is being appointed as the fourth motor carrier industry representative.
- Mr. Craig Sharkey, Wal-Mart, Associate General Counsel for the Logistics Division, is being appointed as the fifth motor carrier industry representative.
Click here, to review the announcement in its entirety as it appeared in the Federal Register .
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MacKinnon Transport Road Master Driver Program
At MacKinnon Transport, we recognize the distinct difference between a truck driver and a certified road professional. We greatly appreciate and highly esteem the skillful and dedicated professionalism of our drivers.
Driving a tractor trailer is not an effortless profession. Certified road professionals are in an expert league of their own. For this reason, we have developed the MacKinnon Transport Road Master Driver Program . This program has been developed specifically for qualified drivers and owner-operators active within our fleet. The philosophy of this program is to recognize drivers and owner-operators whom, by their experience, education and demonstrated abilities, attitude, and commitment, belong to an expert league of professionals who are amongst the very best in the industry.
It is our goal at MacKinnon Transport Inc. to promote professionalism by recognizing individuals for their outstanding performance and achievements. Drivers and owner-operators are encouraged to participate in this special program to formally demonstrate their dedication and continued commitment to professionalism.
To participate in this program, eligible applicants must apply through the Safety Department and meet the following prerequisites:
- be recommended by MacKinnon Transport Inc.
- have at least three (3) years commercial driving experience (articulated vehicle)
- have an abstract with no more than two (2) moving violations in the last 12 months, no more than a culmination of three (3) violations in the last three (3) years, and a zero (0) tolerance for alcohol in the last three (3) years
- associated with MacKinnon Transport as a driver or owner-operator for a minimum period of six (6) consecutive months.
- agree to strive to meet the MacKinnon Transport Inc. Code of Ethics
The MacKinnon Road Master Driver Program has four separate components in which drivers may achieve formal recognition.
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MacKinnon Certified Road Master – Bronze
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MacKinnon Certified Road Master – Silver
- MacKinnon Certified Road Master – Gold
- MacKinnon Certified Road Master – President's Award
MacKinnon Certified Road Master Level - Bronze
Prerequisites:
Applicants must:
- Enroll and successfully complete the Canadian Trucking Human Resource Council's Professional Driver Recognition Program. This program allows drivers to validate their knowledge in an open book knowledge test format against the national occupational standard for professional truck driving. Successful candidates will receive certification from CTHRC as a Professional Certified Driver.
MacKinnon Certified Road Master - Silver
Prerequisites:
Applicants must:
- Successfully achieve the requirements, and maintain the standards of, the MacKinnon Certified Road Master - Bronze; and
- Attend two mandatory company safety meetings per year or a pre-approved alternative based training program; and
- Attend an approved Defensive Driver Course for commercial drivers and re-certify once every five (5) years; and
- Owner-operators must attend and complete a company approved Business Skills seminar; or
- Company drivers must attend a Fleet Smart Fuel Saving course once every five (5) years; and
- Achieve a minimum of five (5) years verifiable accident free driving
MacKinnon Certified Road Master - Gold
Prerequisites:
Applicants must:
- Successfully achieve the requirements, and maintain the standards of, the MacKinnon Certified Road Master - Silver; and
- Be regularly employed by, or contracted to, MacKinnon Transport Inc. for a minimum of three (3) consecutive years; and
- Achieve a minimum of 10 years verifiable accident free driving
MacKinnon Certified Road Master – President's Award
The President's Award will be presented to any driver or owner-operator remains who demonstrates exemplary performance as a member in good standing of the MacKinnon Certified Road Master Program at any level. Members of this program are encouraged to participate in advanced, skill level training or be an active volunteer within their community. The application deadline for this award is November 1 st . Recipients will be selected based on their successful completion of skills upgrading and/or active community involvement. This award will also be presented to those who have achieved 20 + years verified accident free driving.
Members of the MacKinnon Certified Road Master Program will be awarded a certificate of achievement, lapel pin, a vehicle decal and other special recognition. Members must maintain their certification to remain in good standing.
MacKinnon Transport Inc.
DRIVER CODE OF ETHICS
Drivers shall do their best to:
- First and foremost, place the SAFETY of the public and themselves as a primary goal.
- Strive to COMMUNICATE in an HONEST and PROFESSIONAL manner.
- Meet customer needs in a SAFE, TIMELY, and PROFESSIONAL manner.
- Take PRIDE in personal appearance by presenting themselves in a NEAT and CLEAN fashion as well as acting in a PROFESSIONAL manner at all times.
- Maintain and RESPECT all equipment, facilities, and grounds of both customer and the Company as if they were their own.
- Be LOYAL to MacKinnon Transport Inc. by promoting and supporting company GOALS and initiatives.
- Always be POLITE, COURTEOUS, and HELPFUL; never argue with a customer, always strive to resolve misunderstandings in a PROMPT and COOPERATIVE manner with the appropriate personnel.
- Take the time to LISTEN, LEARN, and pass on the KNOWLEDGE that has been attained, remembering that all are part of the MacKinnon TEAM .
- Take RESPONSIBILITY for their own decisions - actions and LEARN from errors.
- Treat all persons with RESPECT regardless of such factors as race, religion, gender, disability, age or national origin.
- Strive to be the strongest link in the chain, by being CARING, CONSIDERATE, and HELPFUL toward other team members.
- Be aware of fellow drivers' feelings. Look out for other drivers' needs by leaving equipment in proper order. Give ASSISTANCE when needed. Be THOUGHTFUL in an effort to set the next driver up for success.
- PROMOTE truck driving as an honorable profession.
- Strive to conduct themselves in a PROFESSIONAL manner at all times in conformance with Company policies, laws of the land and this CODE OF ETHICS.
Article written by Ray Haight. For more information, please contact Rick Miller, VP of Operations, MacKinnon Transport, Inc. 519-763-1600/rmiller@mackinnontransport.com Top
Attention Amateur Photographers: Give TCA Your Best Shot and Win $1000! CONTEST DEADLINE – JUNE 16, 2006
TCA's Truck Driver Photo Contest is open to any truck driver who is currently employed with or leased to a trucking company. Photographs from professional photographers will not be accepted. No more than three photos may be submitted per driver. The photos should capture life on the road and portray trucking in a positive light. Digital photos are accepted as long as you include a print out of the photo and the digital file is 300 dpi or larger to ensure a high enough resolution.
Applicants should clearly label each photo with their name, address, telephone number, and company name, address, and telephone number. Please do not write on the back of the photo, use an address label or separate piece of paper affixed to the back. Any information you can provide on where you took the photo and the subject of the photo is appreciated.
Contest Prizes!
The grand prize winner will receive $1,000.
The 2nd place winner will receive $750.
The 3rd place winner will receive $500.
4th through 6th place winners will each receive $100.
Honorable mentions will receive $50 each.
Thank you to S-Line, Inc. and American Graphics Group , the generous sponsors of this contest. Visit www.truckload.org for more details. E-mail noliddy@truckload.org or call 703-838-1950 with any questions.
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