In a post shared on Facebook, the Authority underscored that neither E-ZPass nor Tolls By Mail would ever solicit sensitive personal information via email. They made it clear that details such as credit card numbers, social security numbers, usernames, or passwords are never requested through email or any other unsolicited contact.

“If you are contacted by anyone stating that they are from E-ZPass or Tolls By Mail and they are seeking personal information, please do not provide the information requested,” the Authority warned.

For those needing assistance, support is available through E-ZPass at 1-800-333-8655 E-ZPass NY or Tolls By Mail at 1-844-826-8400 Tolls By Mail NY.

Additionally, incidents can be reported to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center by visiting IC3.

Remain vigilant and protect your personal information by being aware of these deceitful email tactics.

Source: Truckers News

The post Important Notice from NYS Thruway Authority: Beware of E-ZPass and Tolls By Mail Email Scams appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Assembly Bill 8582

In a decisive move, the Assembly recently voted 143-1 to advance Assembly Bill 8582, proposed by Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, D-Rotterdam. The legislation seeks to mitigate this issue by requiring GPS systems to display the heights of bridges, tunnels, and underpasses on planned routes. The bill now awaits Senate approval.

“The primary objective is to mitigate the rising number of bridge strikes in New York due to ineffective warnings from GPS systems,” notes the bill memo.

Santabarbara pointed out that the surge in traffic directed by GPS systems has contributed to the increase in bridge collisions. Despite the presence of warning signs, many drivers, especially those new to the area, continue to hit low-clearance bridges.

“This bill will help drivers see these dangers on their GPS, keeping everyone safer on the road,” Santabarbara stated. “Warning signs alone aren’t enough, so putting these alerts right where drivers are already looking will make a big difference.”

The proposed law mandates that GPS navigation and digital maps show the legal clearance heights for bridges and overpasses on planned routes. This includes displaying height information on routes and alerting drivers about their duty to follow vehicle height and weight restrictions as well as other traffic regulations.

2023 Law

A year prior, Gov. Hochul signed legislation requiring the New York State Department of Transportation to compile and publish bridge strike data. The law also tasks the department with identifying preventive measures against vehicle collisions with low-clearance bridges.

The bill’s sponsor highlighted that truck drivers are often unaware of these height restrictions until it is too late, leading to collisions. In November, the state conducted a week-long campaign to raise awareness about the issue.

North Grand Island Bridges

Earlier this year, the governor announced the completion of a $1.9 million initiative aimed at reducing bridge strikes at the North Grand Island Bridges in Niagara Falls. The project incorporates electronic over-height detection systems on three approaches: Niagara Scenic Parkway, LaSalle Expressway, and Interstate 190.

Over the past decade, vehicles have struck the eastbound and westbound bridges 28 times.

“Bridge strikes create dangerous situations, and it’s imperative that we do all we can to prevent them,” Hochul stated.

Source: Land line

The post New York Assembly Requires GPS Systems to Display Bridge and Tunnel Heights appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) has begun a project to implement mile-based exit numbers on I-81, I-690, and State Route 481 in Cortland, Oswego, and Onondaga counties. This project involves replacing the old sequential exit numbers with new signs that reflect the mileage of each exit along the highway.

This change aims to provide drivers with a clearer idea of how far they need to travel to reach their exits, thereby improving traffic management, safety, and emergency response, according to NYSDOT.

The Central New York area is the first region in Upstate New York to adopt these mile-based exit numbers on I-81. Eventually, all exit signs along the interstate, from Pennsylvania to Canada, will be updated to this new system.

The new exit numbers for I-81 will indicate the distance in miles from south to north, starting at the Pennsylvania border and ending at the Canadian border. Similarly, I-690’s new exit numbers will reflect the distance in miles from west to east, beginning at the New York State Thruway. For State Route 481, the exit numbers will show the distance in miles from south to north, starting at I-481 (future I-81).

The entire project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.

The updated mile-based exit numbers will be placed on the upper part of the existing signs. To minimize confusion, the old sequential exit numbers will be shown on lower panels of the signs for a transitional period. For instance, the current Exit 9 (Marathon) on I-81 will become Exit 38, as it is approximately 38 miles north of the Pennsylvania border.

Drivers should expect some short-term lane closures while the new signs are being installed, which may cause travel delays. Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

Source: Truckers News

The post New York Adopts Mile-Based Exit Numbering for Interstate 81 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Minnesota

Minnesota has approved funding to boost truck parking facilities. As part of a large spending bill signed by Governor Tim Walz, $7.75 million is allocated in fiscal year 2025 for the construction and expansion of truck parking along Interstate 94, particularly at the Big Spunk Lake Rest Area in Avon and the Enfield Rest Area. Additionally, $4.8 million is designated for truck parking safety projects within the Minneapolis and St. Paul area to help drivers who are close to their driving limits. A report from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) echoes this need, recommending that MnDOT consider both internal and external funding sources for truck parking improvements. Currently, MnDOT provides 677 truck parking spaces at 51 rest area locations across the state.

Georgia

Following Minnesota’s lead, Georgia has made strides on the same issue. A new law mandates a statewide plan for freight and logistics that includes truck parking as a key component. This 20-year plan, with annual progress updates, focuses on widening highways, improving intermodal capacities, and enhancing truck parking and safety. This legislation stems from a Senate study committee formed to explore how trucking impacts the economy and supply chains. Recommendations include collaborating with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) to expand truck parking and curb unauthorized truck parking. The law highlights the importance of safe and efficient freight movement to Georgia’s economy and future growth.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, a proposed Senate bill seeks to ensure that new warehouse developments include sufficient truck parking. Bill A3370, introduced by Assemblyman Sterley Stanley, requires large warehouses to provide enough onsite parking to prevent trucks from parking inappropriately on local properties or rights-of-way during night hours. Municipalities would have the authority to adjust the required number of parking spaces through zoning ordinances. Introduced in February, the bill is under review by the Assembly State and Local Government Committee. Concurrently, the New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) is soliciting feedback from truck drivers on improving truck parking, with an open comment period until June 16.

New York

New York has proposed several bills focusing on truck parking. One bill, S518, proposes a $1,000 fine for semi-trailers or trailers left parked or unattended on New York City streets. The current fine is a $160 towing fee, which many consider insufficient to deter illegal parking.

Source: Land Line

The post New Legislation Targets Truck Parking in Several States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

A Manhattan judge is considering arguments from unionized public school teachers, local Republican officials, and other New Yorkers who have filed lawsuits seeking to block the plan.

According to the proposal finalized in March, most private car drivers, including locals and tourists, entering Manhattan south of Central Park will be required to pay about $15 during the daytime.

The impact of this on professional drivers could be even more significant. The tolls will be higher for larger vehicles and lower for motorcycles and late-night entries. Those not enrolled in a regional toll collection program will face a charge of $22.50.

The tolling plan could have a serious impact on truck drivers, who often have no choice but to enter Manhattan for deliveries and other business-related activities. The higher toll rates for larger vehicles mean that truck drivers and freight companies could face substantial additional costs, potentially leading to increased prices for goods and services as businesses pass these costs onto consumers.

The toll could alter delivery schedules and routes, as truckers might seek to avoid the congestion zone during peak hours to minimize expenses. This could complicate logistics and increase challenges for drivers who are already dealing with the complexities of urban traffic and tight delivery windows. The added financial burden may be particularly tough on independent truck drivers and small freight companies, who operate on thin margins and have less flexibility to absorb or offset new expenses.

The lawsuits argue that federal transportation officials approved the tolling plan without adequate review and that more comprehensive environmental studies are needed. They claim the fee will increase congestion and pollution as drivers take alternate routes to avoid the Manhattan toll, unfairly impacting low-income and minority communities already suffering from poor air quality.

Additionally, the suits argue that drivers from other city boroughs and suburbs with insufficient mass transit options will have to deal with an unfair financial burden. Small businesses within the congestion zone could face higher operating costs and reduced customer traffic.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), which oversees the congestion fee plan, asserts that it conducted thorough environmental reviews. The MTA claims it identified no significant impacts on area communities that could not be helped through proposed efforts, such as investments in electric buses to improve air quality.

The MTA says that the fee will help reduce traffic and enhance regional air quality by discouraging driving into Manhattan. It is expected to generate approximately $1 billion annually for the city’s subway and bus systems, which serve about 4 million riders daily.

The agency has warned that any delays to the fee could jeopardize essential improvements, including plans to modernize some of the nation’s busiest subway lines. The MTA aims to implement the fee by June 30.

Judge Lewis Liman is not expected to issue an immediate decision.

Source: The Trucker

The post Possibly Unfair Fee for Drivers in NYC Being Heard by Federal Judge appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

According to a recent news release, TANY will introduce a Fleet Safety Training Program, FOCUS, targeting small and mid-sized fleet operators and drivers.

“This collaboration builds on the success of the program in fostering safe and efficient fleet operations and represents a significant step towards enhancing safety cultures,” the news release stated.

The FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training Program, TSR’s flagship safety initiative, empowers independent fleet operators to cultivate a robust safety culture by leveraging expertise and best practices from TSR’s network of leading fleets and technology firms.

“Safety is a top priority across the trucking industry — and FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training is part of an active effort to ensure New York drivers, roads, and communities are as protected as possible,” said Kendra Hems, president of TANY. “The program will provide drivers with the tools and training necessary for a career on the road and allow for operators of every size to build a culture of safety that goes above and beyond compliance. We are thrilled to continue this work with Together for Safer Roads and look forward to working with our members for a safer New York.”

This program revolves around three core pillars: Training and Development, Safety Leadership, and Technology, offering executive coaching and pre- and post-benchmarking assessments.

Now, TSR, in conjunction with TANY, aims to extend this vital training program to fleet operators and drivers in New York State, tailoring solutions to address their specific challenges and requirements.

“Small–to-mid-size fleets account for roughly 97% on the road,” said Peter Goldwasser, executive director of TSR. “We are proud to partner with the Trucking Association of New York on this expansion of the FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training Program, reaffirming our commitment to saving lives and creating safer roads in New York State while gaining valuable insights that can help continue to expand this program to fleets across the country.”

TSR and TANY are currently identifying fleets to participate in the inaugural FOCUS cohort. Companies interested in joining or seeking further information are urged to reach out to Zach Miller (zach@nytrucks.org).

Jessica Whitaker, co-founder of fleet safety company Qworky, collaborating with TANY on this initiative, emphasized the paramount importance of safety for New York fleet operators.

“Qworky is proud to be working with TANY and TSR to implement the FOCUS program to empower small and mid-size fleet operators across New York State with the resources, knowledge and support required to meet and exceed the highest standards of safety,” she said.

Source: The Trucker

The post New York Takes a Stand for Driver Safety appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In Indiana, there is a notable speed limit differential for cars and trucks, with cars allowed to travel at 70 mph on major roadways, while vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds are limited to 65 mph. Efforts to eliminate this speed limit disparity in rural areas have been ongoing, as demonstrated by Rep. Mike Aylesworth’s pursuit with bill HB1055.

He feels a rule revision is necessary in Indiana “to correct a law that is flawed in nature and does nothing to improve highway safety.”

Despite consideration in the House Roads and Transportation Committee, the bill did not progress to a vote, facing opposition from the Indiana Motor Truck Association. Supporters argue that uniform speed limits enhance traffic flow, referencing a study by the Indiana Department of Transportation and Purdue University indicating a potential 20% reduction in crash frequencies with uniform 70 mph speed limits.

Maryland, too, is undergoing potential changes to speed limit rules. A bill, HB278, aims to empower the Maryland State Highway Administration to decrease maximum speeds by 5 mph on urban state highways without necessitating a traffic or engineering study. The bill, approved by House lawmakers, is set to proceed to the Senate Judicial Proceedings.

In Michigan, the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has advanced HB4012, addressing perceived flaws in how the state establishes local roadway speed limits. Sponsored by Rep. Bradley Slagh, the bill aims to provide flexibility in applying the 85th percentile speed rule, allowing the rounding down of speeds when necessary. The legislation seeks to eliminate the requirement for an engineering and safety study, relying on traffic engineering practices for objective analysis. The bill awaits further consideration on the Senate floor.

In New Jersey, Sen. Declan O’Scanlon sponsors S1652, a bill proposing the use of the 85th percentile formula to set speed limits on limited access highways.

“[The change would result in] the smoothest, safest level of traffic flow and inflict the least amount of arbitrary punishment on people behaving reasonably,” he said.

This approach, if approved, would allow the New Jersey Department of Transportation and other state traffic agencies to employ studies for determining speed limits.

New York is also in the midst of potential speed limit changes. Bills in the Assembly and Senate propose raising the speed limit from 65 mph to 70 mph on interstate highways and other limited access roads, aligning New York with the speeds permitted in many other states.

“The majority of states across the country have state speed limits that exceed 65 mph,” said Tom O’Mara, New York. “New York has failed to keep up with the rest of the country by not adopting a more efficient speed limit. … [My bill] would correct this inefficacy by allowing for a 70 mph speed limit where appropriate.”

Lastly, in Oklahoma, Rep. Ross Ford sponsors HB3894, which seeks to implement a 65 mph minimum speed limit on rural interstate highways, where current speed limits are set at 75 mph, and on Oklahoma turnpikes, where speeds are set at 80 mph.

Source: Land Line

The post Speed Limits Could Change in Some States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

California

In the Golden State, efforts to regulate autonomous trucks are back on the legislative table. Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry reintroduced AB2286, a bill identical to the 2023 version. The bill aims to prohibit the testing and operation of autonomous vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds without a human safety operator present. The governor’s previous veto emphasized reliance on existing regulations from a 2012 state law.

Florida

Senator Victor Torres is steering legislation in Florida to establish rules for autonomous trucks on roadways. Under SB1580, a licensed human operator must be physically present in fully autonomous vehicles weighing at least 10,000 pounds while transporting goods or passengers on public roads.

Indiana

Indiana is considering two bills (HB1022 and SB57) to address autonomous trucks, specifically in automated vehicle platoons. These bills specify that a human operator must be physically present in autonomous tractor-trailers on highways for the transportation of passengers or goods. Operators are required to meet both state and federal qualifications for vehicle operation.

Iowa

Senator Zach Wahls introduced SF2218 in Iowa, addressing the operation of autonomous trucks for commercial purposes. The bill mandates a conventional driver’s physical presence in driverless-capable vehicles, holding a valid driver’s license and required endorsements.

Kentucky

Kentucky is revisiting truck platooning legislation with HB7. This bill amends the requirement for human drivers in platoons, allowing only the lead vehicle to have a human driver behind the wheel. The previous attempt faced a veto due to safety concerns.

New York

In the Empire State, two bills cover the operation of autonomous trucks. Senator Pete Harckham’s bill (S7758) requires operators to accompany trucks with autonomous technology weighing over 10,000 pounds. The bills are currently under committee review in the Senate Transportation Committee and Assembly Transportation Committee.

The debate over autonomous trucking continues, with advocates highlighting benefits such as fuel savings, reduced congestion, and improved safety through platooning. Critics, including motorcyclists, express concerns about the interaction between automated and traditional vehicles on roadways and question the feasibility of widespread technology adoption. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association acknowledges the potential of autonomous technology but emphasizes challenges related to commercial vehicles and highway safety.

Source: LandLine

The post Several States Bring Autonomous Trucks to a Vote appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Under the proposed bill, SB961, all trucks, trailers, or semitrailers with a gross vehicle weight rating exceeding 10,000 pounds must be equipped with side underride guards on both lateral sides of the vehicle. The California Highway Patrol would be responsible for inspecting these guards after any collision. Vehicle operators would also be required to conduct regular inspections for damage and functionality, replacing damaged units as necessary.

Additionally, Wiener’s proposal mandates speed governors for every car, truck, and bus manufactured and sold in the state. These speed-limiting devices would cap the vehicle speed at 10 mph over the posted speed limit for a particular roadway segment. Although operators can temporarily override the speed governor function, the measure is designed to address the rising number of road fatalities in California.

Wiener highlighted the concerning surge in road deaths within the state, citing a 2023 TRIP report indicating a 22% increase in traffic fatalities from 2019 to 2022, compared to a 19% national increase. The California Office of Traffic Safety’s 2023 Traffic Safety Report revealed that one-third of traffic fatalities from 2017 to 2021 were speed-related.

“Preventing reckless speeding is a commonsense approach to prevent these utterly needless and heartbreaking crashes,” Wiener said.

Similar initiatives are underway in New York, with bills covering comparable topics. A New York Senate bill proposes side underride guards for trucks in New York City, while another bill aims to equip passenger vehicles registered in the state in 2024 or later with speed limiters.

However, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing small-business truckers, opposes these legislative pursuits, considering them “flawed.”

“Any legislation that would require side underride guards on semi-trailers is flawed legislation from the start,” said Doug Morris, OOIDA director of state government affairs.

OOIDA argues that the associated costs outweigh the benefits, echoing their criticism of a federal side underride guard mandate.

“[They] are impractical, provide little to no safety benefit and cause major issues at many loading docks, railroad crossings as well as other traffic impediments,” Morris said.

As debates unfold on these proposed regulations, the trucking industry faces ongoing challenges in balancing safety measures with economic considerations.

Source: Land Line

The post Side Underride Guides and Speed Limits Covered in Bills in Two U.S. States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

In Michigan, House Bill 4012 aims to address perceived “flaws” in how local roadway speed limits are set. The bill proposes flexibility in rounding down the 85th percentile speed, allowing local officials to set speeds within 5 mph of the 85th percentile. It also eliminates the requirement for an engineering and safety study for speed limit modifications.

New Jersey’s Senate Bill 1652, sponsored by Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, focuses on using the 85th percentile formula to set speed limits on limited access highways. O’Scanlon believes this formula offers a more objective approach than relying on subjective decisions from officials.

In New York, identical bills (S2209 and A5044) propose increasing the speed limit for all vehicles from 65 mph to 70 mph on interstate highways and limited access roads. The change aims to align New York with the speed limits of many other states.

North Carolina’s House Bill 386, carried over from the previous session, seeks to raise the speed limit to 75 mph on certain roadways, provided it is deemed “reasonable and safe” by the state DOT.

Over the past year, Montana and Texas have revised speed limit rules. Montana’s Transportation Commission gained full authority to adjust speed limits throughout the state, while Texas authorized variable speed limits based on engineering and traffic investigations to address specific conditions affecting traffic flow.

As states continue to explore speed limit adjustments, these legislative efforts aim to strike a balance between traffic safety and the evolving dynamics of modern roadways.

Source: Land Line

The post New Speed Limit Rules Enacted in 6 U.S. States appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.