PLC Logger's Voice Winter 2017

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Empty Low Bed Pilot Project Nov. 2016 - April 2018 This August, the Professional Logging Contractors of Maine and PLC Member Voisine Bros. Inc. of Fort Kent conducted a road test in partnership with Maine State Police Troop K and the Maine Department of Transportation for a potential pilot project to allow empty low beds (greater than 8'6") to move at night in Aroostook County. This project has now been approved for any company operating in the County. The company does not need to be based in Aroostook County to qualify. This is an 18-month pilot program for any company that operates an empty low bed in Aroostook County. Companies with existing overwidth permits must contact the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) and notify them of their intent to utilize this new pilot program. They must receive a new permit with revised language to be eligible. Companies that wish to get a new permit, whether as a result of an expiration or because of new equipment, must also notify the BMV of their intent to utilize the new pilot program. Any incidents, whether crash related or other, should be communicated to Maine State Police Lt. Robert Nichols at 207-624-8939 or robert.n.nichols@maine.gov PLC Members and other contractors must do their best to minimize risk, promote safety and mitigate any possible issues that might arise from this pilot project. We must put our best foot forward, take advantage of the opportunity, and prove that we are deserving of this pilot project.. See photo below showing placement of lighting at the extreme corners of the trailer for reference purposes. *FEDERAL UPDATE: The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a final rule that establishes a national drug and alcohol clearinghouse for commercial truck and bus drivers. The clearinghouse database will serve as a central repository containing records of violations of FMCSA’s drug and alcohol testing program by commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. 20 Professional Logging Contractors of Maine Loggers Serving Loggers Since 1995
ELECTRONIC LOGGING DEVICE (ELD) MANDATE: By December 18, 2017, most commercial vehicle operators who are required to keep Hours-of-Service (HOS) Records of Duty Status (RODS) will also be required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD). What are the key requirements of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) rule? The ELD rule: Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS). Sets ELD performance and design standards, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA. Establishes what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep. Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology (such as fleet management system). The rule also provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed. When and how will the ELD rule be implemented? The ELD mandate which was enacted in 2015 applies to all drivers of a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV), beginning December 18, 2017. A court appeal challenging the mandate was denied in October 2016, and at this point there is no reason to believe the mandate will not be implemented in three phases. Phase 1: Awareness and Transition Phase: This is the phase we are currently in - a two-year period following publication of the ELD rule February 16, 2016 to December 18, 2017. During this time, carriers and drivers subject to the rule should prepare to comply, and may voluntarily use ELDs. Carriers and drivers subject to the rule can use any of the following for records of duty status (RODS): Paper logs Logging software AOBRDS (Automatic On Board Recording Devices) ELDs that are registered and listed on the FMCSA website Phase 2: Phased-In Compliance Phase: The two-year period from the Compliance Date to the Full Compliance Phase, December 18, 2017 to December 16, 2019. Carriers and drivers subject to the rule can use: AOBRDS that were installed prior to December 18, 2017. Certified, registered ELDs following rule publication December 16, 2015. Phase 3: Full Compliance Phase: After December 16, 2019, all drivers and carriers subject to the rule must use certified, registered ELDs that comply with requirements of the ELD regulations. Who is exempt from the ELD rule? According to the FMSCA, drivers who use the timecard exception are not required to keep records of duty status (RODS) or use ELDs. Additionally, the following drivers are not required to use ELDs; however, they are still bound by the RODS requirements in 49 CFR 395 and must prepare logs on paper, using an Automatic On-Board Recording Device (AOBRD), or with a logging software program when required: Drivers who use paper RODS for not more than 8 days out of every 30-day period. Drivers who conduct drive-away-tow-away operations, where the vehicle being driven is the commodity being delivered. Drivers of vehicles manufactured before 2000. In addition, the FRA is advising that if a driver qualifies for the 100 air-mile radius (short haul) general exemption or 150 air-mile ag exemption from HOS, they are not required to have an ELD. This includes Interstate transport (e.g., a log trucker who meets the 100 air-mile exemption from HOS will not be required to use an ELD, even if hauling across state lines.) For more details, see the FMCSA website’s ELD Frequently Asked Questions section: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/hoursservice/elds/faqs The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 2017 21
Page 1 and 2: Volume 11 Issue 1 | Winter 2017 A Q
Page 3 and 4: Executive Director’s Message New
Page 5 and 6: many years. That and the adaptabili
Page 7 and 8: PLC Supporting Member Spotlight S K
Page 9 and 10: New Beginnings Continued from Page
Page 11 and 12: The logging industry in Maine is co
Page 13 and 14: PLC Safety Updates Safety Consultan
Page 15 and 16: Biomass continued from page 14 * Am
Page 17 and 18: As We See It—December 2016 “Hap
Page 19: Information for upcoming tax year f
Page 23 and 24: The Logger’s Voice ▪ Winter 201

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