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COVID 19 Updates - May 26, 2021
FMCSA: Updated COVID-19 Waivers, NEDDs, and FAQs FMCSA intends to review the status of these guidance documents as of July 1, 2021, and may take action to terminate the waivers sooner, if conditions warrant. These waivers, NEDDs, and FAQs are posted at the links below and have been updated to extend the expiration date through August 31, 2021, and include the following:
Waives through August 31, 2021, the 8-year limit to the validity period of the CDL, 1 year period of the CLP, the 14-day waiting period for a CDL test, and the requirement for a medical examination for those drivers who had a valid medical certificate that expired on or after March 1, 2021, including SDLA requirements under 49 CFR 383.73.
Extends the previous NEDD issued on this topic through August 31, 2021, and amends the Medical Examiner’s Certificate periods of validation to only those that expired on or after March 1, 2021.
Waives through August 31, 2021, the need for a CLP Holder, who has passed the CDL exam, to be accompanied by a CDL Holder seated in the front seat with documentation of a passed CDL Test. Further, it waives 49 CFR 383.79(a) that limits a State to administering a driving skills test to an out-of-State CDL applicant who has taken driver training in that State.
Waives the requirements in 49 CFR § 384.228(b)-(c) for third party CDL test examiners who previously completed a CDL skills test examiners training course that meets the requirements of 49 CFR § 384.228(d) and have maintained a valid CDL test examiner certification. This waiver allows third party CDL skills test examiners previously authorized by the State to administer the CDL skills test to administer the CDL knowledge test as well without completing a CDL knowledge test training course.
Updates the NEDD for requirements in 49 CFR 383 and 384 to the December 31, 2021 dates. This includes the one 49 CFR 383 section on restricted CDL validity and three provisions under 383.75 related to third party testers, and those provisions in 384 related to establishing domicile, training requirements for third party testers, and requirements for inspections and monitoring of third party tester, giving States until to December 31, 2021 to accomplish monitoring that would have otherwise occurred during the time period of January 1, 2021 to August 31, 2021. In addition, extends the validity period in 383.75(f)(3)(ii) to not exceed 360 days for each 12-month period for restricted CDLs.
Updates guidance effective June 1, 2021, that FMCSA continues to recognize thevalidity of commercial driver’s licenses issued by Canadian Provinces and Territories and Licencias Federales de Conductor issued by the United Mexican States, in accordance with 49 CFR part 383, when such jurisdictions issue a similar notice or declaration extending the validity date of the medical examination and certification and/or validity of the corresponding commercial driver’s license due to interruption to government service resulting from COVID-19. These documents are also posted on FMCSA’s website at: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/COVID-19
COVID 19 Updates - December 2, 2020
FMCSA: Expansion and Extension of the Modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 Under 49 CFR § 390.25
This waiver is effective December 1, 2020 and expires at 11:59pm EST on February 28, 2021.
FMCSA has expanded and extended the above referenced Emergency Declaration and associated regulatory relief in accordance with 49 CFR § 390.25. This notice continues and extends the relief granted in said Emergency Declaration as modified on June 15, 2020 and again August 15, 2020 through February 28, 2021 and expands the relief to include the transportation of vaccines and medical supplies and equipment related to the prevention of COVID-19, subject to some restrictions and limitations set forth. By execution of this expansion and extension of said Emergency Declaration, motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance in support of relief efforts related to the COVID-19 public health emergency are granted emergency relief from Parts 390 through 399 of the FMCSRs, except as restricted.
The expansion and extension are limited to transportation of:
1.livestock and livestock feed;
2.medical supplies and equipment related to the testing, diagnosis, and treatment of COVID-19;
3.vaccines, constituent products, and medical supplies and equipment including ancillary supplies/kits for the administration of vaccines, related to the prevention of COVID-19;
4.supplies and equipment necessary for community safety, sanitation, and prevention of community transmission of COVID-19 such as masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, soap, and disinfectants; and
5.food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking of distribution centers or stores.
Please note: Direct assistance does not include routine commercial deliveries, including mixed loads with a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration.
We recommend you read the full expansion and extension of the modified Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002.
Indiana Executive Order 20-49 Governor Holcomb Extends Public Health Emergency Declaration for COVID-19 Outbreak
Eric J. Holcomb, Governor of Indiana, signed the above referenced executive order extending the COVID-19 public health emergency to December 31, 2020. This was done due to the following factors:
1.the virus has now spread to every county throughout the state;
2.the spread of the disease in Indiana has increased significantly over the past month, with a 7-day average positivity rate of 10%;
3.the virus remains a threat to the health, safety and welfare of all Hoosiers such that emergency conditions continue to exist, and efforts are needed to continue to address, control and reduce the threat posed by COVID-19.
We encourage you to read the full Executive Order, linked below. For the status and details on COVID-19 test results, hospitalizations and more, visit the COVID-19 Dashboard linked below.
Governor Holcomb will address Hoosiers today, in a 2:30PM EST Press Conference regarding this extension and steps being taken to combat the virus.
For States, CDL Holders, CLP Holders, and Interstate Drivers Operating Commercial Motor Vehicles 09/18/2020
FMCSA grants a waiver from certain regulations applicable to interstate and intrastate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders and to other interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). FMCSA has initiated this action in response to the President’s declaration of a national emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) and the public health emergency declared by the Health and Human Services Secretary related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and section 4 of Executive Order No. 13924, Regulatory Relief to Support Economic Recovery, 85 FR 31353 (June 9, 2020).
Extension and Modification of Expanded Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 Under 49 Cfr § 390.25
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hereby declares that the continuing national emergency warrants the extension and modification of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 This extension continues the exemption granted from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for the fifty States and the District of Columbia as set forth below. This notice extends the exemption through July 14, 2020, subject to the restrictions and limitations set forth in this Extension.
Extension of Expanded Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 Under 49 CFR § 390.25
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) hereby declares that a national emergency continues to exist that warrants extension of Emergency Declaration No. 2020-002 issued on March 13, 2020, expanded on March 18, 2020, and extended and further expanded on April 8, 2020. This extension continues the exemption granted from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for the fifty States and the District of Columbia. This Declaration extends the exemption through June 14, 2020.
Maximum Gross Vehicle Weights during the COVID-19 Pandemic
The states listed on this page linked below currently allow a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of 88,000 lbs. or higher on interstates for emergency supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The states on this list may have increased their allowable GVW during the pandemic or, in some cases, they may already allow a GVW above 88,000 lbs. Route restrictions may apply, and states may still require permits.
BMV Operations for Essential NEW CLP/CDL and For-Hire Transactions
The BMV has several branches open by appointment only to process the following:
New Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) New Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Upgrade/downgrade for the CDL to add the tank vehicle or hazardous materials endorsement credential transactions New Operator’s License to add For-Hire endorsement Amend Operator’s License to add For-Hire endorsement Renewal of a Chauffeur or Public Passenger Chauffeur License to obtain a For-Hire endorsement
Appointments are available Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Indiana State Department of Health Issues Cleaning Guidance for Businesses
The virus is known to be detected on surfaces for up to 72 hours. Based on this, businesses should follow the following cleaning recommendations if they have an employee or visitor with a known case of COVID-19.
TSA is granting a temporary exemption from requirements in 49 CFR part 1572 regarding the expiration of certain Transportation Worker Identification Credentials (TWIC®s). For the duration of this exemption, TSA will extend the expiration date of TWIC®s that expired on or after March 1, 2020, by 180 days.
Expanded Frequently Asked Questions for State Driver Licensing Agencies and Commercial Drivers Regarding Permissible Actions During the COVID-19 Emergency
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has compiled this list of responses to frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding actions State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA) or commercial driver’s license holders may take during the public health emergency related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) that are permissible under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
Canadian HOS Exemption from the Ministry of Transportation
While this exemption is similar to the one that FMCSA issued, the Canadian Ministry has a few different requirements. Motor carriers must fully understand this exemption if they are going to use it while in Canada.
CDC Statement on Self-Quarantine Guidance for Greater New York City Transportation and Delivery Workers Truck drivers and other people driving into the city to deliver needed supplies should stay in their vehicles as much as possible as supplies are loaded and unloaded, avoid being within 6 feet of others as much as possible when they exit their vehicles, and move to electronic receipts if possible. https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2020/s0326-nyc-truck-driver-guidance.html
IRP Emergency Waivers Online IRP (International Registration Plan) has a website that list all the Emergency waivers that are out there with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak.
See the jurisdiction notices within the link for the complete information.
These reflect the notifications IRP has sent out to date, and will continue to be updated. If you are with a jurisdiction with an update, please send it to irpmail@irpinc.org.
FMCSA Declarations & Actions Reorganized on Website FMCSA has reorganized their online listing of COVID-19 declarations and actions. The new link is: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/COVID-19
This contains all the declarations, guidance, waivers, FAQ. Going forward, please use this link for all external sharing. It is linked on the homepage and in the emergency declarations page. All the former links should work and remain operational. We are posting a redirect link on the old page, that will lead to this updated page. Going forward all online posted items related to COVID will be added to this page.
State DMV Status Here is a current list of DMV status by state: Closed: 21 Limited: 28 Open: 0
Here is a current list of DMV Statuses as of Thursday, March 26, 2020.
REAL ID Extended In a press release issued on March 26, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security extended the date for REAL ID compliance to October 1, 2021, a year beyond its original timeline of this October this year. Acting Secretary Chad Wolf stated that “federal, state and local response to the spread of the Coronavirus here in the United States necessitates a delay in this deadline. States across the country are temporarily closing or restricting access to DMVs. This action will preclude millions of people from applying for and receiving their REAL ID. Extending the deadline will also allow the Department to work with Congress to implement needed changes to expedite the issuance of REAL IDs once the current health crisis concludes.”
This announcement aligns with a March 16 statement from House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and others, requesting that DHS delay the compliance date but that did not provide a proposed timeframe.
COVID 19 Updates - March 26, 2020
Notice of Enforcement Policy Regarding Training Requirements Issued March 25, 2020 *Now Includes HazMat Employers*
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR PUBLISHES GUIDANCE EXPLAINING PAID SICK LEAVE AND EXPANDED FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE UNDER THE FAMILIES FIRST CORONAVIRUS RESPONSE ACT
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division (WHD) announced its first round of published guidance to provide information to employees and employers about how each will be able to take advantage of the protections and relief offered by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) when it takes effect on April 1, 2020.
FFCRA will help the United States combat and defeat COVID-19 by giving all American businesses with fewer than 500 employees funds to provide employees with paid leave, either for the employee’s own health needs or to care for family members. The legislation will ensure that workers are not forced to choose between their paychecks and the public health measures needed to combat the virus while at the same time reimbursing businesses.
The guidance – provided in a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers document – addresses critical questions, such as how an employer must count the number of their employees to determine coverage; how small businesses can obtain an exemption; how to count hours for part-time employees; and how to calculate the wages employees are entitled to under this law.
“Providing information to the American workforce is a top priority for the Wage and Hour Division,” said Administrator Cheryl Stanton. “With so many workers and so many employers struggling to find their way in these trying conditions, providing guidance on a rolling basis will allow workers and businesses to prepare for the law to go into effect on April 1, 2020. We remain committed, and are working around the clock to provide the information and tools for employees and employers alike.”
The guidance announced today is just the first round of information and compliance assistance to come from WHD. A workplace poster required for most employers will be published later this week, along with additional fact sheets and more Q&A. WHD provides additional information on common issues employers and employees face when responding to COVID-19, and its effects on wages and hours worked under the Fair Labor Standards Act and job-protected leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/whd/pandemic.
For further information about COVID-19, please visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. WHD’s mission is to promote and achieve compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of the nation's workforce. WHD enforces federal minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping and child labor requirements of the Fair Labor Standards Act. WHD also enforces the Migrant and Seasonal Agricultural Worker Protection Act, the Employee Polygraph Protection Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, wage garnishment provisions of the Consumer Credit Protection Act and a number of employment standards and worker protections as provided in several immigration related statutes. Additionally, WHD administers and enforces the prevailing wage requirements of the Davis Bacon Act and the Service Contract Act and other statutes applicable to federal contracts for construction and for the provision of goods and services. The mission of the U.S. Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.
FMCSA Waives Registration Fees For Temporary Operating Authority
The FMCSA on Friday issued aNotice of Enforcement Discretion Determinationwhereby the agency will accept requests for temporary operating authority — and waive the registration fee of roughly $100 — for carriers seeking for-hire status to help with relief efforts during the COVID-19 emergency.
New Research Designed to Quantify Trucking Impacts from COVID-19 Industry Survey Seeks Operating Impacts from Drivers, Fleets
Minneapolis, MN – The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) and the Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association Foundation (OOIDA Foundation) are conducting a joint research study to understand the numerous impacts that the Coronavirus pandemic is having on trucking operations. The research focuses heavily on a survey that solicits critical input from truck drivers and motor carrier staff who are encountering Covid-19 impacts such as limited shipper access, changing distribution patterns and traffic-related issues.
“This survey will help us confirm what we know anecdotally,” said Tom Weakley, Director of the OOIDA Foundation, “that the trucking industry is leading the charge in responding to food and medicine shortages among other critical supplies. We need everyone’s input on this effort.”
Anyone involved in trucking operations is urged to respond.
“Our goal is to complete the data analysis as quickly as possible, as it can provide important guidance to public and private decision-makers. The Covid-19 pandemic is a moving target, and we can’t afford to design policies and supply chains around guesswork,” said Dan Murray, Senior Vice President at ATRI.
DHS – CISA – Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers AND Transportation Logistics Employee Essential Letter Template
ATA has prepared a template of a letter/notice for drivers to carry in their cabs that spells out “Truck Drivers have been designated as essential critical infrastructure workers by the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency”.
Be advised, the use of this or any other similar type letter is NOT required anywhere, but it may come in handy for a driver especially when dealing with law enforcement personnel not overly familiar with industry practices and trying to enforce something like a local “shelter-in-place” declaration. Again, this is not required by any jurisdiction and it is not a “Get of jail free” type card either.
We are sharing with IMTA members, but this is just an explanation of the industry’s status under the CISA guidance. Keep in mind also, the CISA Guidance is not law so, best you can, keep drivers aware of the rules, regulations, declarations of jurisdictions in which the vehicle will be traveling.
Drug and Alcohol testing guidance focused specifically on the FMCSA regulated community was posted on the Emergency Declaration Page. In addition to discussing other matters, this guidance provides information and guidance relating to how to handle random testing when some tests are unable to be completed.
COVID 19 Updates - March 24, 2020
FMCSA Releases Updates & Guidance on CDLs and HM Training (PHMSA) Two very important documents were completed last night relating to CDLs and Medical Cards as well as a PHMSA notice relating to HM Training. Please see below for description and links. FMCSA CDL WAIVER The waiver is effective until June 30, 2020 and provides important relief resulting from situations where many CDL and CLP holders are unable to renew their CDLs and CLPs and are unable to provide medical certificates to their State Driver Licensing Agencies. In addition, many medical providers nationwide have canceled regularly scheduled appointments to dedicate resources to the COVID-19 response. As a result, drivers are unable to obtain appointments for physical examinations with medical examiners.
ENFORCEMENT NOTICE ON EXPIRING CDLs This Notice of Enforcement Policy, effective from March 24, 2020 to June 30, 2020, provides needed relief from specified FMCSRs for CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers and motor carriers using those drivers. This Notice of Enforcement Policy applies to all CLP holders, CDL holders, and non-CDL drivers whose license was issued for less than the maximum period established by 49 CFR 383.25 and 383.73 and was valid on February 29, 2020 and expired on or after March 1, 2020.
PHMSA ENFORCEMENT DISCRETION RELATING TO HM TRAINING PHMSA has provided there will not take enforcement action taken against any HM employer and/or HM employee unable to provide the required “recurrent training” during the Covid-19 pandemic. This policy was coordinated across the Department and applies to FMCSA and all modes. It does not apply to initial training, or the need to have a new HM employee work under the supervision of a trained HM employee until they can get their initial training.
COVID 19 Updates - March 23, 2020
Guidance on Essential Goods and Sample Letter for Carriers Although drivers are not required to carry documentation while hauling essential goods, some companies are making letters for the drivers. These letters have no legal bearing, however if it helps your driver feel more comfortable please feel free to use the template below.
CLICK HERE for the Executive Order 20-08 Indiana will open a call center to field industry questions about EO 20-08, which provides for essential and non-essential business operations, infrastructure and government functions while the state observes a stay-at-home order from March 25-April 7th.
THE CRITICAL INDUSTRY'S HOTLINE will open Tuesday at 9 AM to help guide business and industries with the EO. You can reach the hotline by calling 877-820-0890 or by emailing covidresponse@iedc.in.gov. This is for business and industry questions only.
USDOT Guidance on Compliance with DOT Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulations Released March 23, 2020
This guidance documentprovides clarity to DOT-regulated employers, employees, and service agents on conducting DOT drug-and-alcohol testing given concerns about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
COVID 19 Updates - March 21, 2020
CDL Information - National
NEW EMERGENCY DECLARATIONS FROM FMCSA RELATED TO CDL NOTICE TO STATE DRIVER LICENSING AGENCIES
Yesterday, March 20, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced new Emergency Declarations, including specific actions for State Drivers Licensing Agencies during the COVID-19 emergency.
FMCSA will not issue a non-compliance finding if the state extends a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver's License (CDL) that would otherwise expire during the COVID-19 emergency
States may renew a CDL/CLP online
FMCSA will not issue a non-compliance finding if a state does not change the medical certification status to "not certified" or downgrade a CDL/CLP holder whose Medical Examiner's Certificate has expired during the COVID-19 emergency
Based on the Governor’s Executive Order 20-05, dated March 19, and communications with the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Indiana State Police all Indiana Driver’s licenses, including CDLs, that expired or will expire on or after March 19, 2020 will have their expiration date extended until the emergency is over, or the Governor rescinds the Executive Order. You may then renew your driver’s license as normal without penalty.
However, whenever possible we encourage you to seek alternate options, such as renewing on-line to avoid long lines and potential backlogs. The IN BMV is currently working on offering online options.
MEDICAL A company and driver should attempt a good faith effort for renewal, but it is understood that there may be limitations such as with medical providers.
INDIANA BMV STATEMENT If your CDL driver has a medical certification that will expire while the Covid-19 pandemic social distancing protocol is in place, consider the following.
In an effort to keep non-sick individuals from office visits, on a case-by-case basis, physicians who performed the most recent exam, for certification, may be willing to provide an extension for a period of time past the expiration date.
The IMTA recommends having your CDL driver contact their physician to see if an extension is possible.
Fax them to the BMV at 317-974-1613.
BRANCH HOURS The Indiana BMV may have different operational hours or may be closed at any time due to deep cleaning or limited staffing. Check updates HERE.
CDL TEST SITES The BMV is working on gaining information on CDL testing site information. Most sites are on a reduced schedule and as of this morning the following locations are closed for CDL testing per the BMV: Baylor Trucking in Milan, Schneider in Indianapolis and Commercial Testing in Kokomo. Click HERE for the list of sites.
GOVERNOR HOLCOMB ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER 20-05 - This EO addresses several items from many state agencies.
One example from this EO: BMV - The Commissioner shall extend deadlines for renewal of driver's license or identification cards renewals, title transactions, salvage titles, and off-road vehicle and snowmobile titles by suspending the imposition of administrative penalty fees (late fees).
ATA and Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association worked with PennDot in an effort to reopen rest areas we reported had been closed in a previous IMTA COVID-19 update
Below is a statement by PennDot yesterday:
Every decision made has been in the interest of mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and we are constantly reevaluating our response. That said, we also recognize that drivers need and deserve access to rest areas.
In order to address safety concerns raised, PennDOT has identified 13 of its 30 rest areas that are most utilized by truckers that will be available again by tomorrow. At these locations, PennDOT will be taking down the barricades on some facilities in critical locations and making them available for truck parking. Portable restroom facilities will be available at these locations; each location will have five portable toilets (one of which is ADA-accessible) that will be cleaned once a day. Electronic message signs will be used near the applicable centers to notify drivers near the opened areas. In order to prevent further spread of COVID-19, we will not be opening any of the indoor facilities because there is no staff to keep them clean and properly sanitized. We will continue to evaluate and will determine whether additional rest areas can be reopened.
These are the locations: •I-81: Luzerne NB/SB, Cumberland NB/SB; •I-80, Venango EB/WB, Centre EB/WB, Montour EB/WB •I-79: Crawford NB/SB, Allegheny NB only
Additional Resources
IMTA MEMBER INDIANA TESTING UPDATE
Indiana Testing Inc.
During this difficult time for our nation, state and local communities, we understand that this has put a strain on many industries including commercial drivers. At this time, we are not accepting walk-in visits to our corporate office to ensure that our staff is fully operational to help our client’s source clinics and hire drivers nationwide. However, ITI is continuing our onsite drug testing services for employers who are still currently operating and still needing to meet the daily DOT Rules and Regulations. We are able to perform onsite services from our corporate office throughout Central Indiana and along with our drug testing contractors’ portions of Northern and Southern Indiana. We would also like to extend this to IMTA members that are not a client of ITI for collection only services.
IMTA member Ice Miller has developed a landing page on their website to make sure you and your business understand the legal, regulatory and commercial ramifications of COVID-19. They also have a Task Force to help educate their clients.
Be sure to reach out to your legal counsel for similar information that Ice Miller is offering.
INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE UPDATE
@USTreasury and #IRS issue guidance on delaying tax payments due to the #COVID19 outbreak. If you don’t have a tax balance due, file as quickly as possible to get your refund. See: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
In response to #COVID19, Treasury and #IRS allow most tax payments to be delayed until July 15. You need to file a return or request a filing extension by April 15. No other filing is necessary for payment extensions. See free options at: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Following #COVID19 outbreak, Treasury and #IRS issue guidance on delaying tax payments until July 15 2020. You still need to file a return or request a filing extension by April 15. No additional filing is necessary for the payment extension. See www.irs.gov/coronavirus
In response to #COVID19, many taxpayers can delay tax payments to the #IRS until 7/15/2020 without penalties or interest. File a return or request a filing extension by April 15. No additional filing is necessary for the payment extension: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
Treasury and #IRS allow a delay of most tax payments until 7/15. You need to file a return or request a filing extension by 4/15. No additional filing is necessary for the payment extension. If you’re due a refund, file ASAP. Free options available: www.irs.gov/coronavirus
#IRS urges taxpayers who are owed a refund to file as quickly as possible. For those who can’t file by the April 15 deadline, IRS reminds individual taxpayers that everyone is eligible to request a six-month extension to file their return. www.irs.gov/coronavirus
March 18, 2020
FMCSA’s updated Emergency Declaration This declaration clarifies what operations are included in the emergency declaration, including a clarification of “mixed loads” operations. Click Here for Communication
March 17, 2020
DOR Temporarily Suspends In-Person Services INDIANAPOLIS -- In concert with Governor Eric Holcomb’s guidance and with the utmost concern for the health and safety of Hoosiers and DOR employees, all Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR) in-person customer services will be temporarily suspended beginning at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2020. This includes:
Indianapolis Government Center North walk-in, located at 100 N. Senate Ave in Indianapolis.
Motor Carrier Services walk-in, located at 7811 Milhouse Rd, Suite M in Indianapolis.
DOR District Office walk-in locations in Bloomington, Clarksville, Columbus, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Kokomo, Lafayette, Merrillville, Muncie, South Bend and Terre Haute.
DOR team members are continuing to provide customer service by phone and email, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., local time. Customers have the following service options:
Call DOR’s individual customer service line at 317-232-2240.
Call a specific District Office—contact information can be found on DOR’s website at dor.in.gov/3390.htm.
Call DOR’s Motor Carrier Services at 317-615-7200.
Contact a specific DOR business unit using a list of phone numbers and email addresses available at dor.in.gov/3325.htm.
Additionally, customers can visit DOR's website at dor.in.gov/4331.htm to take advantage of online services available. DOR continues to monitor the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regarding possible changes to filing and payment due dates, and is prepared to follow suit. Those decisions will be shared as soon as they are made.
Any changes to this guidance, additional modifications to normal operations or changes to tax filing and payment deadlines will be posted on DOR’s website, as well as DOR’s social media accounts. DOR advises all customers to follow the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines. Their websites contain extremely valuable information and guidance.
COVID 19 Updates - March 17, 2020
IMTA Member Creekside Testing with an Important Driver Health Update A clinic is the worst place to have our drivers sitting right now. Please do NOT send your healthy drivers to a walk-in or urgent care facility for a DOT physical or drug or alcohol testing. Creekside Testing can help. We do DOT physicals and more and are focused on keeping our drivers healthy and on the road. We are available at our clinic or can complete DOT physicals and drug and alcohol testing at YOUR company location. Appointments are available, including evening and weekend appointments, to eliminate anyone sitting in a waiting room.
Please contact us at (317) 753-5550 orinfo@creeksidetc.com or visit us at http://creeksidetc.com for more information. We are here to help and keep drivers moving during this challenging time.
FMCSA HOS Waiver Saturday's TTW had the information regarding FMCSA HOS Waiver.
Today, questions were addressed by FMCSA. Not all items were covered, these are just a few we learned about.
Drivers do not need documentation regarding the HOS Waiver
Items not covered under the waiver but part of a larger list of things currently being reviewed:
Fuel
Dog Food / Cat Food
Livestock
Ingredients for products that are ultimately going into finished good
Backhauls for business purposes after a delivery of emergency products are not covered in waiver.
Drug & Alcohol Testing has not been waived. FMCSA is aware that some clinics have been closing and DOT is looking into this further.
FMCSA encouraged the industry to work with shippers and ask them to consider noting on the bill of lading if the product is finished good that is a necessity.
PARKING - FMCSA is working with their partners at FHWA and other resources regarding parking. More to come on this.
CDL renewals, etc. - FMCSA is working with their partners and more to come on this.
Medical exams for CDL renewal - FMCSA is working with their partners and more will be forthcoming.
Oversize / Overweight in INDIANA INDOT has made an emergency response/relief OSOW permit available, for carriers hauling emergency response and relief supplies. It can be obtained by contacting the Indiana Department of Revenue’s OSOW permitting office, IndianaOSW@dor.in.gov or 317-615-7320.
Indiana anticipates business as usual. Plans are in place for Indiana Department of Revenue and Indiana Department of Transportation staff members to work remotely if necessary. Please use email for questions and concerns as much as possible so that they can most efficiently respond: - Indiana Department of Revenue: IndianaOSW@dor.in.gov - Indiana Department of Transportation: OSWPermits@indot.in.gov
DOR Preparing For Potential COVID-19 Impacts The Indiana Department of Revenue (DOR), while currently open for business, is preparing for a variety of possible COVID-19 related scenarios. We are also closely following the guidance and directions from Governor Holcomb and the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).
BMV: Business as Usual The IMTA was in contact with the Bureau of Motor Vehicles leadership yesterday afternoon. They indicate that of now, it’s business as usual with all branches open. They do not foresee any delays in being able to process registrations and licenses on schedule. They will contact us if/when the situation changes.
Truck Parking Updates in Indiana ISP Weigh Stations Available for Parking during Federally Declared Emergency ISP Scales are open 24/7 at this time. Seymour is not available due to road construction.
Notes on parking will follow the locations: Lowell (maybe limited as INDOT is using as a construction office/storage area) – I65 SB 231.5 mm Chesterton – I94 EB 6 miles west of US 4 Chesterton – I94 SB 6 miles west of US 4 Warren – I69 SB 280 mm Richmond – I70 WB 148 mm West Harrison – I74 EB 171 mm Terre Haute – I70 EB 0 mm
We will permit truck parking, including overnight parking, at the scale houses during the Federally Declared Emergency under the following circumstances:
1. Parking does not interfere with the operations of the facility a. Parking in only marked, striped parking spaces b. No parking on any ramps c. No parking in the scale lanes or in front of the inspection barns d. No parking in unmarked areas of the parking facilities or areas designated for staff or handicap parking e. No parking in other areas identified by on-site ISP or INDOT staff 2. No littering of any kind 3. No alcohol or drug consumption on state property 4. Restroom facilities may not be available 5. Adherence to any other rules set forth by the facility’s ISP or INDOT staff.
IMTA Member Updates Concerning Parking: Love's Issues Update -Click Here TA Issues Update Click Here Pilot Flying J Update: All of our locations are currently open, including showers and restrooms. We have no plans to close at this time. We will continue to update as necessary.
March 13, 2020
FMCSA Has Issued Emergency Declaration and Details with Respect to Targeted, Limited Relief from Hour of Service (HOS) for COVID-19 Emergency Efforts
