TruckDriver.com eReport

Dear {FName},

March 1, 2013

Has the New worn off the New Year yet? Have you stopped writing 2012 on your checks? (Does anyone write checks anymore?)

It’s time to mark your calendars with reminders of all the events coming your way in 2013. Here are some you won’t want to miss!

Mid America Trucking Show - March 21 -23, 2013 – Louisville, KY
Joplin Petro Jamboree – May 17 – 18, 2013 – Joplin, MO
Great West Truck Show – May 30 – June 1, 2013 – Las Vegas
Walcott Truckers Jamboree – July 11 -13, 2013 – Walcott, IA
Waupun Truck-N-Show - August 9-10, 2013 – Waupun, Wisc.
Great American Truck Show – August 22, 24, 2013 – Dallas, TX
Charlotte Super Diesel Show – October 2013 - Dates TBA - Charlotte, NC

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Virginia General Assembly Passes Legislation Opposing Tolls on I-95

The American Trucking Associations and NATSO, representing America's travel plazas and truckstops, praised the Virginia General Assembly for taking a stand against tolling of existing interstates. The transportation legislation that passed today by the Virginia General Assembly puts an end to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s plan to toll I-95 and is an overwhelming sign of growing opposition to tolls on existing interstates.

The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that requires legislative approval of tolls on I-95 South of Fredericksburg. While not an outright ban on tolling, the Virginia General Assembly has made it clear that they do not support tolling and will not move forward with any plans to toll I-95 South of Fredericksburg.
“By looking at, then rejecting tolls in favor of more efficient revenue sources, Virginia lawmakers have provided a solid example for states looking to finance needed transportation infrastructure,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said.

The approved tolling language within the comprehensive transportation plan requires that, “No tolls shall be imposed or collected on Interstate 95 south of Fredericksburg pursuant to the Interstate System Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Pilot Program without the prior approval of the General Assembly.”

ATA and NATSO joined forces about a year ago to fight tolling proposals in Virginia and North Carolina. Both states sought the authority to toll I-95 under the Interstate Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Program, a Federal Highway Administration pilot program created by Congress in 1998 that allows the conversion of an existing interstate to a toll facility. Since the program was created, numerous states have spent millions of dollars seeking FHWA approval. But due to public opposition, among other reasons, not one state has implemented tolling under the program. ATA and NATSO are calling on Congress to repeal the pilot program.

NATSO President and CEO Lisa Mullings called on Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell to sign the legislation. "Tolls would have unjustly burdened businesses located along Interstate 95 (I-95), and encouraged tourists to bypass the state. Today's action will send a message that Virginia is open for business and tourism."
Mullings said the state's plan to toll I-95 at a single location a few miles from the North Carolina is akin to a border tax. "Now is not the time to tax tourists and businesses and we hope North Carolina, which is also considering tolling on I-95, will follow Virginia's lead."

“While no plan is perfect, Virginia’s sound rejection of tolling should be a model for other states,” Graves said. “I’ve long said ‘Roads aren’t free and they aren’t cheap,’ and we have to as a country figure out the best way to pay for them.
“While Wall Street finance wizards and so-called ‘free market’ advocates will continue to beat the drum for tolling, as a former Governor, I can tell you tolls are not the conservative solution to paying for our roads,” he said. “New tolls mean new bureaucracy and new inefficiency, and in some cases they mean new danger as traffic diverts from toll roads to smaller secondary routes. We’re pleased that Virginians recognize this and made the right decision for Virginians and interstate travelers.”

The highly public campaign in opposition to tolling I-95 included yard signs, billboards, bumper stickers, shopping bags, three trucks and a water tower in opposition to Governor McDonnell’s plan to toll I-95. Twenty-three localities, thirteen business associations, five economic and planning organizations and numerous businesses and public safety groups joined over 7,000 individuals who signed the online petition at www.virginiatollfree95.com in opposition to the Governor’s proposal to toll I-95 in Virginia.

Sometimes, when we hear truckers talking about the DOT (Department of Transportation) we wonder if they really understand who the DOT is and what the DOT does.

Here are some interesting and informative links that will provide some insight into the world of the DOT.

The Department of Transportation was established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966. The Department’s first official day of operation was April 1, 1967.

The mission of the Department is to: Serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

There are two basic philosophies when it comes to individual taxes, some people don’t worry about refunds, they want their money right now. Others think of the refund as a kind of hidden savings they will withdraw in the Spring.

So, with that said, here are the results of the TruckDriver.com Tax Return Survey.

Refund or no refund?

Refund - 40%
No Refund - 60%

We know you checked out all the info on the DOT we listed above, so here is the TruckDriver.com the DOT and Me Survey.

Until next time, keep on truckin’ and please drive safely.

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