Zoom-Bombing Defense
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has released an article  on defending against video-teleconferencing (VTC) hijacking (referred to as “Zoom-bombing” when attacks are to the Zoom VTC platform).  Many organizations and individuals are increasingly dependent on VTC platforms, such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams, to stay connected during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The FBI has released this guidance in response to an increase in reports of VTC hijacking.

IRS Offers Employee Retention Tax Credit to Qualifying Businesses
The United States Treasury Department and the Internal Revenue Service launched the Employee Retention Credit, designed to encourage businesses to keep employees on their payroll. The refundable tax credit is 50% of up to $10,000 in wages paid by an eligible employer whose business has been financially impacted by COVID-19. The credit is available to marketers who continued to pay employees during the COVID-19 outbreak.

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The newly enacted Paycheck Protection Program (Small Business Loan Program) will officially go live today.  A new application was posted online last night. Note, a few lenders will be ready to go today, but most next week.

ATA has been told to advise members to go to their own bank and those banks that are already lenders will likely be ready faster, but all FDIC institutions will be brought on board in the coming days.

If you are interested in applying for such a loan, do not be surprised if the process is a bit chaotic. Presumably your best bet is to apply as early as possible. 

Click here to read the article "Banks Warn of Chaotic Launch of Small Business Lending Program"

Click here to read Paycheck Protection Program - Interim Final Rule

White House Extends Social Distancing Guidelines Until End of April
President Trump this week extended social distancing guidelines through April 30th. Additionally, governors and mayors nationwide continue to issue their own restrictions, shutting schools and many retail businesses. Public-health experts have said extended social distancing is needed until the U.S. develops a vigorous testing regime to identify and isolate cases. President Trump said he didn’t anticipate relaxing the guidelines before April 30 even for regions less affected by the virus.

Lawmakers Eye Infrastructure in Next Relief Bill
As lawmakers lay the groundwork for a Phase IV stimulus relief package, they  are targeting major investments in infrastructure. While the Phase III relief package was meant to stem immediate losses, the next bill will be a large economic recovery package. NATSO will push for the inclusion of reauthorization of the FAST Act, which is set to expire Sept. 30, 2020.   

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Safe Harbor Provision of the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act
On March 25, 2020, Governor Jim Justice signed into law an amendment to the West Virginia Wage Payment and Collection Act (“WPCA”) that provides a “safe harbor” to employers, allowing them an opportunity to correct underpayment or nonpayment of wages and fringe benefits due to separated employees prior to the start of lengthy - and costly - litigation.PennDOT Reopens Five Additional Rest Areas

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reopening indoor facilities at five additional rest areas statewide.PennDOT’s 30 rest areas were temporarily closed statewide on March 17 in response to Governor Tom Wolf’s mitigation guidance regarding COVID-19 to ensure that proper safety and sanitation protocols were in place. On March 24, 23 select rest areas across Pennsylvania were reopened to all motorists, including the 13 facilities in critical locations that were reopened March 18 with portable restrooms and handwashing facilities.

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Required Posting for COVID-19 Leave
Families First Coronavirus Response Act Notice – Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I post this notice? Since most of my workforce is teleworking, where do I electronically “post” this notice?

Each covered employer must post a notice of the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) requirements in a conspicuous place on its premises. An employer may satisfy this requirement by emailing or direct mailing this notice to employees, or posting this notice on an employee information internal or external website. Click here for all notice FAQ's 
Click here for copy of the required non-federal poster

Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employers to Plan and Respond to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
This interim guidance is based on what is currently known about the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The outbreak first started in China, but the virus continues to spread internationally and in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update this interim guidance as additional information becomes available.
Click here for full guidance.

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FMCSA Reorganizes Online Listing of COVID19 Declarations and Actions
The new link is: www.fmcsa.dot.gov/COVID-19  This contains all of the declarations, guidance, waivers, FAQ. It is linked on the FMCSA homepage and in the emergency declarations page. All of the former links should work and remain operational but, going forward, all online posted items related to COVID-19 will be added to this page.The Department of Transportation also has a COVID-19 page that is located here: https://www.transportation.gov/coronavirus

CVSA Postpones Roadcheck Due to Coronavirus Crisis
RoadCheck inspectionJames Dasch (left), a driver for Lucky Dog Industries, speaks with an inspector at the 2019 Roadcheck event. (Eric Miller/Transport Topics)This year’s International Roadcheck, originally set for May 5-7, has been postponed due to coronavirus concerns. A rescheduled date will be announced later, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance said in a March 25 statement.

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Department of Labor Publishes Guidance for Employers on Families First Coronavirus Response Act
The Department of Labor released its first round of guidance on the legislation recently passed by Congress to address the COVID-19 outbreak. The guidance, which includes a Fact Sheet for Employees, a Fact Sheet for Employers and a Questions and Answers document, addresses the Paid Sick Leave and Family Leave provisions in the Family First Coronavirus Response Act. Those fact sheets can be accessed by here. Please note:  The effective date is April 1st and not April 2nd, and is not retroactive prior to April 1st. 
 
Disruptions to Drug and Alcohol Testing Due to the CORONAVIRUS  Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Presidentially Declared National Emergency
To help ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, while also ensuring that we continue to meet our mission, we are providing the following guidance in effect until May 30, 2020 (90 days from the date proclaimed as the beginning of the national emergency in the President's Proclamation on Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak), unless the national emergency is extended beyond that date.

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PHMSA Issues Enforcement Waiver for CDL Hazmat Driver Recoccuring Training

The Pipeline and Hazardous Material Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced that the agency will not take enforcement action against any motor carrier or offeror who is unable to provide reoccurring hazardous material training that all CDL HAZMAT drivers (and all HAZMAT employees) must undergo every three years. The PHMSA announcement may be viewed here. The enforcement waiver is in effect for 90 days beginning March 23, 2020.PHMSA said the enforcement policy is needed because most reoccurring driver training and testing takes place in large classroom settings that are no longer safe given the corona virus outbreak.Specifically, the temporary enforcement waiver covers only reoccurring training under 49 CFR 172.704 (c)(2). The training and testing categories under subpart 172.704 that are subject to the temporary enforcement waiver include:

• General Awareness/Familiarization Training
• Function Specific Training
• Safety Training
• Security Awareness Training
• In Depth Security Training
• OSHA and EPA Training

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NOTE:
Due to current circumstances, in lieu of a monthly newsletter we will be sending out regular Cornonavirus trucking-related updates.  This is a very difficult time for everyone and with the situation changing so rapidly, we feel that keeping you informed is the most important thing we can do at this time.  With patience and by following the guidelines given to us, we will will make it through this pandemic and be stronger!
 
Emergency Declaration FAQ from FMCSA

Are loads that include supplies related to direct assistance under the emergency declaration mixed with other, un-related materials covered under the declaration?Generally, yes, however, mixed loads with only a nominal quantity of qualifying emergency relief added to obtain the benefits of this emergency declaration are not covered.Is a driver required to take a 30-minute break?No, none of the hours of service regulations apply while the driver is engaged with providing direct assistance under the emergency relief exemption.

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