Press Archive
- State Driving Champions & Safety Award Winners
- Heavy Vehicle use Tax Return Form 2290 E-Filing Solutions for Truckers from WVTA
- WV Trucking Association Recognizes Drivers During 2020 National Truck Driver Appreciation Week Sept. 13-19
- A Thank You from UPS Public Affairs
- National Truck Driving Championship Cancelled
- 2019 WV Truck Driving Championship Winners
- I-81 Fuels Tax Increases Start July 1st!
- SPOTTED LANTERNFLY: PERMITTING & COMPLIANCE - ALL CARRIERS WELCOME
- 2 Million Mile Safe Driver - James (Danny) Roberts
- Traci Nelson: Trucking industry needs the DRIVE Safe Act
- Two Million Mile Safe Driver - Jeff Smith
- WV Trucking Association Announces State Driving Champions & Safety Award Winners
- America’s Big Game Delivered By Trucks
- The West Virginia Transporter 2017
- WV OMEGA Appoints Daniel Hall Director of Government Affairs & Membership Development Coordinator
- WV OMEGA Appoints Traci Nelson President
- West Virginia Truck Drivers Gearing up for Industry's Top Prize ATA Welcomes State Champs to Orlando for National Truck Driving Championships
- WVTA Offers Safe Driving Tips for Upcoming Holiday Weekend
- WV Trucking Professionals to Test Skills In Driving Competition at the Winjean Trucking Company in Buckhannon, WV
- Highs and Lows: Trump's love of trucks
- WVTA Buyers’ Guide
- WVTA Year End Review 2016
- ATA's Holiday Safe Driving Tips
- ATA Thanks Congress for Advancing a Permanent Hours-of-Service Fix Bipartisan Effort Will Improve Industry's Safety and Efficiency
- WVTA Announces Designation of Exclusive Publisher and Advertising Sales Agent for WVTA Buyers' Guide
- West Virginia Trucking Association Recognizes National “Operation Safe Driver Week” Oct. 16-22
- Driver-Focused Inspection Blitz October 16th - 22nd
- Health Groups Sue FDA Over Cigarette Warning Labels
- WVU Researchers Present Tepid Economic Outlook
- ATA President Outlines Vision for Trucking, Federation Spear Calls for Unity and Strength in Annual State of the Industry Address
- WV Trucking Association Elects New Officers
- Gov. Tomblin Honors State Trucking Industry
- Truck Driver Appreciation Week
- National Roadside Truck Brake Enforcement Blitz September 11th - 17th
- WV Trucking Association, American Trucking Association Launch Driving Safety Video in Advance of Labor Day Holiday
he Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) new definition for a tank vehicle, and requirements for which drivers need tank endorsements, goes into effect today, July 8, 2015. Under the new rule, any vehicle transporting bulk tanks with 1,000 or more gallons of total capacity is designated as a tank vehicle.
To determine whether or not a vehicle qualifies, carriers should add up the total capacity of all bulk tanks on the vehicle. Bulk tanks are defined as those holding more than 119 gallons. These include portable tanks, intermediate bulk containers, cylinders, and other portable tanks that traditionally did not require tank endorsements. Empty tanks and those containing only residue can be ignored. If the total capacity is 1,000 gallons or more, the vehicle is a tank vehicle and be operated only by a driver with a tank endorsement. All states must adhere to the new definition starting today. The American Trucking Association (ATA) petitioned the FMCSA to adopt a definition that would not cover portable tanks and FMCSA has an open rulemaking considering the ATA’s proposal. Unfortunately, the FMCSA had not finalized that rule before today. We’ll continue to monitor the FMCSA’s rules regarding the exclusion of the portable tanks and make our members aware of their decision.
If you have questions regarding this endorsement please contact Jan Vineyard at (304)345-2800.
U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee Passes Transportation Funding Bill
Charleston, W.Va. (June 25, 2015) – Today, the West Virginia Trucking Association (WVTA) applauds United States Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) for her vigorous efforts to improve highway safety and for her tireless advocacy on behalf of the state’s trucking industry.
The WVTA also recognizes the actions of the United States Senate Appropriations Committee for taking vital steps necessary to improve highway safety and infrastructure, not only in West Virginia, but the entire country, by passing the FY2016 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (T-HUD) Appropriations bill.
Grand Champion – Tim Bailey Con-way FreightCharleston, WV (June 23, 2015) – Today, the West Virginia Trucking Association (WVTA) announced the results from the 60th Annual Truck Driving Championship competition. The competition was held Saturday at the Charleston Civic Center. Forty-four West Virginia-based professional drivers, from eight companies, displayed their driving skills and knowledge of the trucking industry during the daylong event.
The Truck Driving Championship (TDC) is designed to promote safety in the trucking industry. During this event, drivers are given a written examination, pre-trip inspection test and finally the most visible - the field test.
“The TDC is a great way to showcase the talented and hardworking truck drivers in our state. They are true professionals who are dedicated to the highest level of safety and set the bar for others in our industry,” said Jan Vineyard, president of the WVTA. “Trucking keeps our state moving by not only hauling the goods and groceries that we all use every day, but also by being a significant employer of our residents and contributor to our state’s economy, so it’s a pleasure to recognize the “best of the best” in the industry.
In addition to the driving competition, the association recognized drivers for their 2014 safety accomplishments during an awards banquet Saturday evening.
Vineyard said Eugene Collins of Cowen, WV, who drives for Burns Motor Freight, was honored with the WV Professional Driver of the Year Award. Collins has driven for 44 years and accumulated 2.2 million safe miles. He has also earned the American Trucking Associations One and Two Million Mile awards.
Keith R. Miller, of Leivasy, WV, who drives for Burns Motor Freight, was honored with the State Police Safety Award. He has driven for 36 years and accumulated 3.3 million miles with no accidents. He has won ATA One, Two and Three Million Mile Awards. He is a past recipient of the WV State Police Safety Award.
James R. Bailes, a driver with Burns Motor Freight, and a Marlinton, WV resident, earned the West Virginia Public Service Commission Driver of the Year Award. He has driven for 29 years and 2 million accident-free miles. He also has earned the American Trucking Association One and Two Million Mile awards.
Grand Champion – Tim Bailey, Con-way Freight
First Place Straight Class – James Priddy, FedEx Freight
First Place Three-Axle Class – Tim Bailey, Con-Way Freight
First Place Four-Axle Class – Kevin Asbury, FedEx Freight
First Place Five-Axle – Ken Barnett, FedEx Freight
First Place Tank Class – Nick Backes, Pitt Ohio
First Place Flat Class – Corkee Clary, FedEx Freight
First Place Sleeper Class – Wesley Bentley, Walmart Transportation
First Place Twins Class – Thomas Edens, FedEx Freight
1st Place Step Van Class – Kenneth Tresselt, FedEx Express
Rookie of the Year - David Allen, FedEx Freight
Pre-Trip Inspection - Ryan Stacks, Pilot Thomas Logistics
Team Award - Con-way Freight
The first place drivers from each division will compete at the American Trucking Associations’ National Truck Driving Championship – also known as the Super Bowl of Safety – taking place in St. Louis, MO, August 11 – 15, 2015.
Each year, federal, state and local motor carrier enforcement authorities conduct a three-day nationwide roadside inspection and enforcement blitz to check for compliance with federal motor carrier safety regulations (FMCSR). Both interstate and intrastate petroleum marketers engaged in the transportation of fuel in a commercial motor vehicle are subject to the FMCSR. This year’s enforcement blitz will take place June 2-4 on interstate, secondary and local roadways nationwide. In preparation for the blitz, petroleum transporters should make sure that they are currently in full compliance with federal and state CMV and CDL driver regulations.
Charleston, W.Va. (May 22, 2015) - With roughly 33 million Americans hitting the road this Memorial Day, drivers from American Trucking Associations’ (ATA) Share the Road program urged motorists to exercise caution and good judgment as summer travel begins to ramp up.
“In addition to being a very solemn and important holiday, Memorial Day is also the unofficial kickoff of summer and the summer driving season,” said Russ Simpson, a Share the Road professional driver with Holland Inc. “With more traffic on the roads than usual, it is more important than ever for drivers to be defensive and attentive behind the wheel.”
Jan Vineyard, president of the West Virginia Trucking Association, the state affiliate of the ATA noted: “Traveling during the summer and on holiday weekends often means motorists are driving on roads that are less familiar to them. It’s important to pay attention, put your phone down, not get behind the wheel if you’ve had too much summer fun and as always, buckle up.”
Other tips and tactics that Share the Road drivers urged motorists to heed are:
- Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
- Slow Down: With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space between you and other vehicles and reduce your speed.
- Don’t drive impaired: The holidays are often a time for merriment, but if you’ve had too much to drink, don’t get behind the wheel.
- Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
- Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can't see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can't see you.
- Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance before you leave your home can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road.
- Be aware of the vehicle in front of you: Leave extra room between you and the vehicle in front.
- Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
- Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
- Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won't be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
Share the Road is a highway safety outreach program of the American Trucking Associations that educates all drivers about sharing the roads safely with large trucks. An elite team of professional truck drivers with millions of accident-free miles deliver life-saving messages to millions of motorists annually.
