Renew Your Association Membership Today!

Annual membership renewal letters have been mailed out, along with information on how you can contribute to our PAC Fund and the Sam Cunninghame Scholarship Fund.  The Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers advocates on your behalf  to represent your interests in matters that impact the ongoing success of intermodal transportation.  We actively work to provide our membership with a strong voice in the Port Community, and to improve public perception of our industry.  Your support  and membership is greatly appreciated.  Contact Executive Director Dick Jones at 973-466-0014 if you have any questions.

Idling Restrictions/Exceptions for Cold Weather

Today marks the official start of Winter, ushering in the season of colder temperatures and sluggish engines. Here's a reminder of the Idling restrictions in New Jersey, with exceptions for extreme cold in bold:

New Jersey Laws and Incentives for Idle Reduction

The list below contains summaries of all New Jersey laws and incentives related to Idle Reduction.

Laws and Regulations

Idle Reduction Requirement

A gasoline-fueled motor vehicle is not allowed to operate for more than three consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion, with the following exceptions: 1) a vehicle stopped in a line of traffic; 2) a vehicle being inspected by a state or federal motor vehicle inspector; 3) an emergency vehicle operating in an emergency situation; 4) a vehicle being repaired or serviced; 5) a vehicle whose primary power source is used for a mechanical operation other than propulsion; and 6) a vehicle parked in a non-residentially zoned area with a sleeper berth being used for sleeping or resting. A gasoline bus loading or unloading passengers may idle for 15 consecutive minutes in a 60-minute period.

A diesel-fueled motor vehicle is not allowed to operate for more than three consecutive minutes when the vehicle is not in motion. If the vehicle is not in a parking space equipped with idle reduction electrification technology, the following exceptions apply: 1) a vehicle stopped in a line of traffic; 2) a vehicle whose primary power source is used for a mechanical operation other than propulsion; 3) a vehicle being inspected by a state or federal motor vehicle inspector; 4) an emergency vehicle operating in an emergency situation; 5) a vehicle being repaired or serviced; 6) a vehicle with a sleeper berth that is equipped with a Model Year 2007 or newer engine and/or a functioning diesel particulate filter; and 7) a vehicle that uses a technology designed to reduce engine idling, such as auxiliary or alternate power units, generator sets, or bunk heaters. Additionally, diesel vehicles may idle for 15 consecutive minutes when the vehicle's engine has been stopped for at least three hours if the temperature is below 25 degrees Fahrenheit, and a diesel bus loading or unloading passengers may idle for 15 consecutive minutes in a 60-minute period. Violators will be issued fines.

(Reference New Jersey Administrative Code 7:27-14.3 and 7:27-15.8)

2015 Golf Outing & Awards Luncheon -- Save the Date!

Our annual Awards Luncheon & Golf Outing will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. Once again, we'll be hosting this popular event at the Forsgate Country Club, 375 Forsgate Drive, Monroe Township, NJ 08831. Please mark your calendar and plan on joining us!

Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season

A Visit From NJ State Senator Lesniak

Senator Ray Lesniak addressing members at the meeting

New Jersey State Senator Ray Lesniak attended our December meeting to discuss his legislative initiatives and answer questions on the issues that affect intermodal commerce in our region.

Senator Lesniak is the sponsor of S2277, which calls for the State of New Jersey to withdraw from  the compact with the Waterfront Commission. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on December 18, and awaits a vote in the Assembly. He also supports an increase in the gas tax (A3886), but stressed that it would have to go hand-in-hand with SCR106, a bill he sponsors which would dedicate all funds from the tax increase directly to the Transportation Trust Fund.

Senator Lesniak, Chairman of the Senate Economic Growth Committee, also spoke about the need for economic growth. “We need to increase revenues in New Jersey,” he said, “and we need to cut unnecessary spending.” Senator Lesniak said that one of the ways we can bring more revenue into the state is by permitting sports betting and allowing casinos to be opened in Northern Jersey.

Senator Lesniak has served in the NJ Legislature since 1978, representing District 20 (Elizabeth, Hillside, Roselle, Union).  He can be reached at  908-327-9119 or at SenLesniak@njleg.org.

Welcome!

As part of our ongoing mission to advocate for our members, the Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers will use this blog as a means of increasing communication and spreading our message to a wider audience. We'll be posting news and updates of interest to our members, issuing alerts and posting upcoming event information, and releasing official statements on issues that affect Intermodal Commerce in the Ports of NY/NJ.