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On March 6, Congress took a major step in helping the for-hire transportation industry get back on its feet post-COVID by requiring the General Services Administration (GSA) to sell half of its annual fleet it sends to auction each year directly to the for-hire transportation industry.
“We cannot thank Representative Carol Miller (R-W.V.), a small business owner herself, enough for introducing this legislation today. Let me be clear, this is not a government handout, nor are these vehicles being given to us,” stated Transportation Alliance (TTA) President Bill Yuhnke.
Transportation Alliance (TTA) President Bill Yuhnke
“COVID-19 had a devastating impact on the passenger ground transportation industry and caused a gap in transportation services available around the country. The Small Business Transportation Investment Act will help local transportation companies stay in business while providing jobs to workers and mobility to the public. This bill will require the GSA to set aside half of the annual inventory of government vehicles it auctions to the public for purchase by small businesses, ensuring the success of local companies throughout the United States,” said Congresswoman Miller.
For-hire transportation services, including non-emergency medical transportation, on-demand transportation, taxis, and charter fleets, contribute significantly to the local economy by providing employment opportunities for drivers and supporting various related industries such as vehicle maintenance, insurance, and fuel services. This industry isa driving force behind economic growth in communities across the nation.
“Our industry was decimated when the country shutdown. A large number of our member companies lost 70, 80, 9 percent of their business. We survived, barely, but today we still need a partner to help us recover. As a company we try and turnover a large percentage of our fleet each year. Since COVID that has been impossible. The cost of vehicles and the shortage of vehicles has made this impossible. This new program would help us recover, while also helping protect the environment,” added C&H Taxi CEO Jeb Corey.
Shared services contribute to reducing the number of individual vehicles on the road, thereby decreasing traffic congestion and lowering carbon emissions. As most for-hire fleets offer shared ride options, they can be an environmentally conscious choice, aligning with the global push towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation solutions.
“This legislation is a win-win for industry, the government, the environment, and the community. Industry gets access to newer vehicles at a price they can afford. The government ensures small businesses continue to provide needed tax revenue to the federal coffers. The environment wins by industry retiring older, less fuel-efficient vehicles, while putting newer more fuel-efficient vehicles on the streets. The community also wins. When we take a vehicle off the street we donate it to a local charity, school, or family in need,” concluded Yuhnke.
Visit thetransportationalliance.org for more information.
[03.12.24]
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The National Limousine Association (NLA)—the organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the chauffeured transportation industry at the global, national, state, and local levels—announced Brett Barenholtz as their new president at the 2024 CD/NLA Show in Las Vegas this March 3-6.
Newly elected NLA President Brett Barenholtz
The Boston-based CEO of Above All Transportation, Boston Car Service, ETS International and Maine Limousine brings with him nearly 40 years of chauffeured ground transportation experience. A longtime champion of the industry, Barenholtz is actively involved in lobbying efforts for the limo space both nationally and regionally in New England, where he is president of the New England Livery Association (NELA). He has also previously served as secretary of the NLA’s Executive Committee and is current co-chair of the Bylaws and Legislative committees.
“As president of the NLA, I am committed to ensuring the chauffeured transportation industry not only survives but thrives well into the future,” said Barenholtz. “I am eager to lend my time, passion, and expertise to give back to our 1,300+ members and empower them with the knowledge and support they need to continue to be successful.”
Immediate past President Robert Alexander added: “The NLA could not be more fortunate to have Brett elected as president. The industry as a whole is on a great trajectory and will benefit from his leadership and experience. I look forward to working alongside him through the transition.”
In his new role, Barenholtz will be responsible for ensuring all NLA activities serve to promote and protect the ground transportation industry. He will also oversee the development and implementation of the association’s programs and support the board and committees to carry out their initiatives.
Since launching his own company in 1997, Barenholtz has served the needs of corporate and leisure clients with a robust fleet of luxury sedans, SUVs, executive vans, shuttle buses, mini-buses, limos, and motorcoaches. His leadership experience also includes previous roles as president of Boston Cab Association and CEO and founder of OverDrive Media.
The full results of the March 3 election:
President: Brett Barenholtz of Above All/Boston Car/ETS/Maine Limo
1st Vice President: Robert Alexander of RMA Worldwide
2nd Vice President: Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus
Treasurer: Rick Versace of A1A Global Ground
Secretary: Douglas Schwartz of Executive Ground Transportation
Visit limo.org for more information.
[03.07.24]
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- Category: Industry News
The ground transportation compliance experts from LBC Fleet are sharing a significant announcement from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that may send ripples through the transportation industry. Effective February 28, 2024, five popular electronic logging devices (ELDs) are no longer compliant. This affects many operators who now face the urgent task of switching to a registered device to avoid penalties and maintain seamless operations.
Why It Matters:
The FMCSA's removal of CI ELD LOGS, CN ELD, KSK ELD, TT ELD 30, and TT ELD 1010 from their approved list means that if you're using any of these devices, you need to act fast. The directive requires affected transport operators to revert to paper logs or approved logging software temporarily and secure a compliant ELD solution by April 28, 2024.
Immediate Steps to Stay Compliant:
- Switch to an Interim Solution: Immediately start using paper logs or another logging method if you're currently relying on one of the revoked ELDs.
- Select a New, Compliant ELD: Begin the process of choosing a new ELD from the FMCSA's Registered Devices list to ensure your operations continue without a hitch.
- Implement the Change: Make the switch to your new ELD well before the April deadline to ensure you’re fully compliant and to avoid any potential disruptions.
LBC Fleet reports that they understand that changes like these can be daunting, and operators might be looking for a straightforward, reliable solution quickly. While they offer compliant ELD options designed to make this transition as smooth as possible, their main goal right now is to ensure that companies have the information and support needed to navigate this situation confidently.
Why Partnering With a Trusted Provider Matters Now More Than Ever:
Choosing the right ELD solution is critical, not just for compliance, but for the efficiency and safety of one’s operations. A trusted provider can help:
- Understand the specific requirements and features needed in an ELD to meet FMCSA regulations.
- Ensure a smooth transition to the new system with minimal downtime.
- Provide ongoing support to keep operations running smoothly and compliantly.
Visit lbcfleet.com or call 480.779.4342 for more information.
[03.07.24]