BBT Logistics

Why is the cost of everything going up? Because of issues like this: APM Terminals-Elizabeth requires appointments to move a container, but doesn't have enough appointments to go around, making it IMPOSSIBLE to move the containers--but they're still charging fees. They tell you to book appointments early, but then if you book and cancel too many appointments, they put a cap on how many you can reserve. Ultimately, it's the consumer who pays.

I wonder how a golf caddie is more of an independent contractor than a trucker?

NJ Senate President Stephen Sweeney concedes election loss to GOP trucker Edward Durr

Congratulations to fellow trucker Senator Edward Durr! https://nypost.com/2021/11/10/nj-senate-president-sweeney-concedes-election-loss-to-gop-trucker-durr/

NJ Senate President Stephen Sweeney concedes election loss to GOP trucker Edward Durr Democratic New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney bowed to the inevitable Wednesday night, conceding that he had lost his bid for reelection to Republican truck driver Edward Durr.

These guys fight for independent contractors!!

Vote Schepisi for State Senate and Auth & DeFuccio for State Assembly this Tuesday, November 2nd so that our team can continue to serve you all in Trenton!

Thank you and let's win this election together!

Just remember when you go vote on Tuesday that this guy wants to eliminate the independent contractor model.

The back ups at the port are a serious problem but...

transportationlaw.net

transportationlaw.net

California AB 5 -- likely next steps for truckers after court ruling

California AB 5 -- likely next steps for truckers after court ruling After the court ruled the state's contractor law can apply to trucking, truckers running in and out of the state are looking for answers to questions of jurisdiction, competition and more. There's a lot consider here.

Meanwhile in the Suez Canal

Meanwhile...at the Suez Canal

https://www.reddit.com/r/funny/comments/mc5gdg/meanwhile_in_the_suez_canal/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=mweb

Meanwhile in the Suez Canal Posted in r/funny by u/XVll-L • 37,785 points and 498 comments

House Passes the PRO Act (Again)

House Passes the PRO Act (Again) The U.S. House of Representatives on March 9passed H.R. 842, better known as the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, for the second year in a row. With a significantly narrower House majority …

Trump Gig Worker Rule to Be Nixed Under Biden DOL Proposal (1)

Trump Gig Worker Rule to Be Nixed Under Biden DOL Proposal (1) The U.S. Labor Department proposed eliminating a signature Trump administration rule that would have made it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors instead of employees under federal wage law.

11 Trade Association CEOs Urge Congress To Remove Advisors From PRO Act - InsuranceNewsNet

Here it comes...a law that needs a bunch of exceptions is a bad law. Real Estate Agents are next...
https://insurancenewsnet.com/innarticle/11-trade-association-ceos-urge-congress-to-remove-advisors-from-pro-act

11 Trade Association CEOs Urge Congress To Remove Advisors From PRO Act - InsuranceNewsNet Falls Church, VA (March 4, 2021) -- Kevin Mayeux, CEO of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (NAIFA),...

Gig Work Saved Many Women During the Pandemic | IWF

This is why we need to call our congresspeople and tell them to vote NO on the PRO Act. It will result in the elimination of millions of jobs.

https://www.iwf.org/2021/03/03/gig-work-saved-many-women-during-the-pandemic/

Gig Work Saved Many Women During the Pandemic | IWF The gig economy offers flexible opportunities for women, and now is not the time for Congress to kill flexible work through the PRO Act

Democracy.io - Contact your Members of Congress

CALL TO ACTION -- CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSMEMBERS
The House of Representatives is set to consider
Anti-Independent Contractor Legislation on Monday, March 8th

Dear Members,

On Monday, March 8th, the U.S. House of Representatives will once again consider the PRO Act (HR 842), legislation that aims to take California's disastrous version of the ABC employee classification test and make it the nationwide standard. This would harm independent contractors across the country, including the Owner Operator truckers who comprise up to 77% of the driver workforce at the Port of NY & NJ.

Similar legislation known as AB5 wreaked havoc in California last year, not just for the IOO truckers in the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, but for Independent Contractors in hundreds of professions, including medical professionals and respiratory therapists working to battle COVID-19, online teachers, accountants, musicians, photographers, and many more.

If the PRO Act is signed into law by President Biden--something he promised to do during his campaign--it will take the chaos that resulted in California and spread it nationwide.

PLEASE take a moment to click the red button below to Contact your Congressmember and urge them to VOTE NO on the PRO Act. Tell them how the PRO Act would negatively affect your business, and that the ABC test does not meet the needs of the modern-day workforce. [Note: The link takes you to Democracy.io, a convenient online tool that lets you email all of your Congressional Reps with just a few clicks. I recommend looking up your representative using both your work address and your home address, in order to contact as many lawmakers as possible. Choose "Labor" as the Topic.]

Feel free to share this email with your customers and colleagues throughout the United States, so that they can write to their lawmakers, too. We must SPEAK UP and have our voices heard!

CLICK HERE TO https://democracy.io CONTACT YOUR CONGRESSIONAL REPRESENTATIVES NOW!
If you would like to learn more about the PRO Act, our coalition partners at Fight for Freelancers USA released a series of informative videos today dispelling the Myths vs. Facts about this legislation, and the job-killing effect it would have for workers across the United States, including at our port.

You can view the video series on their YouTube channel at THIS LINK or by clicking the photo below.

Thank you for your participation.

Lisa Yakomin, President
Association of Bi-State Motor Carriers

Democracy.io - Contact your Members of Congress Democracy thrives when people’s voices are heard. Send a message to your legislatures using EFF's simple new tool.

Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act: Delay of Effective Date

Back in October 2020 the Department of Labor proposed changes to the independent contractor classification that were good for our industry and were to go into effect on March 8th. The current federal administration wants to delay the implementation of these new guidelines. We need to write to the Department of Labor and tell them not to delay and to implement the changes on March 8th as was planned.

Please go to https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/05/2021-02484/independent-contractor-status-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-delay-of-effective-date and write a comment. It can be as simple as “I do not support the delay” or “Please enact the change on March 8th as scheduled” or whatever you would like to say.

BE SURE TO INCLUDE THE REGULATORY INFORMATION NUMBER (RIN) ON ALL CORRESPONDENCE: RIN #1235-AA34

Comments are due by Wednesday night, 11:59pm, (of course) so please send them a message as soon as possible. This is for the good of the whole trucking industry.

Independent Contractor Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act: Delay of Effective Date In accordance with the Presidential directive as expressed in the memorandum of January 20, 2021 from the Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, entitled ``Regulatory Freeze Pending Review,'' this action proposes to delay until May 7, 2021, the effective date of the rule entitled...

The PRO Act's 'ABC test' fails American workers

The PRO Act's 'ABC test' fails American workers California's law covering independent contractors has proved to be disastrous, so why extend it nationwide?

Trump’s Contractor-Status Test Bolstered by New Agency Guidance

Trump’s Contractor-Status Test Bolstered by New Agency Guidance Select businesses may continue classifying manufacturing distributors and truck drivers as independent contractors, rather than employees who are owed wage protections, the Labor Department said on the Trump administration’s last full day in office.

Final Rule: Independent Contractor Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act | U.S. Department of Labor

It's good to see the current administration standing up for our rights. I hope the new administration continues to allow US citizens the freedom to make a living how they choose.

Final Rule: Independent Contractor Status under the Fair Labor Standards Act | U.S. Department of Labor The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

CCJ Daily Dispatch, Jan. 5: Pending independent contractor ruling, under-21 pilot program could be halted by Biden

Here we go already...

CCJ Daily Dispatch, Jan. 5: Pending independent contractor ruling, under-21 pilot program could be halted by Biden The DOL’s pending independent contractor definition update, FMCSA’s proposed under-21 pilot program and more could be delayed when President-elect Biden takes office. Daimler Trucks Nor…

Container Shipping: Truckers struggle to return empty containers at NY-NJ port

“We are being forced to make these multiple moves and it’s killing our efficiency because we are getting half as much work done with a driver as we used to,” Heimgartner said. “We are generating less revenue per truck per day.”

https://www.joc.com/port-news/us-ports/port-new-york-and-new-jersey/truckers-struggle-return-empty-containers-ny-nj-port_20201124.html

Container Shipping: Truckers struggle to return empty containers at NY-NJ port The increase in one-way container moves means drivers spend more time waiting on line at different terminals, and running down the hours of service they can legally drive.

Longshoremen Union Leaves the AFL-CIO

This is good news. The AFL-CIO has long been behind the elimination of independent contractors. Look at the debacle that is California's AB5. The ILA has long been a supporter of independent contractors knowing their importance in the intermodal industry.

https://ucommblog.com/section/union/longshoremen-union-leaves-afl-cio

Longshoremen Union Leaves the AFL-CIO After a jurisdictional dispute the union has severed ties

Coalition Letter to FMC 11.16.pdf

Coalition Letter to FMC 11.16.pdf

Prop 22 wins in California; takes Uber, Lyft and other drivers out from under AB5 - FreightWaves

I hope the NJ legislature and the federal government are listening to the people regarding elimination of the independent contractor model. Americans must have the freedom to choose how they earn a living. I hope this leads to the elimination of that terrible AB5 law in California.

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/prop-22-wins-in-california-takes-uber-lyft-and-other-drivers-out-from-under-ab5

Prop 22 wins in California; takes Uber, Lyft and other drivers out from under AB5 - FreightWaves Big win for ballot measure but it has no provisions that impact trucking

Our Sister Company, Intermodal Transfer Services, is looking for Yard Jockeys. Here's the posting from Indeed.com

Job Description

INTERMODAL TRANSFER SERVICES located in Newark, NJ, is seeking a self-motivated team player to join our team as a YARD JOCKEY.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Transport high volume of trailers and containers to designated doors and lots at various locations in NY and NJ, specifically Cranbury, NJ and Freeport, NY. Safely operate, handle and maneuver tractor/trailers and other large equipment to facilitate the loading and unloading operations in the yard.

Other duties include:

Driving on the major roads from building to building

Perform pre-shift and post-shift inspections of the yard and dock equipment

Accurately set up, break down and hook trailers safely

Raise and lower landing gear

Monitor yard for unsafe drivers and non-employees; notify management

Work in outdoor weather conditions

Communicate effectively with Dock supervision, Line Haul drivers and Fleet Services personnel

Heavy in truck tablet use and phone contact with shipping clerks and supervisors regarding placement of containers and trailers.

Notify dispatch of any maintenance issues with the yard jockey.

Organize and maintain yard arrangement of parked containers; secure and inspect trailers as required.

Adhere to all safety practices and procedures.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Valid CDL Class A License and safe driving record

Minimum of three years of verifiable dry van, reefer and/or container experience

Must be capable of dropping/hooking and coupling trailers which involves cranking landing gear, pulling 5th wheel pin which takes approximately 65 lbs. of pressure; and maneuvering a trailer dolly

Must be able to lift approximately 70 lbs., or more if required by the essential functions of the job

Must be able to comply with all company policies, rules, procedures and Code of Conduct

Must be able to interact well with others

Must be able to work independently, or in a team setting

Must be capable of working under tight time constraints in a high volume environment with multiple priorities

Responds well to questions; Ability to read, interpret and comply with written information and documents such as safety rules, operations / procedure manuals and maintenance instructions with a high comprehension and concentration level to include the ability to meet deadlines

Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, random drug and/or alcohol tests, and will be subject to a criminal history background check

Must be authorized to work in the United States

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $18.00 per hour

Murray, Brown, DeLauro Introduce Landmark Bill Expanding Labor Laws to Protect Workers | The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions

Another terribly written proposed law by career politicians (look them up) with no practical labor and employment knowledge. Any law requiring dozens of exceptions is a terrible law. These people are trying to codify California’s AB5, a law that already has a few dozen exceptions. This is just another attempt at the government telling you how you can and can’t earn a living. Regardless of your political leanings, you should always lean toward freedom. This is an attempt to remove your freedom no matter how it it is disguised.
https://www.help.senate.gov/ranking/newsroom/press/-murray-brown-delauro-introduce-landmark-bill-expanding-labor-laws-to-protect-workers-

Murray, Brown, DeLauro Introduce Landmark Bill Expanding Labor Laws to Protect Workers | The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions The U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor & Pensions

Is Anyone Actually Editing The New York Times Editorial Page?

Check out this extremely well written article about the destructiveness of California law AB5. It is especially important that people are allowed to choose how to earn a living.

https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2020/6/29/1956883/-Is-Anyone-Actually-Editing-The-New-York-Times-Editorial-Page?_=2020-06-29T09%3A59%3A12.124-07%3A00&fbclid=IwAR2do7vQX9CBtY4xC5mgEcikIZjhXM1DmPzX0ogKtx2HfNPeNuvuWoSfwWo#comment_77793083

Is Anyone Actually Editing The New York Times Editorial Page? Less than a month after The New York Times editorial page ran an op-ed by Senator Tom Cotton that was so widely denounced, it led to the resignation of editor James Bennet, the Editorial Board has again failed its readers — this time, by penning an...

BBT has been running all week. Have to make those deliveries!

Wow--thank you to the thousands of people who shared and responded to our post on Monday and posted messages of support for our drivers. Many of you also said that seeing the truckers lined up at daybreak, ready to transport everyday essentials to those in need, made you feel comforted. FYI: you can see them any time during terminal business hours via the live Gate Camera views posted on our website: https://www.bistatemotorcarriers.com/terminal-gatecams/

BBT is working!!

If you're frightened by all the photos of empty store shelves, take heart: this was the scene at daybreak at the Port of NY & NJ. For truckers, it's business as usual, moving food, medicine, and supplies to those in need.

Judge Sides With California Trucking Association, Issues Preliminary Injunction in AB 5 Fight

Judge Sides With California Trucking Association, Issues Preliminary Injunction in AB 5 Fight A federal judge in San Diego on Jan. 16 issued a preliminary injunction against the trucking component of a California law that would restrict how independent workers can be classified by companies.