PUB. 4 ISSUE 1 KEEP YOUR FLEET RUNNING WITH PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE An Interview with Travis Burgett, Owner of HHO Carbon Clean Systems 2024 TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS Wrap-Up
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10 6 President’s Message Slowing Down to Speed Up By Rick Taylor, KTA President 8 2024 General Session Recap 10 Keep Your Fleet Running with Preventative Maintenance An Interview with Travis Burgett, Owner of HHO Carbon Clean Systems 14 2024 Truck Driving Championships Wrap-Up 20 Real ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025 Do You Have a Plan? 22 ATA Expresses Strong Support for KileyCassidy Resolution to Protect Independent Contractors By American Trucking Association 25 Cast Your Vote, Kentucky! 26 Thank You to Our 2024 Sponsors ©2024 Kentucky Trucker is published four times each year by The newsLINK Group LLC for the Kentucky Trucking Association (KTA) and is the official publication for this association. All Rights Reserved. The information contained in this publication is intended to provide general information for review, consideration and education. The contents do not constitute legal advice and should not be relied on as such. If you need legal advice or assistance, it is strongly recommended that you contact an attorney as to your circumstances. The statements and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Kentucky Trucking Association, its board of directors or the publisher. Likewise, the appearance of advertisements within this publication does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any product or service advertised. The Kentucky Trucker is a collective work, and as such, some articles are submitted by authors who are independent of KTA. While Kentucky Trucker encourages a first-print policy; in cases where this is not possible, every effort has been made to comply with any known reprint guidelines or restrictions. Content may not be reproduced or reprinted without prior written permission. For further information, please contact the publisher at (855) 747-4003. KYTRUCKING.NET | PUB. 4 ISSUE 1 Official Publication of the Kentucky Trucking Association Publisher The newsLINK Group LLC Ad Sales The newsLINK Group LLC (855) 747-4003 KTA STAFF President/ CEO Rick Taylor rtaylor@kytrucking.net Marketing Manager Bethany Blair bblair@kytrucking.net “To promote the trucking industry by educating government entities, the general public, customers and related industry groups through advocacy, career development, and the support of value-added programs that enhance industry safety and productivity.” Kentucky Trucking Association PO Box 818 Frankfort, KY 40602 (502) 227-0848 FAX (502) 227-0849 kytrucking.net C O N T E N T S 4 | Kentucky trucker
Workers’ Compensation, Occupational Accident, and Contingent Liability Specialists in the Trucking and Transportation Industry for over 30 years. midwesterninsurance.com P.O. BOX 34689 LOUISVILLE KY 40232-4689 (800) 356-8457 Midwestern Insurance Alliance LLC dba MWIA Insurance Services in California & New York National Producer No. 16582858 - CA License No. 0H86807
Dear Members, It has been a while since we published an issue of our magazine. I wish I had an exciting story of high adventure to share about why we have not sent out a magazine, but ultimately, life has been busy, and time seems to fly by. I can’t believe that we are already halfway through this year and gearing up for the next. With that being said, I think it’s a good time to slow down and take some time to set priorities, celebrate wins and be present in the moment. Our industry never stops. It is 24/7, always on the go — no matter what. Studies have shown that taking time for yourself throughout your work week is beneficial for a number of reasons. It can promote good physical and mental health, helping you manage stress and enhance resilience. In other words, “Slowing down is sometimes the best way to speed up,” as Mike Vance so wisely stated. Slowing down allows you to prioritize presence over productivity. It helps you fully engage in your activities, whether it’s work, spending time with loved ones or simply enjoying a meal. This shift in mindset enhances the quality of your experiences. To that end, I am so excited to have Bethany Blair on the KTA team. She focuses on communications and membership and helps with our magazine. This allows me to focus on pressing issues, to run our association and, yes, to slow down every now and then. We had fun at the 2024 Truck Driving Championships. A big shoutout to all of the drivers for years of safe driving, planning, preparing, practicing, learning new skills and testing. These talented drivers are what driving is all about! A big thanks to our sponsors and to everyone who took the time to show up and cheer them on. Slowing Down to Speed Up By Rick Taylor, KTA President President’s Message 6 | Kentucky trucker
No Hills Too Steep — No Ditches Too Deep We’ll Be on the Go — Rain Sleet or Snow Truck Repair • Air Bag Recovery • Landoll Transport Secure Storage • Crane Service • Long Distance Towing Fleet Management • Equipment Sales Phone: (502) 426-4100 Fax: (502) 425-4050 tonyswreckerservice.com Louisville’s Oldest Wrecker Service with over 87 years of Towing and Recovery Engineering As an association, we work hard to plan training seminars, educational events and fun conferences where you can get away, learn something new, reconnect with industry partners and slow down. I hope that you will join us at one of our upcoming events and, hopefully, bring a friend. We are only as strong as our membership, and the more members, the better. This issue also covers some important topics like independent contractors, REAL ID and voting. These are issues that should be prioritized as an industry and as individuals. I hope you will take some time to slow down and enjoy all that we have been blessed with. I am always a phone call away if you simply want to catch up, need help or have a suggestion. Regards, Rick Taylor KTA President Kentucky trucker | 7
2024 General Session Recap SB 107 virtually rose from the dead in the final hours of the session, and became an expansive enactment that affects the trucking industry. The bill had lingered in the House Appropriations & Revenue Committee since March 15, with no action taken. Then, a committee substitute was approved by the House A & R Committee on April 15, and quickly passed in both the House and the Senate. Elements of the bill are: • Registration fee of $30 paid to the County Clerk for IRP registration of vehicles with gross weight of 44,000 lbs. or greater is repealed. Registration fee collected on those commercial vehicles by the Transportation Cabinet will be increased by $30, and that amount will be passed on to the County Clerk where the vehicle is situated. • Tractor trailers will be prohibited from running in the left-most lane of limited access highways except “when traffic conditions exist which would prohibit the safe use of the right or center lanes.” • Towing company failing to post current rate sheet will be removed from the state police log and local law enforcement logs for six months for first violation and one year for any subsequent violations. • Commercial vehicles exceeding maximum weight allowances will be allowed the federal tolerance increased weight of 400 lbs. • Transportation Cabinet will be required to issue administrative regulations on permits for transporting overweight non-divisible loads, over-dimensional loads and other special permits. • Limits established on farm permit fees. • Work zone fines increased, minimum fine $500, maximum fine $10,000 and possible misdemeanor charge if the violator causes injury to a worker. • State police pilot project for driver licensing skills testing. Original SB 107 included a provision that would allow fire departments responding to emergencies to bill nonmembers of the fire department up to $1,000 without submitting a written itemized claim. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers would have to pay the increase, if it had passed. That provision was deleted in the Senate before the bill was amended by the House Committee Substitute. Maximum fee without itemized statement will remain $500. Other transportation-relate bills that passed during the session include: • SB 29, Auto glass claims practices. The bill was signed by the governor and became law on April 2. • SB 125, Off highway vehicle pilot project expanded and will continue until July 1, 2027. The bill was signed by the governor and became law on March 29. • SB 162, Motor vehicle accident reports will not be subject to open records law. Local law enforcement agencies may retain a copy of a report, but are not required to, after submitting the report to KSP. The bill was signed by the governor on March 29.
• SB 199, Transportation technical changes, including vehicle licensing procedure, CDL training and licensing; $5 fee may be charged for issuing personal ID; clarifies that gross vehicle weight rating for commercial vehicles includes weight of fuel, cargo and passengers; allows Department of Revenue to adopt a used vehicle valuation guide (other than NADA). The bill was signed by the governor on April 9, and becomes effective Jan. 1, 2025. • HB 5, Comprehensive bill on crimes and punishment, imposes penalties for sleeping in a vehicle on roadsides or at unauthorized places, unless the sleep time is less than 12 hours. HB 5 was vetoed by the governor. The veto was overridden. • HB 7, Authorizes autonomous vehicles without a human driver in the vehicle for use on state roads. The bill was amended to require that a CDL driver must be in a vehicle with gross vehicle weight 62,000 plus pounds until July 31, 2026. Platooning with a driver in only the lead vehicle becomes effective Aug. 1, 2026. HB 7 was vetoed by the governor and his veto was overridden. • HB 43, Public hearing required on changes proposed by fire protection services that may downgrade fire service rating. The bill was signed by the governor on April 5. • HB 167, Towing company reporting of fee schedule requirements and penalties for failure to post. This provision was also passed in SB 109. HB 167 was signed by the governor on April 4. • HB 265, Transportation Cabinet Biennial Budget for the two fiscal years beginning July 1, 2024, appropriation is $7,156,155,300. • HB 266, Biennial Highway Construction Plan. State and Federal funds appropriated for road and bridge construction and maintenance $5,797,564,395. Gov. Beshear signed the bill on April 9. • HB 592, Dealer compensation from OEM or other manufacturer shall not be less than cost of parts or service. This bill became law without the governor’s signature. All bills enacted by the 2024 General Assembly become effective ninety day after the session ended. That effective date will be July 14, 2024, except for bills enacted with a different effective date. Several bills we were supporting or opposing did not pass. These include: • SB 148, Third-party litigation funding companies to be licensed by Banking Commissioner for nonrecourse advances up to $500,000 max at 36% annual interest plus $5,000 service charge. The bill was assigned to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on Feb. 1. We succeeded in killing it. • SB 215, Prohibit Transportation Cabinet or any other state or local agency from enforcing vehicle emission standards. The bill passed in the Senate 32-6 on March 5, and was assigned to the House Transportation Committee on March 15. The bill did not get to the House floor for a vote. • HB 45, Automated license plate reader and aerial surveillance use. Digital fake transmissions prohibited. The bill was reported favorably by the House Judiciary Committee on Feb. 16, passed by the full House on Feb. 27, and was assigned to the Senate Transportation Committee on March 7. It died there. • HB 356, Fire departments would be allowed to charge up to $3,500 (now $500) nonitemized to a nonmember/ nonsubscriber for making an emergency run to an accident scene. The bill as written would significantly increase fees paid by trucking companies to fire departments for working traffic accidents because the departments would be allowed to charge up to $3,500 without any itemized accounting of expenses. This bill never got a committee hearing. • HB 620, Hand-held cell phones/electronics devices prohibited while operating a motor vehicle. This bill did not get a committee vote or hearing during the 2024 General Assembly. Maybe next year. Kentucky trucker | 9
Travis Burgett was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and raised in Walton and Verona, in Northern Kentucky. He grew up around the trucking industry as his grandfather was a truck driver. Because of that, Travis has always had a fascination with trucking. He attended the University of Kentucky and received a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance and then a master’s degree in accounting and finance. Right out of college, Travis went to work in the healthcare industry. After about 15 years of climbing the ladder, he branched out on his own and launched his first company focused on corporate wellness. He worked hard to build the business to the point where he could hand it off and let his team run it. Looking for a new opportunity, Travis happened to meet the founder of HHO Carbon Clean Systems, Jared English, and was impressed with the innovative business model. “I wanted to get into something that was in the early stages, something that was technology-based,” Travis said. “I went through the evaluation process and really liked what HHO Carbon Clean Systems was all about.” The company had only been in business since 2020, and the growth potential was real. Travis explains, “We are a mobile service, and we clean carbon out of the inside of engines. We clean everything from the combustion chamber through the exhaust system and all of the emissions components that are now a big part of diesel engines between the diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems and diesel particulate filters (DPF).” In July of 2023, Travis purchased the Southern Kentucky franchise of HHO Carbon Cleaning Systems. He was so impressed with the benefits that this clean energy solution brings, that he decided to buy another franchise in North Dakota in early 2024. “What makes it unique is that we use hydrogen gas to clean with and it’s non-invasive. We don’t have to take any components off the truck during the process, so we can clean a unit in about an hour while it is running. The truck can then go right back into service Keep Your Fleet Running with Preventative Maintenance 10 | Kentucky trucker
“If your engine is experiencing poor MPG, performance loss, smoke in the exhaust or is frequently in the shop for repairs, then HHO Carbon Clean Systems is the solution.” when we’re done. It’s a very clean process, environmentally friendly and there are no harsh chemicals,” Travis stated. “The biggest benefit to a diesel engine is you’re extending the life of the truck. You’re reducing the repair and maintenance costs associated with that truck.” Travis continued, “We also see a huge improvement in performance and drivability, with more power tied to better turbo performance. And then there’s some fuel efficiency savings and a reduction in emissions that are secondary benefits.” This new technology provides preventative maintenance that makes sense. Travis is looking forward to expanding this business. Helping fleets to be productive is the goal. “Because if the trucks are not driving, they’re not making any money,” he said. In his free time, Travis enjoys hunting with his dogs and exploring the great outdoors. He volunteers with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, a nonprofit that focuses on preserving North America’s outdoor heritage and is passionate about addressing public land access issues all around the country. You can also find Travis under the hood of his ‘78 and ‘79 Ford Bronco’s as he rebuilds and restores them. An Interview with Travis Burgett, Owner of HHO Carbon Clean Systems Continued on page 12 Kentucky trucker | 11
About HHO Carbon Clean Systems HHO Carbon Clean Systems is a mobile franchise that offers preventative maintenance services for internal combustion engines. Their services can help improve fuel economy, increase performance and extend the life of engine components. HHO Carbon Clean Systems can perform hydrogen carbon cleaning on any gasoline or diesel engine, whether mobile or static, removing carbon buildup on a wide range of engine components. The use of hydrogen carbon cleaning has been proven to reduce emissions and is recognized around the world as a clean energy solution. If your engine is experiencing poor MPG, performance loss, smoke in the exhaust or is frequently in the shop for repairs, then HHO Carbon Clean Systems is the solution. How It Works • HHO Carbon Clean Systems uses distilled water and electrolysis to produce Oxyhydrogen gas, which is then introduced into the air intake of the engine. • The reaction during the combustion causes a phase change in carbon deposits, returning to a gaseous state, which is then expelled through the exhaust system. • HHO Carbon Clean Systems uses no harsh chemical detergents or solvents during the hydrogen carbon cleaning procedure. • HHO Carbon Clean Systems will remove built up carbon from internal engine components, including pistons, cylinders, turbos, catalytic converters, diesel exhaust filters, etc. • Hydrogen carbon cleaning technology can also prevent carbon buildup if performed as part of routine preventative maintenance schedule. • Old or new, engine carbon cleaning systems can produce significant results including restored performance, increased fuel economy and lowered emissions. • No invasive engine tear down required. No oil change is needed after the service. Scan the QR code to see the HHO carbon clean process in action. https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=-UnFSQfIL9c Turbo Actuator Position Commanded/Measured VIN Number Year Make Model 2018 Peterbilt Truck Number n/a Owner Midstate Construction Engine Hours n/a Odometer Miles 143,190 Notes Was in 40% Derate prior to cleaning, NOx sensors reading 0. Derate was mitigated during cleaning, Nox sensors started reading and Soot load was reduced to 0 after our service. 14.04 krpm 16.44 krpm Carbon Health Report Parameter Value Before HHO Carbon Cleaning Value After HHO Carbon Cleaning Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Load 5.95 g 0.00 g Boost Pressure/Intake Manifold Pressure 0.94 kPa 2.11 kPa n/a n/a EGR Differential Pressure 0.84 kPa 0.75 kPa Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure 0.12 kPa 0.03 kPa Turbo Speed EGR Valve Position n/a n/a n/a Turbo Actuator Position Commanded/Measured EGR Valve Commanded/Measured 4-81.4/1.1-84.7 1.7-81.3/5.4-80.3 Boost Pressure/Intake Manifold Pressure n/a n/a 7.6-59.6/7.2-55 7.6-55.9/7.2-52.2 EGR Differential Pressure 23.0 mbar 2 mbar Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure 2.5 mbar 1.56 mbar Turbo Speed 15.6-72.6 krpm 15.2-75.6 krpm Carbon Health Report Parameter Value Before HHO Carbon Cleaning Value After HHO Carbon Cleaning Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Load 2.71 g/l 0.53 g/l Engine Hours n/a Odometer Miles 218,264 Notes Significant boost leak on intercooler boot VIN Number Year Make Model 2020 Kenworth T800 Truck Number Owner n/a n/a n/a The Results Speak for Themselves Want to Know More? HHO Carbon Cleaning Systems offers FREE demonstrations. So, what are you waiting for? In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Today is the day to start optimizing engine performance, saving money and extending the life of your truck. Contact Travis at (606) 722-0808 or southernky@hhoccs.com to set up a demonstration today. Continued from page 11 Turbo Actuator Position Commanded/Measured 2% 0.30 kPa 77.9 krpm VIN Number Year Make Model 2017 Mack Granite Truck Number Owner Notes Trying to regen multiple times a day prior to cleaning. Engine Hours 10,030 Odometer Miles 249,673 Boost Pressure/Intake Manifold Pressure Value Before HHO Carbon Cleaning 136% 1.90 kPa 68.3 krpm n/a Carbon Health Report Diesel Particulate Filter Soot Load Diesel Particulate Filter Differential Pressure Parameter Value After HHO Carbon Cleaning Turbo Speed n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a EGR Differential Pressure EGR Valve Commanded/Measured n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 12 | Kentucky trucker
© 2024 Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. | GGBUS101250 MTG is proud to be a new member of the Gallagher team, and we’re gaining both the global reach of a worldwide leader and a partnership with shared values. We help your business stay safe as you face your future with confidence. Learn more about our even broader range of insurance, risk management, and benefits solutions at AJG.com or reach us locally at (270) 527 6200. MTG is now Gallagher. Same team. Same values. New global reach. Our ASE-certified mechanics provide superior repairs and maintenance for semi-trucks at fair prices. • Complete Truck and Trailer Alignments • Tracking and Tram • DOT Inspections • U-Bolts • Steering Repairs • Frame Alterations • Truck Fabrications • Leaf and Air Springs • Air Ride Suspension Repairs • Fifth Wheels • Wheel Balancing, Tire Replacement and Turning • Drive Axle Repairs and Replacement Medley’s Auto and Truck Repair Services Inc. has two convenient locations in Louisville. CONTACT US TODAY! (502) 459-5740 quote@medleystruck.com medleystruck.com WE GET YOU BACK UP AND RUNNING! Medley’s Auto and Truck Repair Service Inc. Since 1944 Kentucky trucker | 13
Truck Driving Championships W r a p - U p The annual Truck Driving Championships (TDC) was held at FedEx Freight and the Downtown Lexington Hilton as the host hotel for the awards banquet. This year the KTA TDC Committee registered 109 professional drivers competing in nine different classes. This competition hopes to give the drivers the recognition and VIP treatment they should be receiving daily for their attention to safety. Whether it’s through delivering essentials or through aiding in business operations, there truly is nothing without trucking. Thank you to every driver out there! The event began once drivers registered by submitting their eligibility packets, which included an entry application, their CDL, driving history record, National TDC Form and their entry fee. An event of this size was no weekend project; it required the hands of many talented folks, countless hours of labor, generous donations and companies willing to volunteer and supply well over $2 million in equipment offline for three days for this event to take place. On that note, we want to personally extend our appreciation, gratitude and sincere thanks to all the 2024 sponsors: • United Parcel Service • FedEx Freight • M&M Cartage • Key Oil Company • Walmart • Great West Casualty Company • Trucksafe • Usher Transport Inc. • Ascendence Truck Centers • Marvin Johnson and Associates and Hill Transportation Services Inc. • The Kentucky State Police — Commercial Vehicle Enforcement • Other law enforcement agencies Without their equipment, personnel and monetary donations, this event simply would not have been able to take place.
Let the competition begin! Friday night, all the drivers gathered in a ballroom at the Downtown Lexington Hilton to go over the rules and review the road course problems. Once this was completed, then it was time to test the drivers’ knowledge of the 2024 Facts for Drivers. When Saturday hit, it was time for the big day of the competition, where drivers got to show off their skills. Drivers reported to the “bullpen” area, and after the course “walk-through,” the drivers settled into their homes for the next few hours, waiting to be called one by one to their respective competition courses. Drivers competed at two levels. First, each driver had to complete testing in the pre-trip inspection area. Next, drivers moved to the skills course. Following completion of the skills course, drivers were released until the banquet on Saturday night. We would also like to extend a huge thank you to all the family, friends and company team members that were in attendance on Saturday to cheer their competitor/team to victory. A big thank you to FedEx Freight, UPS and Walmart for providing and cooking lunch for all in attendance. All the years of safe driving, planning, preparation, practicing, skills and testing came down to just one grand finale on Saturday night. Drivers and their families filled the banquet hall in anticipation of winners being announced in each of the nine classes. We would like to thank and recognize our 2024 TDC co-chairs, Mr. Matt McHendry with FedEx Freight and Marcus Potter with UPS, along with our core committee members: Dallas Barnes, Jerry Ogle, Wayne Andrews, Cam Johnson, Brian Runnels, Stewart Easter, Sgt. Jared Newberry, Officer Corey Payton, Tracy Stephens, Justin Willard, Chris McKnight, Bill Koopman, Jim Murphy and Bill Wright. Additionally, we would like to thank ALL of the volunteers who stepped up to help us run and coordinate the TDC this year. This included, but was certainly not limited to: Tristan Truesdell, Hillary Truesdell, Kevin Augustyne, Vince May, Don Logan, Willie Baylor, Mike Smith, Mike Kelly, Jeff Stinson, Jeremy Morrill, Dylan West, David Murphy, Tim Murphy and Allison Smith. Kentucky trucker | 15
The TDC Committee and KTA Would Like To Congratulate Our 2024 KY TDC Tank Jim Niswander, United Parcel Service Straight Truck Peter Dreisbach Jr., United Parcel Service Step Van Joshua Upton, FedEx Ground Twin Chuck Walen, Walmart Team Trophy Old Dominion Freight Line CHAMPIONS! Grand Champion John Willinger, FedEx Freight
Not pictured Three Axle Jerry Wrinkle, Walmart Four Axle John Higgs, FedEx Freight High Step Van Course Tobey Weathers, United Parcel Service Step Van Rookie Zachary Bates, FedEx Ground High Exam Dale Brenaman, United Parcel Service High Pre-Trip Brian Orem, United Parcel Service High Course Peter Dreisbach Jr., United Parcel Service Rookie of the Year Aaron Eskridge, Walmart Five Axle John Willinger, FedEx Freight Flatbed Ernest Wagers Jr., Old Dominion Freight Line Sleeper Berth Dale Brenaman, United Parcel Service Good luck to all the drivers at the National Truck Driving Championships in Indianapolis! Kentucky trucker | 17
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DID YOU KNOW? Enjoy your association news anytime, anywhere. Scan the QR code to visit our online publication to stay up to date on the latest association news, share articles and read past issues. kentucky-trucker.thenewslinkgroup.org Kentucky trucker | 19
Will your license fly? Kentucky is urging everyone to ask themselves that question as less than a year remains before federal REAL ID Act enforcement starts next May. That’s when a REAL ID state-issued driving or identity credential or another federally accepted form of REAL ID, like a passport, will be required for air travel checkpoints and access to military bases and federal buildings that require identification. So now’s the time for Kentuckians to make sure they have a form of REAL ID to ensure they can get to where they need to go without a snag in their plans. What is REAL ID? REAL ID is a form of federally-approved identification. It is the product of a federally-mandated program striving to increase security that came about as a result of 9/11. When Do I Need One? Beginning May 7, 2025, your driver’s license or ID card must be REAL ID compliant — it displays a star in the upper right corner — to be accepted at airport security checkpoints to board a commercial domestic flight, for military base entry, or for entry to federal buildings currently requiring a form of identification. Other forms of identification such as a current U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a permanent resident card or a Department of Defense issued ID may also serve as a form of REAL ID. To view the complete list, scan the QR code. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/ security-screening/ identification If you prefer the convenience of using your Kentucky driver’s license or ID card for such access, then you will need a REAL ID version of your license. How Do I Get a Kentucky Real ID? You may choose to get a Kentucky REAL ID version of your driver’s license, permit or identification card. It requires an initial in-person visit to one of Kentucky’s 33 Driver Licensing Regional Offices, at which time you will be required to present the following documents: • Proof of Identity: A valid passport, certified birth certificate or permanent resident card, for example. • Proof of Social Security: Original Social Security card, or a recent W-2 or 1099 tax form. • Two Proofs of Residency: Recent utility or medical bills or a salary or bank statement with your address and name clearly showing (your current driver’s license or ID card may serve as one proof of residence provided the address on it is current). Note that the above documents would be in addition to any documents that you are required to present for CDL renewal. Go to realidky.com and take the IDocument Guide Quiz to determine what documents YOU need to bring. To locate a Driver Licensing Regional Office near you and to schedule an appointment (walk-in visitors are welcome but are first come, first served), go to drive.ky.gov. Any Driver Licensing Regional Office across the state can serve any Kentuckian regardless of where they live. When Should I Apply and How Much Does It Cost? A REAL ID driver’s license is $24 for four years or $48 for eight years. A Real ID identification card is $14 for four years and $28 for eight years. CDL pricing, detailing REAL ID costs with various endorsements, may be found online at realidky.com. If you will be within your renewal window (you may renew licenses or IDs up to six months before the expiration date) leading up to next year’s enforcement date, you should wait and renew then. If your renewal window does not fall before the enforcement date of May 7, 2025, and you want a REAL ID, you may upgrade your standard license or ID card for $15 which will maintain your current card’s expiration date. While a REAL ID license can be requested anytime, even after enforcement begins, we strongly advise having another form of REAL ID (like a passport) if you have to fly unexpectedly within the U.S. Any Other Important Information? Don’t find yourself at an airport checkpoint on May 7, 2025, or thereafter without the required form of REAL ID and unable to proceed. We encourage all Kentuckians to make a plan now for obtaining a form of REAL ID to be used beginning May 7, 2025. There is a wealth of information available at realidky.com, so make a visit to the website part of your plan. Real ID Enforcement Begins May 7, 2025 Do You Have a Plan? 20 | Kentucky trucker
*or acceptable alternative Starting May 7, 2025, you need a REAL ID*to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities. FIND OUT HOW TO GET YOUR REAL ID TODAY AT TSA.GOV/REAL-ID BY MAY 7, 2025
“The trucking industry has relied on independent contractors since the inception of interstate trucking …” 22 | Kentucky trucker
In an effort backed by the American Trucking Associations to block the Biden Administration’s final rule on independent contractor classification, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-California) and Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) introduced a joint resolution of disapproval on March 6, 2024. “More than 350,000 truckers choose to work as independent contractors because of the economic opportunity it creates and the flexibility it provides, enabling them to run their own business and choose their own hours and routes. The Biden Administration’s IC rule eliminates this freedom and intentionally undermines the livelihoods of truckers and their families across the country by replacing a clear, straight-forward standard with a tangled mess that will weaken our supply chain,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. The trucking industry has relied on independent contractors since the inception of interstate trucking, and court decisions over the last nine decades have continually reaffirmed the legitimate role independent contractors play in the economy. That freedom of choice has been an enormous source of empowerment for women, minorities and immigrants pursuing the American Dream. In 2021, DOL issued a rule supported by ATA clarifying the definition of employee under the Fair Labor Standards Act as it relates to independent contractors. The department’s new rule, which ATA has sharply criticized, replaces the 2021 standard with an opaque and deliberately confusing standard designed to fuel frivolous litigation and deny self-employed individuals the freedom of choice to work as independent contractors. This week, ATA joined a broad coalition of organizations in filing a lawsuit challenging the rule. The rule was crafted under the leadership of Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, who has repeatedly failed to recognize the importance of independent contractors and implemented California’s disastrous AB5 as the head of the state’s labor and workforce development agency. The ATA remains staunchly opposed to Su’s nomination to serve as secretary of labor. “Had Julie Su actually spoken with drivers — not just big labor bosses — she would know this firsthand,” Spear said. “The ATA stands firmly behind Rep. Kiley and Sen. Cassidy’s effort to defeat this ill-advised rule, and we will continue to work alongside them and other members of Congress to protect Americans’ right to earn a living in the way that they choose.” To watch a video about the rule’s impact on small trucking business owners and how ATA is fighting back, scan the QR code. https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/watch-protectingtruckings-independent-contractors This article is reprinted with permission from the American Truckers Association. To view the original article, scan the QR code. https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/ata-expressesstrong-support-kiley-cassidy-resolution-protectindependent-contractors ATA Expresses Strong Support for Kiley-Cassidy Resolution to Protect Independent Contractors By American Trucking Association Kentucky trucker | 23
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2024 brings one of the busiest election years Kentucky has seen in a while. Voters are set to weigh in on the races for the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, governor, president of the United States and much more! We need every member of KTA to vote to elect pro-dealer, pro-business candidates. Voting is not only a civic duty, but it is also a fundamental right in any democratic society. By registering to vote, you can have a significant impact on shaping the future of your community, state and nation. KTA encourages you to ask questions and get to know the candidates. Whether you or your employees are first-time voters, need to update your voter registration information or need to find your polling location, here are the resources you’ll need to make your voice heard. CAST YOUR Registration Status Check your Kentucky voter registration status and find polling locations near you. https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/vic/ Registration Application Download the Voter Registration Application. https://elect.ky.gov/registertovote/Pages/ default.aspx Kentucky Election Dates and Deadlines Find out when Kentucky elections will be held at the local, state and federal election level. https://elect.ky.gov/Voters/Pages/VotingIn-Person-and-By-Mail.aspx KENTUCKY! “The future of this Republic is in the hands of the American voter.” — Dwight D. Eisenhower Kentucky trucker | 25
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