CARS Implement Changes
The Montana Motor Vehicle Division is dedicated to driving customer service. To this end, the department is implementing new technology to improve customer service for all Montana residents. These changes, which will roll-out on March 17, 2025, will have a direct impact on your agency. This memo is to notify you of the specific changes affecting your department. Please share this information with anyone within your agency that would benefit from having this information.
1. For vehicles with a GVW of 55,000 and over, registration and declared GVW cannot exceed 1 year unless the vehicle is exempt from taxation.
2. Motor Carrier Services can process title work for IRP vehicles so customers can title and register their IRP vehicles at one location.
Welcome New Montana FMCSA Division Administrator - Brad Marten
Brad Marten graduated High School from Power, Montana. Following his junior year of high school, he joined the Army Reserve promoting through the ranks to the Battalion Communication Chief then transferred to the Montana Air National Guard as an F-16 Crew Chief.
He attended Montana State University Bozeman majoring in Social & Criminal Justice and minoring in English Writing.
In 1999, realizing being a full-time student could not last forever, Brad applied for a job as an MCS Enforcement Officer. Five years later while working full time, working weekend guard drills and roofing, he returned to the classroom set on a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Management graduating from U of M in 2008. He has since also attained a Masters in Transportation, Policy, Operations and Logistics from George Mason University.
His career with the Montana Department of Transportation started as a Weigh Station Officer, promoted to MCS Patrol, a role in Headquarters leading to Colonel and a final stop at Administrator. This entailed moving six times and the philosophy “you interview for your next job every day.” He also chaired the following committees: CVSA Region 4, Size & Weight and WASHTO SCOHT. Brad retired from MCS and is now the FMCSA Division Administrator for Montana.
On a personal level, he enjoys hunting, traveling with his wife (Michelle) & co-owns a business in the hunting industry. He also loves the mountains, Harleys, archery & volunteers for Search and Rescue.
Trucking Industry Reacts to Tariffs
American Trucking Associations President & CEO Chris Spear released this statement in response to new tariffs imposed on the United States' largest trading partners:
“As the trucking industry recovers from a years-long freight recession marked by low freight volumes, depressed rates, and rising operational costs, we have concern that tariffs could decrease freight volumes and increase costs for motor carriers at a time when the industry is just beginning to recover. A 25% tariff levied on Mexico could see the price of a new tractor increase by as much as $35,000. That is cost-prohibitive for many small carriers, and for larger fleets, it would add tens of millions of dollars in annual operating costs.
“Trucks move 85% of goods that cross our southern border and 67% of goods that cross our northern border, supporting hundreds of thousands of trucking jobs in the U.S. The trucking industry understands the crises motivating these tariff proposals, which is why we have been a leader in efforts to fight drug and human trafficking. We firmly support policies that will secure our borders and protect legitimate trade, but we also recognize the unintended consequences that substantial tariffs could have over the long-term, including higher consumer costs on the wide range of goods that cross our borders by truck, including food, automobiles, televisions, computers, furniture, and other key manufacturing inputs.
“The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement was a major achievement of President Trump’s first administration. The American Trucking Associations worked hand in glove with all three countries to reach this historic deal, and we look forward to doing so again during the USMCA review.”
Reasonable Suspicion Training
Join Us for Reason Suspicion Training!
Montana Trucking Association sponsored training by Samantha Morris, Owner of
Chemnet Consortium, Billings Montana. Reasonable Suspicion is a DOT required
training - CFR382.603. Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing, what you NEED to know!
Butte - TBD Rescheduled due to weather
Use the link below for more information and to register!
Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills!
Will's Safety Message
Safety Series: Staying Upright in the Trucking Industry
The trucking industry is the backbone of Montana’s economy, and our drivers are the heart of that operation. But with the physical demands of the job come significant risks. Manual material handling injuries—whether from lifting, twisting, or carrying awkward loads—are some of the most common challenges faced by truckers. These injuries don’t just take drivers off the road; they take them away from their families, hobbies, and the life they love.
In this series, we’ll explore practical ways to prevent these injuries, ensuring our truckers stay safe, healthy, and upright. Each week, we’ll tackle a specific aspect of manual material handling to empower drivers and promote a culture of safety. Let’s keep Montana moving forward, one safe step at a time.
Part 1: Lift Smart, Work Smart
Lifting is an everyday part of life for truckers, but it’s also one of the biggest contributors to injuries in the industry. A quick, careless lift can lead to sprains, strains, and even long-term back problems. Fortunately, proper lifting techniques can help prevent these injuries and keep you on the road.
Here’s how to lift smart:
Plan Your Lift: Before you grab a load, take a moment to assess. Is the load too heavy or awkward for one person to handle? Can you use a tool like a dolly or pallet jack to reduce the strain? Identifying the safest approach before you lift saves time—and your back.
Use Your Legs, Not Your Back: Your legs are built to handle the heavy lifting. Bend at the knees, keep your back straight, and let your legs do the work. Avoid bending over at the waist, as this puts all the pressure on your lower back.
Keep the Load Close: The further a load is from your body, the heavier it feels and the harder it is to control. Hold the object as close to your body as possible, and make sure your grip is secure before you lift.
Test the Weight: If you’re unsure of the load’s weight, test it first by lifting a corner. This lets you gauge whether it’s safe to lift alone or if you need help.
Ask for Help: There’s no shame in teaming up to tackle a heavy load. Whether it’s a coworker or a piece of equipment, extra support can make all the difference.
Avoid Twisting: Once the load is in your hands, move your feet instead of twisting your torso. Twisting under a load is a common cause of back injuries and can lead to a costly trip to the doctor.
Set It Down Safely: Don’t rush when putting a load down. Bend your knees, keep the load close, and lower it in a controlled motion.