On The Horizon - March 17, 2025
- mwilliams422
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Driver of the Month!
Congratulations James Jones of Diversified Transfer and Storage for being selected January Driver of the month! James has been driving for 37 years and has been accident free his entire time with Diversified Transfer and Storage. Thank you James for helping keep our roads safe!
What is CVSA's Focus for 2025 Roadcheck Inspection Blitz
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance will hold its annual International Roadcheck commercial vehicle inspection blitz May 13-15, focusing on tires and truck driver hours of service.
Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites and mobile patrols. Data from the 72 hours of International Roadcheck will be collected and the results will be released this summer. Read More
Prepare For Roadcheck 2025
2024 Awards Applications!
We are accepting nominations for the 2024 Awards! Below are the four different categories and forms that can be applied for! You can also apply on our website. Please return completed forms to mwilliams@mttrucking.org by April 30, 2025
Save The Date!
Barry "Spook" Stang Memorial Scholarship
MTA is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for the Barry 'Spook' Stang Memorial Scholarship for 2025-2026! This scholarship is for any new or returning student planning on attending a Montana College, University, Trade school or other educational institution. Student must be a dependent of or be employed by an MTA member. Application form can be found below or on our website!
Montana Truck Driving Championship!
The Montana Trucking Association is thrilled to invite your company to participate in the Montana Truck Driving Championship June 21, 2025 in Helena, MT! This event is an excellent opportunity to recognize and showcase your top drivers—those with extensive experience, outstanding skills, and a strong commitment to safety and professionalism.
The Championship is designed to test and celebrate the best in the industry. Here’s what your drivers can look forward to:
Written Exam: A challenge to assess their knowledge of safety regulations and industry best practices.
Walk-Around Inspection: A timed task to identify real-world mechanical and safety issues.
Obstacle Course: Drivers will navigate a demanding course tailored to their vehicle class, testing their precision and skill to the fullest.
We encourage you to send your most talented drivers to compete. This event not only highlights the exceptional talent within your company but also demonstrates your commitment to safety and excellence in the trucking industry.
Awards and Recognition:
Winners in each vehicle class will be honored at the Championship Banquet.
Special awards include Rookie of the Year (for first-time Championship attendees, regardless of road experience) and Grand Champion, awarded to the driver who excels across all competition levels.
See below for registration forms. We look forward to seeing your best drivers on the course this June!
Will's Safety Message
Montana truckers are known for their resilience and grit—it’s part of what makes our industry the backbone of the state’s economy. But that same “tough guy” attitude that powers through challenges can sometimes lead to pushing limits too far. Overexertion and ignoring warning signs may seem like part of the job, but they can result in injuries that sideline even the toughest drivers.
This topic is so large and complex because it speaks to a mindset deeply ingrained in our industry. That’s why we’re dedicating two weeks to exploring how to recognize, respect, and work within your limits. By shifting the focus from powering through to working smarter, we can protect Montana’s truckers—and keep them moving forward, mile after mile.
Let’s break down these challenges together and build a safer, healthier trucking culture. Stay tuned for practical tips to stay upright, strong, and ready for the road ahead!
Safety Series Part 5B: Material Handling, Respecting Your Limits (Section 2)
Pushing through fatigue might seem like the “trucker way,” but ignoring your limits can lead to serious setbacks. Recognizing when to pause or adjust is the key to staying healthy and effective.
How to Respect Your Limits
Pace Yourself: Rushing leads to mistakes. Steady, deliberate actions prioritize safety and efficiency.
Listen to Your Body: Pain and fatigue are your body’s way of saying, “Take it easy.” Address these warning signs early to prevent bigger problems.
Rest and Recharge: Breaks aren’t a luxury—they’re essential for staying focused and strong. Use the time to stretch, hydrate, and reset.
Big Impact, Small Changes
Knowing your limits ensures you’re ready for the road ahead. Protect your health, your livelihood, and Montana’s trucking industry by making safety your priority.
Montana’s Truckers Lead the Way
By working smarter, not harder, you’re setting the standard for safety and professionalism. Let’s keep rolling strong!
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