March 12, 2010
In this Issue:
UCRA Board Prohibits Early Fee Collection
IRP, Inc. Proposed Ballot Change
IRP Annual Meeting - Registration is Open
Michael D. “Mick” Ramirez Volunteer of the Year Selection Committee
Save the Dates
UCRA Board Prohibits Early Fee Collection
On March 1st, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued what the agency termed “regulatory guidance” to the effect that states that participate in the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement could collect fees for 2010 at the rates in effect for 2009, if the states did not include trailing equipment in the fee calculation. Then, according to FMCSA, states could go back and reassess carriers for any difference, once the federal rulemaking to set the 2010 fees is completed later this year.
On March 11, the UCRA Board of Directors held its first meeting since FMCSA’s notice, and voted ten to one to prohibit states from collecting any UCRA fees for 2010 until FMCSA publishes a final rule resetting fees for the program, or until further notice from the Board. Judging from the discussion at the Board meeting, the members felt that attempting to collect under the FMCSA guidance would lead to severe administrative problems for the program. The Board’s resolution has been circulated to all of the states that participate in the UCRA. The federal rulemaking to set the 2010 fees is now at the federal Office of Management and Budget for final review. Its issuance is anticipated by the middle of June.
IRP, Inc. Proposed Ballot Change
IRP, Inc. voting members should be on the lookout for information regarding proposed changes to the IRP, Inc. Bylaws. Changing the Annual Meeting from September to May requires a change to the timing of election of officers. The remainder of the changes reflect clarification and cleanup items.
IRP Annual Meeting – Registration is Open!
Please join us in St. Louis, Missouri for this year’s Annual Meeting! The meeting will be held May 11-14, 2010 at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. The Missouri DOT Staff is looking forward to welcoming you to their state and ensuring an exceptional meeting experience.
The IRP Annual Meeting, along with being the annual business meeting of the IRP Membership, also provides valuable networking opportunities essential to the success of the Plan. Once again this year, the IRP, Inc. Board of Directors has approved funding for one representative from each jurisdiction to attend. This will be your best opportunity in 2010 to learn the latest developments, share best practices, and discuss and explore solutions to the issues important to you with your colleagues from across North America. You will also attend IRP, Inc. committee meetings and learn more about the many programs and resources available to the motor carrier industry. Sponsors and exhibitors will be on hand as well. This promises to be a fully interactive, exciting Annual Meeting!
Register online or use the PDF registration form. Register by March 31 to receive the $50 early-bird discount. Please visit the IRP Events page for all details regarding this meeting, including hotel and transportation information, a detailed agenda, and sponsorship information.
The IRP, Inc. Board of Directors meeting will immediately follow the Annual Meeting on Saturday, May 15, 2010.
We look forward to seeing you in St. Louis!
Call for Volunteers for the Michael D. “Mick” Ramirez Volunteer of the Year Selection Committee
IRP, Inc. is seeking volunteers to be members of the Michael D. “Mick” Ramirez Volunteer of the Year Award Selection Committee. The committee is composed of two jurisdiction members, two industry members and one IRP, Inc. Board member. The time commitment is minimal, usually involving one conference call prior to the Annual Meeting.
If interested, please send an email to Mary Pat Paris. Thanks in advance for your help.
Save the Date
May 2010:
• May 12-15 - IRP Annual Meeting in St. Louis, MO
• May 15, 2010 – IRP, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting
September 2010:
• September 30 – October 1 – IRP, Inc. Board of Directors Meeting in Grapevine, Texas
Feb. 2011
• Feb. 8-10 - IFTA/IRP Audit Workshop
May 2011
• May 5-8 - 2011 IRP Annual Meeting
IRP Newsline Subscription
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Submitted by IRP Staff