One And Only Article About Virginia Issue...

[Frederick Schaffner]

This is the one and only report we can find about this serious issue with Virginia...

*****
Final decision on VA rest area closures, two-hour limit expected May 20

For months now, truckers have been anxiously awaiting the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s final decision on the Virginia Department of Transportation’s proposal to shutter 25 of 41 rest areas in the state.

VDOT Chief of Communications Jeff Caldwell told Land Line on Tuesday, May 19, that the CTB will announce its final decision on Wednesday. The CTB, which establishes the administrative policies for Virginia’s transportation system, has a monthly workshop and meeting scheduled for May 20-21 in Richmond.

Caldwell said the possibility of eliminating the state’s two-hour time limit at rest areas, which is being enforced by the Virginia State Police, is also slated for discussion.

“We will address some of the concerns we heard about truck parking at that presentation. This will pertain to the two-hour rule and the mix of rest areas we would close,” he said.

OOIDA members turned out in full force to a series of 11 public meetings hosted by VDOT around the state on the rest area closure plan and the two-hour limit. Click here to read recent Land Line coverage on the VDOT proposal.

– By Clarissa Kell-Holland, staff writer
[e-mail]

(Landline Magazine)
*****

Whether some may want to hear, or accept this, or not...hell, I'm a trucker and I'm recognizing my brother's efforts.

Out of all the hundreds - if not thousands - of truckers showing up and speaking out at all the rest area closure comment meetings. There was only one trucker which showed up...at the Fairfax, VA meeting...speaking out not only about the rest area closures...but mainly about the forcing of truckers to violate HOS reg's and drive tired by Virginia troopers, and the fact Virginia was violating FMCSA MCSAP regulations in doing this. His comment was structured to lead into this issue and impress the seriousness of it...and the fact Virginia was violating federal regulations.

That trucker's name is Michael "JB" Schaffner.

You told 'em we were going to put a stop to this bs 2hr parking time limit personal and up close. Although it took the filing of a petition to FMCSA to get them to seriously address this...it's being addressed. Good job, brother.

Stand Up, Speak Out or Accept What Comes!!!

Safe Trails and God Bless,
Frederick (SilverSurfer) Schaffner

[Allen Smith]

All our thanks to SilverSurfer and JB for all their time and effort put forth into this serious situation which violates the rights of truck drivers to receive their mandatory 10 hour rest break. You guys are the "voice" of many truckers who just don't have the time to address this matter - ( at least I hope this is the reason). You both are to be congratulated for your efforts.

[Frederick Schaffner]

Thank you, Allen. But we couldn't have done this without the help of you and Donna, and the many other truckers out there supporting our efforts...well maybe the petition action we could have...lol.

We are expecting, and eagerly awaiting, an announcement from VDOT about the parking time limit at rest areas...and are confident that, at the very least, it will be revised to at least 10 hours. Allen, Donna, Jason, Desiree and Daniel...as well as all the other truckers and citizens which took the time to make calls...thank y'all very much for the support to get this serious issue addressed. This win, and we feel extremely confident it will be a win, is only the first of many to come in getting positive change for our brother and sister truckers.

~SilverSurfer~