Attention Minnesota Expediters

[ATeam]

I won't have specifics until I talk to my Carrier dealer tomorrow but I wanted to share the news now (good news, I think).

Via Twitter (that some dismiss as a waste of time), I learned from OOIDA (that some say does nothing for truckers), that Minnesota grant money is available that may make it possible for us to repower our reefer for free. By repower I mean swap the old engine for a new one that is CARB compliant.

If awarded, the grant will pay for 75 percent of the swap. Fifty percent matches are available for generators. One hundred percent of the cost is covered for Diesel particulate filter retrofits, again, if the grant is awarded.

If my carrier dealer tells me a CARB-compliant engine swap can be done on our reefer (I believe it can), I will begin our application for the funds immediatly to beat the June 25 deadline.

Click here for details on the Minnesota Clean Diesel Grant Program.

For expediters in other states, note that it is federal money from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ("Recovery Act"), that is funding this Minnesota program. It might be worth keeping an eye open for similar programs in your state. Fifty percent off a CARB-compliant generator purchase, 75 percent off a reefer repower, and a free DPF retrofit could be a nice find if your state does what Minnesota is doing and your grant application is successful.

 

[davekc]

Just another reason of a long list of why I wouldn't have a reefer. Is the state paying for your time? Probably not.
I would just be as happy if the ice cream to California arrived melted.
And they wonder why they are broke?
But, there could be a opportunity like Canada if someone wants to do it. Those rates better get higher then they currently are to justify the means. I don't see any carrier at that point yet.
It does beg the the question, is that going to be another requirement like speed limiters by a certain carrier to keep their golden status?

 

[greg334]

Well I don't think reefers should be covered unless they are on trailers. The straight truck usage for freight seems to be small enough that there is no reason to waste our federal dollars on grants for small usage items.

Twitter, it is sad listening to adults talk about their tweets like I did today. It sometimes comical to hear them talk at the truck stop fuel desk, big stinky old man wearing ripped up jeans and food stain tees talking about like they were in grade school.

Like its been said "it seems like Twittering is bragging about your unexceptional life"

 

[davekc]

I heard it today on the news
"And while you are twittering from afar away, people are reading the messages and then going to your home and cleaning it out".

 

[greg334]

Oh you heard about that couple who got cleaned out too. Surprise surprise.....

This is what gets me, people are ignorant to the fact that there are others who read their stuff and watch them. Spooky.....

I would think a company, say like FedEx tries to maintain its reputation for these exclusive special freight, they would have a ban on things that would endanger their reputation and the customer's freight. I know the reputation is far more important than the freight. The operator doesn't have to tell where they are going or anything like that but just be exposed - LISTENING FEDEX?

 

[Moot]

Like its been said "it seems like Twittering is bragging about your unexceptional life"

Reminds me of another famous quote:

"Embrace the mundane." mrgoodtude

 

[greg334]

Moot, do you hear the tweets?

 

[ATeam]

Just got off the phone with my reefer dealer. The answer is yes, a CARB-compliant engine is available for our reefer and it is a direct swap. No modifications are needed other than the swap itself. Work on our grant application begins now.

 

[layoutshooter]

Is this a Federal grant? If so, why should my tax dollars go to pay for MN truck improvements? Taxes and this entire "bailout mentality" are making it impossible for me to bring MY Michingan truck into compliance.

 

[ATeam]

Is this a Federal grant? If so, why should my tax dollars go to pay for MN truck improvements? Taxes and this entire "bailout mentality" are making it impossible for me to bring MY Michingan truck into compliance.

I don't know how the program plays out state by state. The money is coming from the federal government so I presume it is going to all states, but I have no knowledge of it. I also presume that states are able to put their own rules on the money within federal guidelines, but again, I have no knowledge.

What I do know is Minnesota has published the details of its program and Diane and I are eligible. Applying for and winning grant money are two different things. Nothing says we will receive the money we apply for but it is worth a shot.

 

[layoutshooter]

I understand Phil, I am in the process of wasting some time and dropping an email to our useless state representitive on the subject. She is an Obama Bum, VERY anti-business and a true Michigan tax and spender. We shall see what happens. Thanks for the info.

 

[ATeam]

More good news! My Volvo dealer just got back to me regarding a retrofit diesel particulate filter. Volvo has developed one that can be installed on our truck. If awarded, the grant will cover 100% of that cost. The dealer will provide a part number with his bid. I can then go to two additional dealers for competitive bidding as the grant application requires.

 

[ATeam]

I understand Phil, I am in the process of wasting some time and dropping an email to our useless state representitive on the subject. She is an Obama Bum, VERY anti-business and a true Michigan tax and spender. We shall see what happens. Thanks for the info.

In Minnesota, the program is administered by the Polution Control Agency, which is the state version of the federal EPA. I presume Michigan has a similar agency. People there would be the ones to contact. A quick phone call to your governor's office will probably get you a referral to the appropriate agency. Just ask for the people who are expected to soon introduce legislation making it illegal to fart. If your state public servants won't respond to your inquiries, check with OOIDA to see if they have any info.

 

[ATeam]

Is this a Federal grant? If so, why should my tax dollars go to pay for MN truck improvements?

It surprised me too that we are eligible for the grant since we drive in 48 states, but the language is clear. If cleaner-burn benefits of CARB-compliant engines and retrofits can be realized in metro areas and other sensitive places nationwide, the application will be considered. Truck stops are deemed sensitive since diesel emissions are concentrated there.

 

[ATeam]

Just a note to add that there will likely be more applicants than there is money to spend. Going in, I fully understand that my application will be competing with those of some well-connected applicants who have good friends and long-cultivated relationships in the Capitol, not to mention Minnesota-based multi-truck truck fleets. It remains to be seen if any of this money will be awarded to an insignificant-speck, one-truck owner-operator like me.

 

[layoutshooter]

The little guy ALWAYS takes it in the ear and then is given the PRIVILEGE of paying for the big companies and big unions. I will see what are EPA or whatever they call it has. As to calling our governess's office, well, "Jenny" is one of the most worthless pieces of watchamacallit I have ever seen!!! Again, Phil, thank you so much for all the good info you pass on.

And good luck on going after these grants!! I would love to see the "little guy" win one!!

 

[TSexpediter]

Don't know if that's the case here, but in GA they did the same thing, and only PUBLIC companies such as schools, or public transportation could apply. Individuals cannot, unless they contract with one of the public institution AND the public institution applies for the grant.
Anyway, I'm just saying, check all the limitations before applying. I got all excited for about a minute too

 

[layoutshooter]

I am not getting excited. Our government has little interest in doing anything for us than harm us. They are out to protect the big companies and unions that dump the zillions into thier election campains

 

[ATeam]

Anyway, I'm just saying, check all the limitations before applying. I got all excited for about a minute too

As I said above, I know nothing about what other states are doing if they are doing anything at all. We have carefully read the Minnesota info, found ourselves to be eligible and are proceeding with an application. Time will tell what happens after that.

 

[Streakn1]

What I do know is Minnesota has published the details of its program and Diane and I are eligible.

This thread of yours raises some interesting questions for me Phil. Unless the State of MN is making these Federal Grant Funds availible to all O/Os registered in the state, how will they qualify one owner over another in all fairness?

Does an O/O such as yourself that has no truck payment, mortgage, car payments, utilities, minor children at home to raise, etc, (anotherwards lives debt free as you so proudly claim to be) qualify over an owner with all of the above mentioned debt? Will Debt/Income ratios play an important part in determining who qualifies and who does not? Or is the program in MN "first come first serve" until the grant money runs out? Will it be fair for the State of MN to dish out this grant money to those such as yourself that are debt free verses an O/O that may be forced to shut down if not provided these much needed funds to be able to bring their truck/reefer up to compliance to stay in business?

Anyway, I can't say that I don't blame you for trying. If you don't somebody else will! Oops, I forgot you blocked my post so you can't see this! What ashamed, I think your answers would have been interesting and informative for all to read on this forum.