Clearing Debris Goes High-Speed in Equipment Test


You’ve seen it before: The slow moving truck with a large flashing arrow pushing you into the next lane while a crew member hops from the truck to retrieve the random tire tread, couch cushions or the hapless deer who crossed too soon. It’s the debris removal crew snaking through the city, keeping highways safe. Now MoDOT is testing a new tool that could make that process faster and safer.


MoDOT’s Kansas City district is testing a debris removal tool made by Virginia-based Gator Industries, Inc. that is so new it is one of only four in existence - the only one in use in the United States. Custom built to fit MoDOT’s larg- er truck, this innovative machine - called the Gator Getter - scoops up trash while the vehicle travels with traffic at a comfortable 45 to 50 mph.


Because the Gator Getter operates in the midst of traffic, MoDOT no longer has to provide traffic control or close a lane while removing debris from the highway. That means fewer delays for motorists and safer conditions for workers.


The Gator Getter, which was designed with safety in mind, allows an employee to remain safely in the cab during the process instead of picking up debris alongside rushing traffic.


This innovative implement will also help MoDOT realize efficiencies in its workforce and fleet. Previously, it was necessary to have four employees using a dump truck to pick up debris and two attenuators, or crash cushions mounted on the back of trucks, for safety and traffic con- trol. The Gator Getter easily attaches to one truck with just one operator, saving the department fuel and main- tenance costs, as well as employee time.


MoDOT crews pick up debris year-round, which can range from general car trash to pieces of furniture. One of the most common items - tires and tread - is actually sepa- rated and turned over to Missouri Vocational Enterprises so it can be shredded and reused as tire-derived fuel for power plants.


Did You Know?


n The Unified Carrier Registration Board of Directors recommended that FMCSA keep the same fee struc- ture for the 2012 UCR program as was used in 2011. At print time, no final decision was made on the recommendation. If accepted, enforcement is expected to begin January 1, 2012 and the fees would remain as follows:


UCR Fees Number of Vehicles UCR Fee Due 0-2 3-5


$76 6-20 21-100 101-1,000 1,001 or more


$227 $452


$1,576 $7,511


$73,346


n Recently, a Missouri carrier filed and paid UCR fees with a company whose name included the letters DOT. Be- cause of that, they thought the website was affiliated with MoDOT. It isn’t. The business failed to process the customer’s UCR – though they charged a hefty service fee - and the company’s driver was cited. Take care to choose a reputable permit agency or deal directly with MoDOT Motor Carrier Services to avoid headaches such as this.


n Many carriers told us they received a letter that looked very official. It was set to look like a government docu- ment. With it, a company attempts to sell supervisor training for drug and alcohol testing requirements. Some have received letters with the heading “2nd COMPLIANCE NOTICE.” The catch is that neither Mo- DOT nor the FMCSA sent the notice. When in doubt about mailings you receive that don’t look quite right, call and check it out. We’re happy to look into it.


n Do the IRP and IFTA deadlines tend to sneak up on you? Now you can use the same reminder list we use! Visit www.modot.org/mcs/IRP and click on the dead- line list located in the Annual Renewal section.


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