News and Events

9/11/07 Jerry Casser presents comments on SJTA proposals.

Jerry Casser attended the SJTA Hearing on August 21st in Hammonton, NJ on behalf of the firm’s client, the Greater NJ Motorcoach Association.  GNJMA represents the interests of a substantial number of motorcoach operators in the NY-NJ-PA area, many of whom serve the Atlantic City casino/hotels.  The Hearing was held for the purpose of eliciting comments from the bus and casino industry to proposed rule making which includes redirecting all bus traffic from Routes 30 & 40 to the AC Expressway, which would result in additional tolls and mileage costs to the bus operators, and requiring bus operators to purchase bus medallions, required for entry to AC, based upon the estimated or actual number of trips into the city rather than a flat fee charge, further increasing operators’ costs.  Jerry has presented written comments to SJTA in opposition to the proposed changes which are to be considered prior to a decision on the proposed new rules.

5/11/07  Unified Carrier Registration coming soon

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it has begun the rulemaking necessary to implement the new Unified Carrier Registration Agreement and set its fees for 2007. The 2005 Federal Highway and Public Transportation Re-authorization Bill repealed the Single State Registration System effective January 1, 2007, and gave responsibility for a new Registration program to the UCRA Board of Directors, a body composed of State and industry representatives and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The Board has made its final recommendations for the fees and fee structure.  As soon as the Registration system is in place, we will post that information.

4/1/07 NJ Tax Ruling affects out of state bus operators.

New Jersey has temporarily suspended the sending of notices to out of state bus operators requiring them to obtain a Certificate to do business in the State, even to conduct purely interstate operations.  The NJ Division of Taxation began notifying carriers of this requirement last Fall.  The American Trucking Association wrote the Division in October, saying that such a requirement was in conflict with U.S. Supreme Court decisions which have said that a State may not require a company to qualify to do business as a foreign corporation solely to perform interstate business within its borders. The ATA asked NJ to cease making such demands on carriers.  The Division of Taxation finally responded to the ATA letter, saying it was referring the question to the NJ Attorney General for advice.  Meanwhile, NJ will not enforce the doing-business Certificate requirement against any operator from outside the State.

3/21/07  Jerry Casser attends GNJMA Meeting in Philadelphia

Jerry Casser recently attended the Winter Meeting of the Greater NJ Motorcoach Association which was held aboard the Spirit of Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA. GNJMA represents motorcoach operators and owners on matters of collective interest in the State of New Jersey and the region and works in cooperation with industry associations, local, state and federal agencies, legislators, vendors, attractions, destinations and other entities and individuals to promote the betterment and welfare of our industry, members and the objectives of the Association.  For information regarding the benefits to your company of joining GNJMA, please call or email Jerry

3/15/07  IRP amended to include special operations.

After a concerted effort by many groups, including the UMA, the International Registration Plan has been amended and approved by the participating States.  The definition of a charter operation now includes stops at multiple locations which is what the industry has considered to be a special operation.  Under the new definition, the exemption from IRP apportioned plates will now apply to charter AND special operators in NJ which has special relevance to Atlantic City casino operations that are not line runs.  A second change allows States to issue mass transit tags to carriers allowing them to do regular-route service on an interstate basis.  This has special relevance to Pennsylvania operators.

3/1/07  Atlantic City bus fee has been increased.

In accordance with the South Jersey Transportation Authority Rules and Regulations, the bus permit entry fee was increased from $2.00 to $2.80 on March 1, 2007.  The bus permit fee is required for each and every motorbus entering Atlantic City.

2/1/07  FMCSA requests data update from carriers.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been sending out notices to carriers requesting the correction or insertion of incorrect or missing information in its databases.  We have been receiving calls from our clients who do not understand the requests or the need to respond.  The information is needed for the USDOT Safety database and if the information is not provided, there is a risk of a fine and eventual revocation of interstate operating authority.  It is essential that each carrier respond to the information request.  If you need assistance with your response, please call Jerry Casser ASAP.

1/22/07  Jerry Casser attends UMA Annual Meeting in New Orleans.

Jerry Casser recently returned from the UMA Meeting in New Orleans where he networked with operators and insurance and equipment vendors from across the country and was able to pick up valuable information on insurance programs, bus safety programs, and innovative computer assisted programs to improve carrier performance.  Since many of our clients are unable to attend such meetings, we see this as an opportunity to gain and exchange information with our clients that may improve the profitability and performance of their companies.

12/13/06  Appeals Court upholds large verdict for Jerry Casser's clients.

In 2003 Jerry began the task of taking on Universal Insurance Exchange, a Texas insurer, and its agents, the Hurd Agency of Philadelphia, PA, as the result of a massive fraud perpetrated against several of our larger bus clients.  After a 3 week Trial and a succession of Motions, we were awarded Judgments totaling nearly $500,000 against the 4 defendants.  The Appeals process wore on and this past December, the Appellate Division of the NJ Superior Court affirmed the Judgments.  The Decision of the Court can be viewed on the Verdicts and Settlements page of this site.

11/08/06  Spotlight on Transportation Law.

Jerry Casser delivered a presentation on his work in the transportation industry to Executive Exchange, a Livingston, NJ business networking group.  Executive Exchange is the preeminent professional networking group in NJ comprised of business owners and associates comprising more than 50 categories of businesses which support each other’s business endeavors through direct purchases and third party referrals.

3/15/06 Seminar on Federal EPA policies for bus operators.

Jerry Casser presented a Seminar to members of the Bus Industry on procedures to be used in evaluating bus terminal facility compliance with current Federal Environmental Regulations.  The Seminar included the establishment of a checklist for periodic facility inspection, monitoring and correction of violations, and the preparation and submission of a Facility Audit Agreement to the EPA to minimize future penalties when violations are found and promptly reported.