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The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry |
March 27, 2026 |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
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THIS WEEK |
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NEW MEMBERS |
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MEDIA SPOTLIGHT |
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Louisiana Trucking Crisis Still Hurts Insurance Rates and Job Hear directly from Randy Guillot of Triple G Express, Past President of the LMTA, as he shares how staged accident schemes have impacted his company and others across Louisiana. Guillot explains how the real damage goes beyond the crash itself, pointing to a broken environment that has made it increasingly difficult for businesses to secure insurance. |
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Two Attorneys Convicted in Louisiana Staged-Crash Scheme Hear from LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar following the recent convictions of two New Orleans attorneys involved in a staged accident scheme. While accountability has been delivered, she makes clear the outcome does not undo the damage. The system failed to protect innocent business owners, including some of LMTA’s own members. |
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How much jail time for the Louisiana staged truck accident attorneys? Hear from LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar as she explains why trucking companies were at the center of staged crash schemes tied to the recent convictions. She outlines how these operations deliberately targeted commercial carriers, treating them as high-value payouts and leaving lasting impacts on businesses across Louisiana. |
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Experts say millions could be sought from convicted lawyers, their firms, associates Hear from LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar, speaking to WDSU News, following the conviction of two New Orleans attorneys tied to a federal staged crash scheme. For years, these schemes drove up insurance costs, damaged reputations, and put real businesses at risk. Now comes accountability through criminal penalties, restitution, and civil action.
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LMTA License Plates |
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Get your Louisiana speciality plate through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) today! - DETAILS |
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES |
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Countdown: 2026 LMTA Seafood Gala |
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Maximize Your Visibility – Become a Seafood Gala Sponsor! The 2026 LMTA Seafood Gala is right around the corner and represents your opportunity to highlight your company while supporting Louisiana’s trucking industry. As LMTA’s premier networking event and largest annual gathering, the Seafood Gala brings together carrier executives, allied members, and industry leaders from across the state for one unforgettable evening. This year’s event will be held at Mardi Gras World in New Orleans, providing a unique and high-visibility setting for meaningful industry connections. Sponsorships provide valuable exposure at one of LMTA’s most anticipated events, allowing your company to promote its business while engaging directly with key decision-makers. Each sponsorship level combines event access and company visibility into one package, with complimentary tickets included as part of your investment. Sponsorship Levels:
These exclusive sponsorship opportunities include event signage, complimentary tickets, and the opportunity to showcase your business in front of Louisiana’s trucking industry leaders.
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Bus Shuttle Information Bus transportation will be available at no additional cost for Seafood Gala attendees. Attendees do not need to be guests at these hotels to utilize the free charter.
The bus will pick-up on a continuous loop:
This order is designed to help with traffic flow. Please note that arrival times may vary slightly depending on loading at each location. The bus will load available guests at each stop before proceeding to the next.
Current estimates show approximately 20–30 minutes to complete the full loop.
Buses will drop guests off directly at the front door of Mardi Gras World, making this a great option for those who may have difficulty with extended walking.
Return service will also be provided following the event. |
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Nominations Now Open: Future Leaders Program - Class of 2027 |
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The LMTA Future Leaders Program is a premier professional development initiative designed for individuals committed to building and advancing their careers in the trucking industry. This exclusive program provides participants with unique opportunities for leadership growth, industry insight, and professional networking. Through a structured curriculum, participants will engage in specialized training, mentorship, and hands-on experiences that enhance their knowledge of key industry challenges, legislative affairs, and operational best practices. Future Leaders will also have access to LMTA events, leadership workshops, and a strong network of industry professionals. Participation in this program requires a competitive application process, ensuring that selected individuals demonstrate a strong dedication to the trucking industry and a desire to grow as future leaders. PROGRAM DETAILS:The LMTA Future Leaders program prepares trucking professionals from member companies to become industry leaders by providing them with essential knowledge and experience in both the trucking industry and the association. EXPECTATIONS:
REQUIREMENTS:
COST & FEES:
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Response Needed: Help Us Show the Real Cost of Insurance! |
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Louisiana’s commercial insurance crisis is getting worse, and it is not being fixed. Companies have parked equipment, shifting expenses, cutting employees’ pay, or preparing to leave Louisiana entirely. If this continues, we will see the death of this industry. We need you to speak directly to Governor Jeff Landry and show exactly what this is doing to your business.
If this is hitting your business, speak up.
If you’re losing business, say it.
If you’re considering shutting down or leaving Louisiana, make it known.
Send us a short video, about 20–30 seconds, or a brief written statement (2–4 sentences).
Start with: “Governor Landry,” and explain how insurance has personally impacted you and your business.
Use real numbers. That is what matters most. Say things like:
No general statements. Be direct.
Send your submission to:
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LMTA Board & Future Leaders Meetings - April 15 - 16 |
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We want to make sure our membership is aware of leadership meetings taking place April 15–16 in Baton Rouge. This includes the final Future Leaders Class, the LMTA Board of Directors Spring Meeting, and LMTA - Future Leaders Day at the Capitol.
April 15 - 16: Future Leaders Class
April 16: Board of Directors Spring Meeting Thursday, April 16 | 8:00 – Noon
*All members of the LMTA Board of Directors are expected to remain in attendance for the Future Leaders presentations.
**Members of the LMTA Board of Directors are welcome to join us at the Capitol, but attendance is not required.
There will be no virtual option for this meeting. As outlined in the bylaws, Directors who are unable to attend should submit a proxy. Those who do not attend and do not submit a proxy will be recorded as absent. Multiple absences may result in proceedings to remove a Director from the LMTA Board.
Proxy forms are available here, as well as in the Members’ Info Hub under “Resources” and should be submitted to renee@lmta.la.
LMTA Board meetings are open to the membership, and members are always welcome to attend. |
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NATMI Fleet Accident Investigation Course - May 5 - 6 |
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Registration for this course closes April 26, 2026. The Fleet Accident Investigation course is for safety, risk management and loss prevention professionals responsible for controlling costs through a complete and thorough vehicle accident investigation. Participants develop skills in loss prevention, data collection and analysis. This is a 2-day course for 1.0 CEU and 2 renewal points. Course Benefits
REGISTRATIONAttendees must register for the course through the Leaning Center on the NATMI website. You must create an account and log in to register for the course. Please follow the instructs below to access registration on the NATMI website.
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LMTA Foundation Applications Close Tuesday - Safety Professional & Truck Driver of the Year |
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Louisiana Safety Awards - Application Window Extended: Applications and nominations have been extended for two LMTA Foundation awards recognizing excellence across the trucking industry: Truck Driver of the Year, and Safety Professional of the Year.
We encourage members to apply or nominate deserving individuals to help us recognize outstanding commitment to safety and professionalism.
Applications open for: All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to lmta@lmta.la.
We encourage members to apply or nominate deserving individuals and fleets and help us recognize outstanding commitment to safety and professionalism.
MORE ON THE 2026 TRUCK DRIVING CHAMPIONSHIPS:
What’s Changing from Previous Years?
We can’t wait to see you in Lafayette for another great competition and to celebrate the outstanding professionals who keep our industry safe. |
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2026 Truck Driving Championships Registration NOW OPEN! |
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The Louisiana Truck Driving Championships (TDC) is a competition of professional truck drivers hosted each year by the LMTA and act as the state qualifier for the National Truck Driving Championships. During the TDC, drivers compete across 9 categories and are scored on their knowledge and professionalism through a written examination, pre-trip inspection and driving skills test. To compete in the Louisiana Truck Driving Championships, drivers must meet specific eligibility standards designed to ensure fairness, professionalism, and safety. Please read the full Driver Entry and Release Form for complete rules, eligibility requirements, and submission instructions before registering. As part of the LMTA Foundation's mission to promote safety and highlight driver excellence in Louisiana's trucking industry, there is no registration fee for the Louisiana Truck Driving Championship Banquet but there is a $50.00 registration fee per each competitor. This is to be remitted online at the time of registration. The 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships will take place Friday, June 19 – Saturday, June 20, 2026 at the Cajundome in Lafayette, Louisiana. Testing, pretrip, the course and the awards banquet will all be held on the Cajundome's campus. Driver registration closes May 1, 2026. |
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LMTA Association Health Plan - Exclusive Benefits for Members |
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We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new benefit for LMTA members — the LMTA Association Sponsored Health Plan, powered by USI Insurance Services. This exclusive program was designed to help our members take control of one of the biggest challenges facing trucking companies today: the rising cost of employee health coverage. By joining together under one plan, LMTA members can now access lower costs, greater transparency, and trucking-specific health and wellness benefits — all while maintaining the flexibility and control you need as an employer. Program Highlights:
This new health plan gives trucking employers the tools to reduce costs, enhance employee benefits, and improve long-term financial stability — all while keeping more value within our industry and association. If you are interested in the plan, contact Jason Roussell with USI Insurance Services at jason.roussell@usi.com. For any other questions, contact Renee Amar at renee@lmta.la. Together, we’re helping LMTA members build stronger businesses — and healthier teams. |
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INDUSTRY UPDATES |
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Workforce Opportunity: Hiring 18-Year-Old CDL Drivers in Pointe Coupee Area |
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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association Foundation is sharing an opportunity from the Louisiana Office of Workforce Development focused on strengthening the future of our industry workforce.
A pilot program is currently being developed to remove barriers to employment for young adults, including providing CDL training to eligible participants. As part of this effort, program leaders are seeking trucking companies in Pointe Coupee and surrounding areas that may be open to hiring 18-year-old CDL drivers.
Partnerships with employers willing to provide opportunities for younger drivers will play a critical role in the success of this initiative and in building a stronger pipeline of skilled professionals entering the industry.
If your company may be interested in learning more or participating, please contact:
Troy A. Borne Director of Work-Based Learning Office of Workforce Development 225.342.7638 |
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Kentwood Weigh Station: Closed Until Further Notice |
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The Louisiana DOTD Police have reported that a serious crash occurred on March 23 at the Kentwood weigh station, causing significant damage to the facility. Although no personnel were inside the facility at the time, the driver did not survive.
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Help Keep Louisiana Roads Safe: Secure Your Loads |
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On behalf of Keep Louisiana Beautiful, we are reaching out to industry leaders like you who play a critical role in shaping and maintaining Louisiana’s infrastructure. Your work is essential to our state’s growth and economy, and your partnership is equally important in helping ensure our roadways remain safe, clean, and compliant with state law. Your work is essential to our state’s growth and economy, and your partnership is equally important in helping ensure our roadways remain safe, clean, and compliant with state law.As leaders in the construction and solid waste sectors, you are the backbone of our local infrastructure. However, the nature of your loads – construction debris, gravel, and mixed waste – poses a unique challenge to the safety and cleanliness of our roadways. Unsecured loads from commercial and recreational trucks account for 17% of the debris littering our roadways and creates a significant safety hazard for others on the road. To ensure we are good stewards of the roads, and that we stay compliant with the Louisiana laws (R.S. 32:383 and 30:2531.1), we are asking all haulers to please double-check securement protocols. Please remember to secure and properly cover your load before heading out. A simple cover, tarp or tie-down only takes a few minutes to apply, but when done properly, it prevents litter, protects other drivers, and keeps you compliant with local and state littering and secured load laws.
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Emergency Declarations |
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MEMBER PROGRAMS - Save Money |
LMTA Member Exclusive Affinity Programs
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The LMTA currently offers a variety of exclusive business partnerships and services to members of the association. Special member-only offers for our partners are listed below and can be found through your LMTA Info Hub under the "Resources" tab.
LMTA ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN Exclusively for LMTA members, this group health insurance program helps trucking employers reduce costs and enhance employee benefits through collective purchasing power and risk sharing. Powered by USI, it offers greater transparency, trucking specific plan options and expert guidance giving employers improved control and drivers access to specialized care.
LMTA & WEX CARD The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) is excited to announce a rewarding affinity program partnership with WEX and their MasterCard product. Whether you use a physical WEX MasterCard, a Ghost Card for recurring payments, a Virtual Card for one-time payments, or integrate WEX MasterCard to handle all electronic payments, you can help the LMTA earn valuable rebates.
APP EMBARK App Embark specializes in creating mobile apps for companies that allow employers to organize and communicate with their employees more efficiently and effectively. As part of our partnership with App Embark, LMTA members save $500 on the cost of the build fee!
TO LEARN MORE OR SCHEDULE A DEMO, SELECT THE LINK BELOW IN YOUR MEMBER PORTAL.
Please note: Since these are exclusive member only offers, you will be directed to log into your Info Hub to view the details. |
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