SOUTHERN TIRE MART

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to each of you who welcomed lawmakers and members of the public to your businesses this week. Our dispatch visits, which began last year, have always aimed to achieve three key objectives: to strengthen our relationships with lawmakers, to educate them and the public about the complexities of the trucking industry, and to advocate for issues affecting truckers across the state and nation.

These visits may not attract large crowds, but they facilitate intimate gatherings where meaningful discussions can take place. I am immensely proud of the members of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA). I consistently share with elected officials—and anyone who will listen—that you are the best in the state. Your commitment to adhering to laws and regulations, ensuring that your drivers and equipment are safe on the road, was evident throughout this week. Without any prompting, this message was clearly communicated by our hosts.

I am pleased to report that, just like last year, we successfully met our three goals during these visits!

I would like to express my appreciation to the following members for their hospitality:

- Colby Domingue and the team at United Vision Logistics in Broussard, LA

- Adam and Andy Guinn of Port Aggregates, Inc. in Westlake, LA

- Tyler and Mike Coatney of Acme Truck Line in Belle Chasse, LA

- Kenny Stocks, Terry Baugh, and Richard Richardson of D&J Construction & River City Redi-Mix in West Monroe, LA

A significant issue that emerged during our visits was the ongoing challenge of lawsuit abuse and the burdensome litigation environment facing truckers in Louisiana. We are collaborating with Commissioner Tim Temple on a legislative package to address these concerns in the upcoming session. Observing the progress in states like Georgia and Arkansas, we are eager to see Louisiana follow suit.

Now is the perfect time to build on the successes we achieved this week. I encourage you to reach out to your local lawmakers and share your experiences with insurance and litigation. Your voices are vital in advocating for positive change in our industry.

Thank you again for your support and dedication.

Many thanks, 

Renee Amar

Executive Director

LMTA & LMTA Foundation

Cell: (225) 287-0117

renee@lmta.la 

The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) is seeking important input and guidance for their priority research on the growing diesel technician shortage. Recognizing the complex issues that exist in training, recruiting and retaining diesel technicians, ATRI has developed three separate surveys for technicians, maintenance facilities and technician training schools.

1. All diesel technicians – from any industry – are encouraged to answer a five-minute survey about their career path and workplace preferences. Responses are strictly confidential; only anonymized, aggregated data will be published.
2. Diesel truck repair and maintenance shops are encouraged to complete a survey on recruiting, supporting and retaining diesel technician hires.
3. Diesel technician schools and training programs are asked to complete a survey that focuses on curricula, emerging technologies and industry partnerships.

All three surveys can be accessed online here. The survey will remain open through Friday, March 7.

VIEW SURVEYS

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. 

Our 2025 Truck Driving Championships is to be held Feb 28 - Mar 1, 2025. The registration, testing and awards banquet will be held at the L'Auberge Casino & Hotel in Baton Rouge. The Pre-trip inspection and driving course will be hosted at the L’Auberge Casino & Hotel overflow parking lot in Baton Rouge.

We’re excited to announce that volunteer registration for our 2025 TDC is now open!

How to Register:
Simply fill out the 2025 TDC Volunteer Registration Form with your preferred positions.
REGISTER HERE*

*There will be a mandatory event meeting on February 27, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the L'Auberge Hotel - Chatsworth Room that all volunteers will be asked to attend. Here we will assign volunteer roles and review championship procedures.

2025 TDC Volunteer Meeting
Thursday, February 27, 2025 | 2:00 PM Chatsworth Room

L'Auberge Hotel & Casino
777  L'Auberge Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA 70820

If you have any volunteer questions, please contact SMC Chairman Tim Pugh (timothy.pugh@fedex.com). If you have issues with this form, please contact the LMTA Office at (225) 928-5682 or email lmta@lmta.la.

We look forward to working with you to make this year’s TDC unforgettable!

As of the date this newsletter was written, the requirement for businesses to file a Beneficial 

Below is a free "Litigation Checklist" from LMTA members Perkins & Associates. Their team wanted to share this information, providing a litigation checklist that may help your company to keep track of what should be done along the way in the unfortunate event of a suit against your company. 

While we hope your team never has to use this resource, we encourage you to review it and keep it on file.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHECKLIST

FMCSA EMERGENCY DECLARATION NO. 2025-003:

This Declaration is in response to the spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) resulting in the widespread loss of chicken flocks in affected areas impacting populations and the national food supply including the supply of eggs, and its effects on people and property, including immediate threats to human life, public safety, and public welfare.

Between December 18, 2024, and January 2, 2025, the Governors of the States of California, Iowa, and Louisiana issued emergency declarations related to HPAI; each of these declarations resulted in up to 14 days of emergency relief from 49 CFR §§ 395.3 and 395.5. Because emergency conditions related to HPAI have not abated and have arisen in other states.

In accordance with 49 CFR §§ 390.23 and 390.25, this Declaration is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until the end of the emergency (as defined in 49 CFR § 390.5T) or until 11:59 P.M. (ET), March 10, 2025, whichever is earlier.

• VIEW EMERGENCY DECLARATION No. 2025-003
• VIEW WEBPAGE

Louisiana State Police (LSP) are offering safety and compliance services for carriers and professional drivers. This is a great opportunity for truckers and their drivers to understand what LSP are looking for on the highway. LSP will come to your facility and train your crew. Please note: this is not a class. Contact Brady Johnson at brady.johnson@la.gov if you would like LSP to perform one of these services for you. Services are provided across the state and are open to fleets of all sizes. No fleet is too big or too small!

Take advantage of the following services to improve safety and compliance:

• Part A (CDL, medical certificates, clearinghouse, ELD/logbook violations , speeding/moving violations, required documents like proof of annual inspection)
• Part B (mechanical violations, such as cargo securement, brake adjustment, tire violations, etc.)
• Weight and Dimension Laws (Louisiana State Law only)
• General HazMat (placarding, marking, labeling, shipping papers)
• Cargo Tank Inspections (test date markings, rear end protection, required marking)
• Other Bulk HazMat (IBCs, portable tanks, chlorine service)
• Compliance Related Topics (Driver Qualification Files, Vehicle Maintenance Files, DOT Drug/Alcohol Testing , Clearinghouse, logbook record-keeping, etc.)
• Mock Level 1 inspections for anyone who wants to see and question the LSP’s inspection process. 

Sgt. Brady Johnson

brady.johnson@la.gov

Louisiana State Police

Compliance Review Division 

CVE Training Coordinator 

LOGIN TO ACCESS RESOURCES

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.

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!  

LMTA INSURANCE SERVICES- MENGEL FINANCIAL GROUP

Mengel Financial Group is committed to providing the best and most affordable Voluntary Employee Benefits based on employers’ specific needs. As part of our partnership with Mengel Financial Group, LMTA members are offered group benefits at no cost!  

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.