Updates from Louisiana's Transportation Industry!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2026 Annual Sponsor

SOUTHERN TIRE MART

THIS WEEK
 

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

INDUSTRY UPDATES

MEMBER PROGRAMS 

NEW MEMBERS
 
 

LMTA License Plates

Get your Louisiana speciality plate through the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) today!

- VIEW SPECIAL PLATE

- DETAILS

- CONTACT OMV
 
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Tomorrow: 2026 LMTA Seafood Gala

Schedule

New Friday Night Hospitality Suite 

To kick off the weekend, LMTA will host a Friday Night Hospitality Suite at the Royal Sonesta in the heart of the French Quarter. This casual gathering gives members the chance to arrive in New Orleans early, reconnect with industry friends, and start the weekend before the main Gala event on Saturday evening.

FRIDAY, APRIL 10:

SATURDAY, APRIL 11:

All Other Details:
 

Nominations Now Open: Future Leaders Program - Class of 2027

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:

  • Full program commitment is required, including attendance at all sessions, active participation, and completion of work outside scheduled meetings.
  • Participants will complete a group project with Louisiana state legislators and have the opportunity to write an article for Open Road magazine, requiring strong time management, collaboration, and the ability to meet deadlines alongside regular professional responsibilities.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Applicants from motor carrier fleet members and allied members will be selected to participate in the LMTA Future Leaders class. 
  • Applicants must be employed by a member in good standing with the LMTA. 

COST & FEES:

  • Applicants are responsible for their travel costs, lodging and tuition. 
  • Applicants are required to attend all class sessions listed on the following page. 
  • $600 program tuition.

MORE INFORMATION & APPLICATION
 

Response Needed: Help Us Show the Real Cost of Insurance!

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:
  • “My premiums increased ___% over ___ years.”
  • “My insurance went from $ to $___.”
  • “I can’t sustain this.”
  • “I’m considering shutting my doors.”
No general statements. Be direct.
Send your submission to:
 

2026 Truck Driving Championships Registration NOW OPEN!

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.

MORE INFO
 

LMTA Association Health Plan - Exclusive Benefits for Members

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:

  • Exclusive to LMTA members

  • Lower costs + better benefits through collective purchasing power

  • Employer-sponsored group health insurance built for trucking

  • Greater plan transparency and more control over your benefits

  • Wellness and care programs tailored to drivers

  • Powered by USI for expert guidance and support every step of the way

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.

VIEW AFFINITY PROGRAMS IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP INFO HUB
 

Notice to Carriers: I-10 Weekend Closures Begin in Baton Rouge April 10
We want to ensure all motor carriers and drivers across Louisiana are aware of upcoming overnight interstate closures and detours in Baton Rouge tied to the ongoing I-10 Widening and Reconstruction Project.

These closures will impact key routes leading to the Mississippi River Bridge and will occur over multiple weekends in April.

Nighttime Closures & Detours

I-110 Southbound On-Ramp from North Boulevard

  • Friday, April 10 through Monday, April 13
  • Nightly closure: 9:00 PM – 5:00 AM

I-110 Southbound Exit (1L) to Mississippi River Bridge

  • Friday, April 10 through Monday, April 13
  • Nightly closure: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM

I-10 Westbound Flyover to Mississippi River Bridge

  • Friday, April 17 through Monday, April 20
  • Nightly closure: 10:00 PM – 5:00 AM

What This Means for Trucking Operations

  • Expect detours and delays in the Baton Rouge corridor
  • Plan routes in advance, especially for overnight hauls
  • Allow extra travel time when moving through the area
  • Use caution in active construction zones

Stay Informed

For full details, detour maps, and updates:

 
 

Kentwood Weigh Station: Closed Until Further Notice
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.
 
 

Emergency Declarations

All Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations

LMTA Member Exclusive Affinity Programs

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.

LEARN MORE

 

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.

LEARN MORE

 

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!  

LEARN MORE

 

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.
 
This email was sent on behalf of The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) located at 325 Florida Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70801. To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact lmta@lmta.la.