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The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry |
Feb 2, 2024 |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
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THIS WEEK |
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES |
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LMTA's 2024 Truck Driving Championships Driver Registration is Now Open! | Deadline Feb. 2 by 5pm |
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The Louisiana Truck Driving Championships (TDC) is a competition of professional truck drivers hosted each year by the Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) and is the regional qualifier for the National Truck Driving Championships hosted by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). 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 Championships. The TDC has a long history within the LMTA, and was previously known as the Louisiana Truck Rodeo. The TDC competitors comprise eight driving classes and feature drivers throughout the state. During the TDC competition, each driver can demonstrate his or her driving and inspection skills, knowledge and professionalism through a series of tests. Each driver is graded in three tasks:
This year, all questions for the written examination are planned to be taken from the 2023 ATA Facts for Drivers. All exam questions will be pulled from the 2023 ATA Facts for Drivers.
The forms can be accessed and completed through the provided link above. The deadline for sending in the completed driver entry form is February 2, 2024 by 5 pm.
Please email all forms and materials to lmta@lmta.la by the deadline with the subject line noting “driver entry form.” Our 2024 Truck Driving Championships is to be held March 1-2, 2024. 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.
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Louisiana Lawmakers Approve Gov. Landry's Plan That Includes Tolls to Fund New Calcasieu River Bridge |
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On Tuesday, January 30, 2024, Louisiana lawmakers signed off on Gov. Landry’s plan to use federal and state cash with tolls to fund the $2.1 billion Calcasieu River bridge project. In October of 2023, Truckers successfully fought back against a similar deal composed by Gov. John Bel Edwards. Both Edwards and Landry had plans that included elevated tolls for trucks compared to other vehicles.
CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE
To be clear, truckers are not pleased with this decision because we are still carrying the load to fund a project, which we believe should be funded by the federal government.
The state has neglected bridge replacement for 30 years, and inflation has raised the estimated cost to $2.1 billion. A public-private partnership with tolls will cost citizens and truckers $20 billion. Toll increases over 50 years are a concern.
"No other stretch of I-10, spanning from California to Florida, imposes tolls on users. At the LMTA, we firmly believe that federal and state tax dollars should be allocated to fund construction projects of this nature". - Renee Amar, LMTA Executive Director
The Louisiana Motor Transportation Association is committed to fighting against this financial approach. |
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Feb. 7 LA Transportation Conference - Register and Book Your Room Today! |
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Join us for our 2024 Transportation Conference on February 7 at the Cook Hotel & Conference Center on the Louisiana State University campus. Register and book your room today using the links below.
Meet and speak directly with agency leaders, regulators, and politicians as we discuss issues ranging from infrastructure to logistics that affect the everyday operations and business of Louisiana's transportation industry.
ROOM BLOCK We encourage you to book your stay as soon as possible. The LMTA has a room block at the Cook Hotel and Conference Center. Please call the hotel directly at (225) 383-2665 and let them know you will be attending the Louisiana Transportation Conference.
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LMTA's Annual Seafood Gala | April 6, 2024
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LMTA's Annual Seafood Gala is the association's premier social and networking event of the year! With music, drinks, and - of course, premier Louisiana seafood - you do not want to miss this event.
This year's Gala will be held Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the Hilton Capitol Center in Baton Rouge. This historic hotel, located in downtown Baton Rouge, overlooks the Mississippi River providing amazing views of the state's capitol.
This year's tickets can be purchased online for $125.00 each. Tickets prices will increase after Friday, March 22!
SPONSORSHIPS
All sponsorships can be viewed on the event registration form, which can be accessed using the "secure sponsorships" button below or by clicking here.
If you have questions regarding Gala sponsorships, contact the LMTA office at (225) 928-5682 or lmta@lmta.la.
ACCOMMODATIONS
ONLINE BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS
HALF & HALF REVERSE RAFFLE: Throughout the night, we will pull tickets for our half and half reverse raffle, where the last ticket, not the first, is the winner! There will be a limit of 200 tickets sold, with a prize of up to $5,000 given to the last ticket pulled. (PURCHASE REVERSE RAFFLE TICKETS)
FOR MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE 2024 SEAFOOD GALA CLICK HERE. |
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Member Highlight: Thank You, Saia Freight Motor Company |
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It is with great pleasure that we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Saia Motor Freight Company for being a dedicated member of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association for 75 years!
On behalf of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, we extend our sincerest thanks to Saia Motor Freight Company for their enduring support, dedication, and unwavering commitment. Your legacy within our association is a testament to the values and principles that drive our industry forward.
Thank you, Saia Motor Freight Company, for being an integral part of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association's history and future! |
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INDUSTRY UPDATES |
Current Emergency Declarations |
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Alabama State of Emergency 1.14.24
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Texas Emergency Declaration Winter https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/texas-emergency-declaration-winter-2024 |
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North Carolina EO300- State of Emergency 2024 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/north-carolina-eo300-state-emergency-2024 |
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South Carolina Executive Order No. 2024-01 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/south-carolina-executive-order-no-2024-01 |
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Missouri Proclamation of State of Civil Emergency https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/missouri-executive-order-24-02 |
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Tennessee Emergency Declaration for Winter Weather and Fuel Transportation Regulatory Relief |
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MS DOT Advisory - Lane CLOSURE on I-10 West at Menge Ave. |
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From the Mississippi DOT:
WHO: The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT)
WHAT: Temporary Lane CLOSURES
WHEN: Overnight on Thursday, February 15, 2023 from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am
WHERE: Interstate 10 Westbound at Menge Avenue in Harrison County.
WHY: Construction of the new overpass.
HOW: Traffic will be re-routed utilizing the Menge Ave. exit and entrance ramps. Detour signage will be in place, and drivers may seek alternate routes.
Stay updated at MDOTtraffic.com, download the MDOT Traffic mobile app and follow @MississippiDOT on Facebook and Twitter. |
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DOTD Update - Upcoming Lane CLOSURES for I-10 for Widening Project
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An update from the DOTD announced that there are are multiple upcoming closures expected as part of the ongoing I-10 Widening Project in East Baton Rouge Parish.
The following closures will run from Monday, January 29, - Friday, February 2:
Alternating Ramp Closures
I-10 East lane closures from Terrace Avenue to Perkins Road
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DOTD Advisory - Commercial Vehicles Prohibited From Work Zone on I-20 in Bossier |
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WHO: The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOT)
WHAT: Commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers are prohibited from driving through the I-20 reconstruction zone in Bossier City.
WHEN: NOW until further notice.
WHERE: All lanes of Interstate 20 from Hamilton Road to Industrial Drive in Bossier City.
WHY: The current traffic configuration for construction includes narrow bridges that are difficult for large commercial vehicles to pass through, resulting in numerous incidents.
HOW: Commercial vehicles must utilize the primary detour of I-220. Vehicles not adhering to the detour may be issued a citation under Louisiana Revised Statute 32:237.
Travelers may check www.511la.org or download the Louisiana 511 mobile app to monitor conditions in real time. |
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.
SAMBASAFETY Since 1998 SambaSafety has been mitigating driver risk for their clients. As part of our partnership with SambaSafety, LMTA members save $1,000 on system set-up fees!
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!
DDS TRANSPORTATION CONSULTING, LLC DDS Transportation Consulting, LLC helps maximize the efficiency of your Transportation Management Software System. As part of our partnership with DDS Transportation Consulting, LLC, you will receive a 10% discount on your consultation fees for the first 12 months after signing a contract! All members must state that you have an LMTA referral to receive this offer.
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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