Updates from Louisiana's Transportation Industry!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2025 Annual Sponsor

THIS WEEK

 

ASSOCIATION UPDATES

INDUSTRY UPDATES

MEMBER PROGRAMS 

 

We need YOUR HELP AND VOICE!

Make your voice heard! LMTA's "Action Alerts" let you quickly email lawmakers in support of key bills impacting trucking. It only takes a minute—and your action can help drive real change.

- Oppose the Trailer Fee Hike

 

LMTA Office Closed for Memorial Day

In observance of Memorial Day, the LMTA office will be closed on Monday, May 27, 2025. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 28.

As we pause to honor the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, we wish you and your families a safe and meaningful holiday.

 

Updates from the Capitol: From Executive Director Renee Amar 

I'm happy to report that all of the bills scheduled for passage on the Senate floor pertaining to lawsuit abuse passed this week with overwhelming support. Most bills passed with 28 votes along party lines.

The bills that passed this week are:

The only damper on the week was HB 148 by Rep. Wiley, which initially gave the Insurance Commissioner rate-setting authority. It was ultimately heard on the Senate floor and amended by Sen. Talbot. Better language was included in some respects, but some language remains problematic. The bill passed by a 26–9 vote. There isn’t much opportunity left to try to fix this bill.

It saddens me that the chambers passed reforms we haven’t seen in 30 years, only to then pass this bill. We continued to hear that we needed a “balanced approach.” I wholeheartedly, 100% disagree with that notion. The business community has done nothing but get crumbs over the last 30 years. We have always been told that we have to compromise, while the legislature allowed our civil justice system to become more and more lopsided and punishing to truckers.

This is a time in history when we need a course correction—not a balanced approach. My hope is that we did enough on the positive side to balance out this one negative.

Many thanks, 

Thanks,

C.Renee Amar

Executive Director | LMTA & LMTA Foundation

Cell: (225) 287-0117

renee@lmta.la 

 

Oppose a Trailer Tax Increase in the Legislature

 

The Louisiana House of Representatives is expected to reconsider House Bill 660 (HB 660) -- a damaging proposal that would raise registration fees on all trailers, including those used by farmers, small businesses, truckers, and working families across the state.

More importantly, this bill has already been voted on

View the Roll Call Vote

  • If your representative voted YES, we urge you to contact them immediately and tell them to vote NO if this bill comes back up.
  • If your representative voted NO, please thank them and ask them to stand strong and oppose it again.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Thank you for standing with Louisiana's trucking and business communityTogether, we can stop this harmful fee hike.

We need your help to stop this tax increase!

Sign and send our letter in opposition to this bill to your Representative TODAY!

 

*If you are not receiving our email updates, please sign up for our Action Alerts

 

LaGeaux Online Permit System | Virtual Training with LA DOTD

Join us for a virtual training session on the Louisiana DOTD LaGeaux truck permitting system, designed to provide stakeholders and associates of the Louisiana Motor Transportation Association (LMTA) with a comprehensive overview of the platform. This session will include presentations from representatives of both the DOTD Permitting Office and the LaDOTD Police, who will be available to answer your questions and provide insights into permitting procedures, compliance, and enforcement. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage directly with agency experts and enhance your understanding of the LaGeaux system.

THIS IS A VIRTUAL TRAINING SESSION HELD VIA ZOOM

LaGeaux Online Permit System: Virtual Training with LA DOTD

May 29 | 8:00am - 9:30am

Online via Zoom - Register Online

REGISTER NOW *

*By registering for this event, you will be email a link to join via Zoom and a reminder for the event.

 

2025 Annual Convention | Registration & Room Block Open!

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) invites you to join us for the 2025 LMTA Annual Convention, taking place July 31 – August 2, 2025, at the beautiful Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, AL. This annual event brings together trucking professionals, industry leaders, and policymakers for a weekend filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and fun.

Event Highlights

  • Keynote Speakers – Hear from top industry experts on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in the trucking and transportation sector.
  • Workshops & Panel Discussions – Gain valuable insights on regulatory changes, safety initiatives, workforce development, and industry innovations.
  • Networking Opportunities – Connect with fellow industry professionals, vendors, and key stakeholders in a relaxed, collaborative environment.
  • Exhibitor Showcase – Explore the latest products and services that can help enhance your business operations.
  • Family-Friendly Activities – Enjoy social events, entertainment, and plenty of opportunities to unwind with colleagues and family.

SPONSORSHIPS

(Please insert your contact information to view sponsorships online.) 

Interest if purchasing a sponsorship offline? Contact Accounting Director Burton Comeaux (burton@lmta.la) or call the LMTA Office at 225-928-5682

 

VENUE & BOOKING

This year's Annual Convention will be held at Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach, AL. 

Perdido Beach Resort
27200 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, 36561

LMTA has secured a special room block at the Perdido Beach Resort for convention attendees. The exclusive room block booking link is only available in the confirmation email sent after registering for the event. Be sure to register early to secure your accommodations.

 

FREE "Litigation Checklist" for Trucking Companies

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

 

Emergency Declarations

All Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits

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

 

Louisiana Department of Transportation & Development Offer Safety Talks  for Carriers and Drivers

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) remains committed to engaging with the industry at all levels beyond enforcement efforts. As part of this proactive approach, LADOTD offers its team as a resource for training, discussions, and industry collaboration, whether through formal sessions or informal meetings.

 

Organizations across the state are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. LADOTD leadership is available to visit facilities, conduct walkthroughs, and engage directly with staff to foster stronger connections and support industry needs. Strengthening these relationships is a priority, and LADOTD is dedicated to facilitating meaningful engagement throughout Louisiana.

 

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact:

Chief Jeffery C. Melchior

Jeffery C. Melchior,

Chief of Police - DOTD Police

225-377-7185

jeff.melchior@la.gov

 

Louisiana State Police Offer Safety and Compliance Services for Carriers and Drivers

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 

 

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 & 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!  

 

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.

 

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.