The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES
INDUSTRY UPDATES
MEMBER PROGRAMS
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Countdown: 2026 LMTA Seafood Gala
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As we finalize details for the 2026 Seafood Gala, we are asking all members and attendees to please confirm that your table or ticket purchase was successfully completed. Some members experienced issues during checkout and payment processing.
Please note: no refunds can be issued after April 4, 2026, as final attendance numbers have been submitted to the venue.
If you attempted to purchase tickets and are unsure if your transaction was completed, it is important to verify your order as soon as possible. If you have any questions, need to confirm your purchase, or need to request a refund prior to April 4, please contact Burton directly at burton@lmta.la or call our office at (225) 928-5682.
Tables and individual tickets are still available, including reserved tables for 8 and 10 guests. If you are planning to attend last minute, tickets will also be available for purchase at the door on the day of the event.
For the latest event information, please visit the event webpage, which is the first place all new details and updates are posted. We will also be sending dedicated event detail emails to attendees early next week.
We look forward to seeing you in New Orleans next week!
PURCHASE TABLES & TICKETS
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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:
- 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
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HB 526: Cap Damages. Lower Costs. Show Up & Testify.
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Beginning next Tuesday, April 7, a legislative committee at the State Capitol will take up HB 526 by Rep. Kellee Hennessy Dickerson - a big, bold proposal aimed at addressing rising insurance costs by placing reasonable limits on general damages, directly impacting your business, your premiums, and the future of trucking in Louisiana.
These reforms could bring long-overdue relief from excessive insurance costs and predatory legal practices - but they will not move forward without strong industry support. That's why we're calling on truckers across Louisiana to show up, pack the hearing rooms, and testify.
NEXT TUESDAY'S House Civil Law & Procedures Committee Meeting (Room 4)
- Tuesday, April 7 | 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM*
*End time is subject to change based on how long the committee takes to hear all bills.
Agenda
Below is the bill to be heard during Tuesday's Civil Law & Procedure Committee. Many of these focus on reforming our legal system. If you have any testimony on this topic, we implore you to join us Tuesday!
- HB 526 - DICKERSON | CIVIL/DAMAGES: Provides limitations relative to claims for general damages
MORE INFORMATION
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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:
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“My premiums increased ___% over ___ years.”
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“My insurance went from $ to $___.”
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“I can’t sustain this.”
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“I’m considering shutting my doors.”
No general statements. Be direct.
Send your submission to:
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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.
MORE INFO
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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:
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Exclusive to LMTA members
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Lower costs + better benefits through collective purchasing power
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Employer-sponsored group health insurance built for trucking
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Greater plan transparency and more control over your benefits
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Wellness and care programs tailored to drivers
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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
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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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MEMBER PROGRAMS - Save Money
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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.
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.
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