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The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry |
June 7, 2024 |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
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THIS WEEK |
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES |
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LMTA's Capitol Corner: Final Edition |
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Governor Landry Appoints LMTA Past President John Austin to the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry |
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LMTA is proud to announce that LMTA Past President and President of Bengal Crane, John Austin, has been appointed and confirmed to the Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry.
This critical statewide board represents major economic groups across Louisiana, overseeing essential tax incentive programs such as Enterprise Zone, Industrial Tax Exemption, Quality Jobs, and Restoration Tax Abatement.
John's term on the board will run concurrently with Governor Landry's term. We appreciate Governor Landry's recognition of the importance of the trucking industry and its crucial role in driving economic development throughout our state.
To learn more about the Board and its mission, please visit: Louisiana Board of Commerce and Industry. |
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LMTA'S Legislative Wrap Up Webinar | June 27 at 10:00am |
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Join us to hear from two lawmakers who led the efforts to reform Louisiana's legal climate during this most recent session. You will hear from Senator Alan Seabaugh, Representative Michael Melerine and LMTA General Counsel Doug Williams of BSW.
You will also get an overview of the good, the bad and the ugly from session and learn what we need to do in the future.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
June 27, 2024 | 10:00am CST |
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Member Highlight: Thank You, Associated Grocers, Inc.! |
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It is with great pleasure that we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Associated Grocers, Inc. for being a dedicated member of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association for over 60 years!
On behalf of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, we extend our sincerest thanks to Associated Grocers, Inc. 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, Associated Grocers, Inc. for being an integral part of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association's history and future! |
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LMTA Letter to Governor Landry: Please Sign or Allow HB 423 to Become Law
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Dear Governor Landry,
The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) represents more than 13,000 truckers and 90,000 trucking company employees in Louisiana. It is on their behalf that I write to you today asking for your help in addressing our state’s insurance crisis. Please sign HB 423 by Representative Melerine. HB 423 is key legislation that will help bring confidence back to Louisiana’s insurance market.
For our members, stabilizing the insurance market is the foremost priority, and many have shown their support by including their company logos in this letter. Our insurance costs are significantly higher than those in neighboring states, averaging about $10,000 more per truck annually, and we are simply asking for a fair competitive environment.
Frequent lawsuits from accidents drive up insurance costs and discourage driver recruitment, while the resulting lost work and time spent dealing with insurance and legal issues hinder business growth. There is a limited availability of affordable truck insurance due to the lack of competition in the market. Add the pressure from lawsuit abuse and skyrocketing prices, it spells a dismal picture for the industry. Many of our members are being forced to move to states with better business climates or close their doors altogether. If things do not change, the problem will only get worse.
We respectfully write to you to support and sign HB 423 by Representative Melerine, compromise legislation aimed at fostering a more transparent and reasonable award of medical costs. HB 423 addresses the legal climate and insurance crisis, promoting competition to lower costs. While it may not be perfect, this bill is a step in the right direction.
We understand the weight of your decision and remain hopeful for a prosperous future for Louisiana's businesses and citizens under your leadership. We respectfully urge you to sign HB 423 on behalf of our members, including truckers, construction companies, manufacturers, and other key industries in our state's economy. This will be a critical step toward revitalizing our insurance market.
On behalf of LMTA’s 13,000 truckers and 90,000 employees, we appreciate your leadership and any consideration you give to this important matter.
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Release: Joint Statement on Legal Reform
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During the current Legislative Session, our organizations are working together to bring long overdue reforms to Louisiana’s civil justice system. We are actively supporting legislation to improve transparency, which we believe will result in more fairness, balance, and predictability in our system, while bringing Louisiana into alignment with other states. These reforms are part of Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple’s legislative package to address our worsening insurance crisis and bring much-needed relief to our families and businesses.
An important measure by Rep. McFarland repealing Louisiana’s direct action statute, HB 337, made it through the process with amendments. Rep. Melerine’s HB 423, which brings transparency to juries in the process of calculating past medical expenses, is on its way to the House for concurrence in Senate amendments. While not the exact bills we wanted as amended, they will help bring about needed change. We ask Governor Landry to sign both bills into law.
Unfortunately, other critical legislation met a different fate in the Senate Judiciary A committee, where legal reform has historically gone to die. One of these bills is Rep. Chenevert’s HB 336 creating the Litigation & Financial Disclosure Act, requiring disclosure of third parties who bankroll lawsuits with a financial interest in their outcome. Another is Rep. Melerine’s HB 24 which would require the plaintiff to have the full burden of proving causation in personal injury cases. Both bills were deferred, preventing a vote by the full Senate even after receiving overwhelming bipartisan support in the House. We appeal to Senate leadership to allow these bills to be heard in Judiciary A so that the full body may potentially debate and vote on them.
Other states like Florida and Texas have made legal reform a priority and are seeing the benefits as a result. Meanwhile, we continue to fight an uphill battle with the full force of the trial bar in effect. Every single Louisiana citizen paid a hidden “tort tax” of nearly $1000 and more than 40,500 jobs were lost in the state last year because of abuses of our legal system. To add insult to injury, Louisiana has been labeled a “Judicial Hellhole,” one of the worst civil justice climates in the U.S., for 14 years running.
The last set of meaningful reforms was enacted in 1996 – we can no longer afford to kick the proverbial can down the road by passing watered-down legislation in piecemeal fashion, such as that enacted at the onset of Covid-19 in 2020. Regardless of politics or party, support for common sense legal reforms that reduce costs passed down to consumers, improve the availability and affordability of insurance, and enhance Louisiana’s business climate should be an easy decision. Yet here we find ourselves again, scratching our heads while other states get it. The insurance crisis is just one palpable symptom of our broken system, and things will only get worse without real change. All Louisianans deserve better. We thank the three Senators on Judiciary A, and the Senators on the floor who have stood for change and improvement throughout the course of what has been a frustrating process and encourage the full body and Governor Landry to put hardworking Louisianans first by supporting these important reform measures.
Contact: Lana Venable, Louisiana Lawsuit Abuse Watch 225.328.8826 lana@llaw.org Coalition Members:
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Clean Fuels Summit June 12-13 | Discount for LMTA Members
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We are thrilled to invite you to join us for the upcoming Clean Fuels Summit, the premier alternative fuel conference and expo in the Gulf South, hosted by Louisiana Clean Fuels. This event will take place at L'Auberge Hotel in Lake Charles on June 12-13, 2024.
The summit will feature a diverse range of presentations covering all alternative fuel options, including insights from industry leaders such as Chevron REGI and updates on the Transport Project which advocates for natural gas and renewable natural gas solutions.
For an overview of the agenda, please click here, and to explore the lineup of speakers, click here.
We’re happy to share that Louisiana Clean Fuels is offering LMTA members a discounted admission. Simply use the Promo Code LMTA2024 to registering to secure your spot today.
June 12-13, 2024 |
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2024 Bill Clark Memorial Golf Tournament | July 25, 2024 |
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The 2024 Bill Clark Memorial Golf Tournament will be held Thursday, July 25 at the Azalea Course on the Lakewood Golf Course in Fairhope, AL. The Tournament will take place before the 2024 LMTA Annual Convention in Point Clear, AL, and requires additional registration.
Breakfast and lunch will be provided alongside the chance to win door prizes and compete in the $50,000 Shoot Out Competition. Prizes will also be given to the player closest to the pin and the competitor with the longest drive.
This year's event is organized by Tournament Director Tim Ordoyne and is a fundraising opportunity for the LMTA. Sponsorships are also available for the event and can be purchased online or by contacting Tim (timo@peterbiltofla.com).
CLICK HERE TO VIEW SPONSORSHIPS
The event will begin promptly at 8:00 am, Thursday, July 25 on the Azalea Course at Lakewood Golf Course. We encourage registrants to allow for travel time before the event.
Registration for this event is separate from LMTA's Annual Convention.
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CSI Litigation Psychology Course | July 12-13
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LMTA members and industry stakeholders are invited to attend a CSI Litigation Psychology Course hosted by The Mississippi and Louisiana Loggers. This informative seminar on litigation and witness training will be conducted by Bill Kanasky Jr., Ph.D., and Mansoor Khaleeluddin.
Mississippi Loggers can register by calling 601-776-5754 or emailing info@msloggers.org. Louisiana Loggers are encouraged to contact Toni McAllister at 318-729-1726 for registration.
July 12-13, 2024 | 8:00am - 12:00 pm Natchez Grand Hotel |
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Open Road Magazine Spring 2024 Digital Edition is Available Now |
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Welcome to the Digital Edition of the Spring 2024 issue, featuring the new independent contractor rule, wishes of a trucking defense lawyer, what's in store for truckers in 2024, and much more.
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2024 LMTA Annual Convention: REGISTER NOW & Secure Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities TODAY! |
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The 2024 LMTA Annual Convention will take place at The Grand Hotel Gulf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, AL. Registration and our room block are now open. We encourage all those planning to attend to book early. This resort is in demand and usually fully books before the spring!
The link to the LMTA Room Block will only be available after completing your online registration for the Convention and will be included in your confirmation email.
The Grand Hotel Gulf Resort & Spa
SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES We have multiple sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available for this year's convention for all budgets. For information on sponsorships or exhibitor opportunity details, click the link below or contact the LMTA Office at (225) 928-5682. |
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Explore Exclusive Advertising Options in the LMTA Membership Directory |
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E&M Consulting, Inc. is working on producing our Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M is currently contacting all members about advertising opportunities available. The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure.
To view the ad rates/options and sign-up online, please visit: https://reserveyourad.com/LAMTA/
If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated!
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INDUSTRY UPDATES |
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Current Emergency Declarations |
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California SEO-March-Storms 5.3.24
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Texas Severe Weather Disaster Declaration April 2024 https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/texas-severe-weather-disaster-declaration-april-2024 |
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Louisiana State Police Offer Safety and Compliance Services for Carriers and Drivers |
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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:
Sgt. Brady Johnson Louisiana State Police Compliance Review Division CVE Training Coordinator |
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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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