The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES
LMTA in the NEWS
INDUSTRY UPDATES
MEMBER PROGRAMS - SAVE MONEY
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ACTION ALERT: Tell your legislator to support HB 24, HB 336 and HB 423!
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As truckers, you have long existed in a state that has embraced lawsuit abuse and done very little to curb it. Our laws pertaining to commercial activities are far out of line with the rest of the nation. A little bit of work was done in 2020 to try to bring some of those laws in line with other states, but we have so much more work to do.
We have a package of bills this session that seek to bring our legal system more in line with our surrounding states. If we could even get on par with the state of Mississippi, it would make a huge difference for Louisiana truckers.
Several of the bills in our package will be heard next week in the House Civil Law Committee and we need your help. Please contact your lawmaker and ask them to support HB 24, HB 336 and HB 423.
They will also hear HB 315 which will extend the time period that you can be sued from one year to two years. This is a priority of Governor Jeff Landry. There is another bill in the senate that at least gives you notice but HB 315 does not. HB 229 is also scheduled and this bill will allow three years for a lawsuit to be filed against you. We oppose these bills and ask you to tell your lawmaker to oppose both.
Please click on the link below and tell your legislator that the state legislature had a hand in creating the state’s unfair legal system and they have a hand in fixing it. Please support HB 24, HB 336 and HB 423. Please oppose HB 229 and HB 315.
DESCRIPTION OF BILLS
Housely Presumption
HB 24 by Representation Michael Melerine
Would require a plaintiff to maintain full burden of proof on causation rather than allowing the plaintiff to rely on the prior judicially-created presumption of causation. It legislatively repeals the presumption and provides additional fairness and predictability in Louisiana’s legal system.
Third Party Litigation Financing (TPLF) – The Litigation and Financial Disclosure Act
HB 336 by Rep. Emily Chenevert
Requires parties to automatically disclose any litigation financing contract or agreement under which anyone other than a legal representative may receive compensation contingent on the proceeds of the civil action.
Collateral Source Legislation
HB 423 by Rep. Michael Melerine
This legislation discloses to the jury in civil cases what a plaintiff actually pays in medical costs and what the medical provider bills the insurer. These bills would put us in more close alignment with the nation’s trend of enacting legislation which only allows the plaintiff to recover what was actually paid by them, not the amount incurred.
Extends the time for a lawsuit to be filed
HB 315 by Rep. Mike Johnson extends the time you can be sued to two years and HB 229 by Rep. Kyle Green extends the time you can be sued to three years.
CLICK HERE TO TAKE ACTION NOW
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Condolences on the Passing of James Weidman
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It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of James Weidman, the husband of Dana Weidman, a cherished member of our Louisiana Motor Transport Association family. James Weidman peacefully departed on Sunday, March 3, 2024.
During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Dana Weidman, their family, and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this period of grief and loss.
Funeral arrangements for James Weidman have been scheduled as follows:
- Date: March 14
- Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
- Location: Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church
For those who wish to honor James' memory and express their condolences, we have provided a link where you can learn more about his legacy and send flowers to his family. You can access the page by clicking here.
Let us join together in supporting Dana and her loved ones during this challenging time.
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Save the Date | 2024 LMTA Annual Convention
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We are thrilled to announce the dates for the 2024 LMTA Annual Convention! Mark your calendars for July 24-27, 2024, as we gather at The Grand Hotel Golf Resort & Spa, Autograph Collection in Point Clear, AL.
This year's convention promises to be enlightening and engaging, featuring keynote speeches from industry professionals and Louisiana public officials. Attendees can expect dedicated sessions covering transportation updates, trucking research, federal and state legislative updates, and key membership meetings.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the official theme for this year's Annual Convention, along with registration and event details.
We look forward to seeing you there!
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Truck Driving Open House | March 16
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Diesel Driving Academy will be hosting the area’s largest truck driver Open House this Saturday, March 16th at their Baton Rouge, LA campus. More than 100 potential students, graduates, their families, and industry leaders are expected to attend the event.
Trucking recruiters from Werner Enterprises, TMC Transportation, and Stevens Transport are expected to attend. The event is open to the public, and no prior driving experience is needed. This is a great opportunity for people to learn more about a career in transportation.
Truck Driving Open House
Date: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Time: 11:00 am to 1:00 pm
Location: Diesel Driving Academy | Baton Rouge Campus
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See Photos from the 2024 Truck Driving Championships Online Now!
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The 2024 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships, presented by the LMTA Foundation, was held this weekend, March 1- 2, 2024. The two-day competition was held at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge and a specially made driving course across in the overflow lot across from the hotel. Photos from the 2024 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships are available online now. Thank you to John Ballance Photography for capturing each special moment this weekend. Photos from all of the events can be accessed through the provided links.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS NOW
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NATMI Hybrid Motor Fleet Accident Investigation Course
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APRIL 23-24 COURSE
NATMI's Hybrid Motor Fleet Accident Investigation course is coming to Louisiana April 23-24.
Through this 2 day course attendees will learn how to control costs through a complete and thorough vehicle accident investigation and develop skills in loss prevention, data collection and analysis.
The course covers Accident Management, Cause and Chain of Events of Accidents, The Role of Photography in Documentation, Roadway Evidence, Vehicle Damage, Determining, Speeds, and Recording Information. Click here to learn about the benefits of the Motor Fleet Accident Investigation Course.
More information regarding NATMI and program details can be found below.
REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS
Attendees must register for the course through the Leaning Center on the NATMI website. You must create an account and log in to register for the course. Please follow the instructs below to access registration on the NATMI website.
- Visit rebrand.ly/natmi-april
- Login (previous site visitors) or Create an Account (first-time visitors). Note, if you are creating an account, you will receive an email to confirm your account and must complete that process before registering for a course.
- Once logged in, go to the Learning Center and click "Browse Catalog" for the Motor Fleet Accident Investigation course.
For questions about how to register for the course, please call NATMI at (303) 952-4013.
NATMI Hybrid Fleet Investigation Course
April 23-24, 2024 | 8:00am - 5:00 pm
LMTA Office
4838 Bennington Avenue
Baton Rouge, LA | 70808
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW!
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Load Securement Class | April 25
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Bengal Transportation and the Louisiana State Police have partnered with the LMTA to host
a Load Securement Class. We invite all members to join us to learn about regulations, safety procedures, special cargo security, among other topics. By undergoing safety training, you can avoid load loss, travel delays, higher insurance rates, injury, and damage to cargo, vehicles, and property.
To join us register here or below today or contact Ashley Duplessis (225) 402-9544 for more information.
Load Securement Class
April 25, 2024 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Bengal Transportation Services, LLC 37156 E Hwy 30 Geismar, LA 70734 United States
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LMTA's Annual Seafood Gala | April 6, 2024 Book Your Room and Purchase Tickets & Sponsorships Today!
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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!
PURCHASE GALA TICKETS
SPONSORSHIPS As the Association's largest event, our annual Seafood Gala is the perfect opportunity to meet our members and get your company recognized with Louisiana's trucking business community! With several different opportunity levels, we have a sponsorship for almost any budget. Each sponsorship provides a unique sponsorship opportunity and a number of complimentary tickets for you and your business.
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 A designated LMTA room rate is available at the Hilton Capitol Center starting at $162.00 per night. Members and all those attending our 2023 Gala are welcome to book the block. Booking can be completed online or by calling (225) 344-5866.
ONLINE BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS If you are making your reservations online, please enter in "attendee" when prompted after following the link. From here, you will be prompted to enter your desired dates.
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, Southeastern Motor Freight Inc.
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It is with great pleasure that we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Southeastern Motor Freight Inc. 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
Southeastern Motor Freight 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, Southeastern Motor Freight Inc., for being an integral part of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association's history and future!
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Trucking Industry Group Buys Downtown Buildings for $1.2M to Open Museum, Boost Workforce
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"In a strategic move designed to address workforce shortages and promote transportation jobs among the youth, the Louisiana Motor Transport Association Foundation (LMTA) has acquired two downtown Baton Rouge buildings for $1.2 million. The transaction, involving 325 and 329 Florida St., aims to relocate the LMTA offices and establish a trucking museum."
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Current Emergency Declarations
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Alabama State of Emergency 1.14.24
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TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Temporary I-20 Lane Closures Planned in Vicksburg This Week
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The DOTD has released the following advisory:
WHO: The Louisiana Department of Transportation (LADOT)
WHAT: Temporary Lane Closures.
WHERE: Interstate 20 at the Mississippi River Bridge in Vicksburg.
WHEN: I-20 eastbound will be reduced to one lane March 11 and 12. I-20 westbound will be reduced to one lane March 13 and 14. Motorists should also anticipate lane closures the following weekend, March 15-17.
WHY: Bridge repair.
HOW: Motorists should anticipate moderate congestion during high travel times and are advised to slow down and stay alert for roadside crews.
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DOTD to Begin Phase 2 of Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Corridor | Announces Change in Speed Limit
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The DOTD has released the following announcement:
Beginning March 18, 2024, DOTD will begin Phase 2 of the project, involving the installation of new speed limit signs and radar speed detection devices along I-10 in Iberville and St. Martin parishes.
The project is scheduled from Mondays through Fridays between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. There will be intermittent alternating lane closures on I-10 westbound and eastbound, potentially causing delays for drivers. The road will be open to regular traffic with a 12-foot lane restriction on oversized loads passing through the work zone during work hours.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2024, with continued monitoring of speed and crash data to assess its effectiveness. Drivers should exercise caution while driving through the construction site, and to watch for work crews and equipment.
Key Changes from Phase 2 will include:
- Implementation of a new speed limit of 60 miles per hour for all motorists, replacing the current speed limit of 55 for trucks and 60 for cars.
- Trucks will be restricted to the right lane only.
- Deployment of white “your speed” feedback signs to warn drivers about exceeding the speed limit.
- Focus on reducing fatal and injury crashes to minimize traffic closures on the bridge.
“These signs are part of a three-phase process in response to Act 426 from the 2022 Regular Session that established the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge as a Highway Safety Corridor… The intention of the current phase 2 of the project is to have all vehicles moving at a consistent speed in order to improve reaction time and stopping distance. The end goal is reducing crashes and other incidents, especially since the bridge has narrow shoulders with little room to recover for those traveling at excess speeds.”
CICK HERE TO READ THE FULL DOTD ANNOUNCEMENT.
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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:
- 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
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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.
Click here to access additional resources and project information.
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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.
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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