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The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry |
Feb 9, 2024 |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
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THIS WEEK |
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES |
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LMTA Supports Frisards Co. and Independent Driveres Across the U.S. in Lawsuit Against Department of Labor |
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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) has taken a significant step in advocating for the rights of independent contractors in the transportation industry. LMTA has joined a lawsuit filed by the Pelican Institute and the Liberty Justice Center on behalf of Frisards Companies, owned by LMTA Member, Cully Frisard.
Pelican Institute and the Liberty Justice Center discussed the lawsuit in an announcement on Thursday, February 8, 2024:
The lawsuit challenges the new rule issued by the U.S. Department of Labor that changes the criteria for classifying independent contractors. This change could force Frisards Co. to reclassify its independent drivers as employees, which would substantially increase operational costs and diminish the level of independence currently enjoyed by these drivers.
The lawsuit contends that the new regulation is arbitrary and surpasses the department's legal authority. Frisards argues that "the rule undermines the certainty businesses and independent contractors need to operate efficiently and is inconsistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act and precedent set by the U.S. Supreme Court and the Fifth Circuit."
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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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LMTA in the NEWS |
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LMTA Working to Recruit More Truckers |
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In a recent article from WWL.com , Renee Amar, Executive Director of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, shares what the LMTA is doing to address the nation’s ongoing truck driver shortage. In 2022, the association provided scholarships for CDL training to alleviate the shortage and is actively recruiting more female drivers. Amar discusses the importance of a multigenerational approach to solving the shortage, and reveals that plans for a museum aimed at introducing K-12 students to the trucking industry are underway.
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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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INDUSTRY UPDATES |
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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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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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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. |
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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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