Updates from Louisiana's Transportation Industry!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2023 Annual Sponsor

SOUTHERN TIRE MART
 

2023 Truck Driver Appreciation Week | Sept 10-16

APPRECIATION GIFTS

Celebrated annually, this year’s National Truck Driver Appreciation Week runs from September 10-16, 2023, and takes on a special meaning for our nation's economy! Professional truck drivers are the key link in our nation's supply chain, continuing to deliver despite unprecedented obstacles. Truckers move America forward!

The LMTA Foundation will mark Louisiana's Truck Driving Appreciation Week by shipping appreciation gifts to participating companies. We have hundreds of FREE gifts to allocate to Louisiana trucking companies. Gifts can be registered online, with an initial restriction of 50 gifts per company. The deadline to register is August 23, 2023.

Please note that the LMTA Foundation will distribute gifts on a first-come, first-served basis; gift contents and quantities are subject to change. Only companies that employ drivers are eligible for gifts. Allied business companies (i.e. insurance, equipment, dealers, etc.) will not be shipped gifts.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding appreciation gifts, please email LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar (renee@lmta.la).

 

APPRECIATION EVENTS

We will be sharing member and industry-planned events here! If you or your business are planning an appreciation event or luncheon and would like us to share, please contact Renee Amar (renee@lmta.la). 
 

NATMI's Professional Development Program | Aug & Sept

AUG 23- 24 PROGRAM

NATMI’s nationally recognized, university-accredited Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) program is coming to Louisiana Aug 23-24! CDT is a "train-the-trainer" course for professionals responsible for developing and implementing professional driver training programs.

 

This course is the first step toward earning a credential to help you become a more competent professional and earn industry recognition and credibility in court testimony. If you have the job experience, you can pay one lump sum that covers all fees for certification and complete the process within a 60-day time frame – or less.

 

The LMTA Safety Management Council will host a two-day NATMI CDT course from Aug 23-24, at the LMTA office. More information regarding NATMI and program details can be found below.

 

NATMI Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) Course

Aug 23-24, 2023 | 8:00am - 5:00 pm

LMTA Office

4838 Bennington Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA | 70808

Register Now!
 

SEPT 25-29 PROGRAM

NATMI's Certified Director or Supervisor of Safety (CDS/CSS) program is coming back to Louisiana Sept 25-29.

 

This 4.5 day course includes two courses held back-to-back. Motor Fleet Safety Basics (first 2-days) and Managing Motor Fleet Safety Programs (second 2 days).

 

More information regarding NATMI and program details can be found below.

 

NATMI Certified Director or Supervisor of Safety (CDS/CSS) Course

Sept 25-29, 2023 | 8:00am - 5:00 pm

LMTA Office

4838 Bennington Avenue

Baton Rouge, LA | 70808

Register Now!
 

Gubernatorial Forum | Aug. 19

We are excited to announce that the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, in partnership with the Louisiana Loggers Association and the Louisiana Craft Brewers Guild, will hold a Gubernatorial Forum with candidates on the evening of August 19, 2023 from 6:00 - 8:00 PM. 

 

At this Forum members will have the opportunity to hear firsthand from candidates for Louisiana's Gubernatorial race. There will also be an opportunity for the crowd to mix and mingle one on one with candidates following the Fourm's programming. Details can be found below.

 

GUBERNATORIAL FORUM
Saturday, August 19, 2023
6:00 - 8:00 PM
Bayou Teche Brewery
1002 North Lane
Arnaudville, La 70512
 

Legislative Dispatch | Sept. 18 - 23

We are excited to announce the first round of our Legislative Dispatch. During these visits, local lawmakers meet with members at their businesses to see firsthand what it is like to run a trucking company in Louisiana.

 

Below are the locations for our September visits. We encourage all members in the area to register and join us in our discussion with local lawmakers. 

 

SCHEDULE

September 18, 2023

September 19, 2023 

September 20, 2023  

 September 21, 2023
 

Updating the Davis-Bacon and Related Acts Regulations - Final Rule Update
The U.S. Department of Labor issued its long-awaited final rule that will make drastic revisions to the Davis-Bacon Act and Related Acts regulations that apply to federal and federally assisted construction projects funded by taxpayers.
 
Key changes in the final rule include:
  • Lowers the definition of “prevailing wage” to a wage paid to at least 30% of workers in a locality, down from 50%
  • Makes DBA requirements effective by “operation of law,” meaning even if a federal agency fails to include DBA clauses in a contract, contractors are still required to pay prevailing wages
  • Adds new anti-retaliation provisions to DBA contracts
  • Expands the scope of the DBA to new industries, including trucking and surveying
 
The final rule is scheduled to take effect 60 days after publication. Contracts entered into after this date will be impacted by the new provisions of the rule. 
 
Next steps:
  • ABC’s D.C. staff and counsel are currently reviewing the 800-plus pages of the final rule and will provide an analysis upon completion of review 
  • ABC will provide additional information on any potential legal challenges to the new rule
  • ABC will offer a webinar on Aug. 21 on the final rule for members
  • ABC has provided additional resources to assist contractors in complying with the final rule, located on ABC’s Davis-Bacon Act webpage
 
Resources: 
 
 

ICYMI: Joint Transportation Committee to Meet to Discuss Toll | Aug 22

The next step to approving the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge toll is quickly approaching! 

 

For the tolling plan to be approved, it MUST pass through several steps and a hearing before the Joint Transportation Committee is one of them. This is not a meeting to approve the toll but is a meeting for the legislature to get public feedback on the toll. The meeting is set for Tuesday, August 22, we need your testimony on how this toll will affect your business! We need you to show up to the State Capitol on August 22 at 10 am in Room 1 ready to share your story!

 

In addition to sharing your testimony, please complete the 3 actions below to let lawmakers know that you oppose the toll.

WE NEED YOU TO ACT NOW!

We NEED 3 ACTION ITEMS FROM YOU!

 

1.) Using this link, contact your state lawmakers to let them know you do not support this toll. 

2.) Contact lawmakers that you know on the Transportation Committees. Their names and emails can be found here.

3.) Share this LMTA post on Facebook and any other social media platforms. 

 

As we are sure you know by now, DOTD has released it's proposed toll on the I-10 Calcasieu River Bridge.

  • Local Auto: $0.25 (Toll Tag) | N/A (Non-Toll Tag) | $0.13 (Peak Hour HOV Rate)
  • Auto: $2.55 (Toll Tag) | $3.75 (Non-Toll Tag) | $1.25 (Peak Hour HOV Rate)
  • Medium Truck: $2.55 (Toll Tag) | $3.82 (Non-Toll Tag) | N/A (Peak Hour HOV Rate)
  • Large Truck: $12.50 (Toll Tag) | $18.73 (Non-Toll Tag) | N/A (Peak Hour HOV Rate)

The truck toll would be $12.50. These proposed toll rates confirm what the LMTA predicted - this bridge will be funded largely by silently taxing the truckers. 

 

This toll has the potential to add MILLIONS of dollars to medium and large carriers' operational costs. The Louisiana Motor Transport Association released a letter opposing the toll and it's impact on trucks (viewed here). 
 

Current Emergency Declarations

All Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations
 
Arkansas Proclamation State of Emergency 6.25.23
 

Kentucky Official Order 113350

(Suspension of Registration Requirements, and Exemption of Hours of Service and Stoppage at Weigh Stations)
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/kentucky-official-order-113350
 

Texas Proclamation 23-0017 for Severe Weather
 

Vermont Emergency Declaration 

(Vermont faces the imminent likelihood of excessive rain combined with water runoff, flooding, erosion)

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/vermont-emergency-declaration-070923-0
 

DOTD Reminder - Weight Limit on US 84 Bridge | Above 5 Tons

A reminder from the DOTD that the US 84 bridge near Tullos is open only to vehicular traffic with a 5-ton load rating. DOTD is asking those above the weight limit to find an alternate route.

 

DOTD appreciates your patience while crews perform bridge repairs.

 

Additional Information:
Call (318) 412-3100 or (800) 256-1610 or 511 or visit www.511LA.org for additional information. Motorists may also monitor the LA DOTD website @ www.dotd.la.gov, by selecting MYDOTD, the Way to Geaux Application for iPhone or Android devices or the DOTD Facebook page.
 

WEATHER - National Weather Service: Dangerous Heat Advisories

Here is an update from our partners at the New Orleans and Baton Rouge NWS.

 

Main Takeaways:

  • Friday: Another excessive heat warning has been issued for Friday for heat indices up to 115 to 20 degrees across all of SE LA and S MS from 11am to 7pm. Take frequent breaks in the shade or air conditioning. Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Check on elderly, ill neighbors & family members. Bring pets indoors or provide shade and plenty of water. Be extra careful since we have not had much of a break from the heat. Continued exposure to heat can lower your future heat tolerance.
  • Weekend: An Excessive Heat Watch is in effect for Saturday from 11AM to 7PM CDT. Dangerous heat is expected to continue late this week and into the weekend. Heat indices may reach up to 115-120F.

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.

 

SAMBASAFETY

Like the LMTA, SambaSafety's mission is to provide opportunities for companies to increase driver safety. Since 1998 SambaSafety has been mitigating driver risk for their clients. Their driver risk management and training solutions enable partners to add value to their customer base, streamline processes and improve overall safety and risk.

 

As part of our partnership with SambaSafety, LMTA members save $1,000 on system set-up fees! 

 

 

TO 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 4838 Bennington Avenue, Baton Rouge, LA 70880. To unsubscribe click here. If you have questions or comments concerning this email contact Communications Director Allison Strahan at allison@lmta.la.