Updates from Louisiana's Transportation Industry!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2023 Annual Sponsor

 

LMTA Renewal Invoices Beginning Oct 30 

LMTA will be sending membership renewal invoices out on Monday October 30, 2023 so please be on the lookout for the invoices. We want to make sure the invoices do not go to your spam folder so please make sure that LMTA is marked safe by your email provider.

 

Thank you for your attention, and we appreciate your continued support.

 

Important Update on the Calcasieu River Bridge Project 

We are excited to share an important update regarding the Calcasieu River Bridge project after a pivotal Joint Transportation Committee hearing at the state capitol today.

 

After hours of deliberation and impassioned testimony, the House Committee has voted against moving forward with the Public-Private Partnership (P3) proposal for the Calcasieu River bridge toll. The toll proposal failed by a vote of 8-6, marking a significant turning point in this long and challenging battle.

 

Our dedicated lawmakers demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience, standing against immense pressure from the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD), their partners, the local chamber, and other stakeholders who were advocating for the toll-based project. This is a momentous achievement and a testament to their commitment to the best interests of our community.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible truckers who once again showed up in support and patiently endured hours of testimony. Your dedication is truly commendable. Special thanks go to Brad Nelson, Pat Hay, Todd Hines, and Rickie Guillory.

 

We also want to acknowledge and commend the outstanding leadership of both the House and Senate Transportation Committee chairmen, Mark Wright and Patrick McMath. Their dedication and support have been instrumental in reaching this point. Since the House voted against the toll, a Senate vote was not required.

 

Furthermore, we must express our sincere appreciation to the House Transportation Committee members who voted in alignment with our goals:

  • Chairman Mark Wright
  • Rep Kathy Edmonston
  • Rep Gabe Firment
  • Rep Foy Gadberry
  • Rep Dodie Horton
  • Rep Chuck Owen
  • Rep Bob Owen
  • Rep Rodney Schamerhorn

These legislators have played a crucial role in advancing our mission, and we owe them our gratitude.

 

Lastly, we wish to highlight the steadfast leadership of the Southwest delegation, including Rep Les Farnum, Rep Troy Romero, Rep Brett Geymann, Rep Phil Tarver, Rep Bourriaque, Rep Dewith Carrier, Sen Reese, Sen Stine, and Sen Abraham. They have shown unwavering support for us and their constituents throughout this arduous process.

 

We will continue to keep you updated on the progress of the Calcasieu River Bridge project. Thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to this critical endeavor.

 

LMTA's 2024 Membership Directory Now Available Online

We are excited to announce that the digital version of LMTA's 2024 Membership Directory is now available for your convenience. You can access this valuable resource through your Info Hub account.

 

The Membership Directory is an essential tool for staying connected with fellow members, networking, and accessing key information about our organization. With the online version, you can easily search for fellow members, company details, and contact information from the comfort of your computer or mobile device.

 

Here's how to access the 2024 Membership Directory in your Info Hub:

  1. 1. Log in to your Info Hub account using your credentials.
  2. 2. Once logged in, navigate to the " Newsroom & Resources" section.
  3. 3. You will find the 2024 Membership Directory listed there. Click on it to open and start exploring.

You can also access the directory by simply clicking on the provided link and using the password lmta_1939.

 

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY NOW.

 

Urgent Request For Ground Transportation Assistance

We are reaching out to you with an urgent request on behalf of Hearts 2 Serve Food Pantry, a dedicated organization that serves the local community in the St. Charles/Calcasieu Parishes of Louisiana. Hearts 2 Serve Food Pantry has been a reliable source of support, providing food, water, healthcare supplies, and more to those in need.

 

Recently, Hearts 2 Serve Food Pantry received a generous donation of 52 pallets of toilet tissue wipes. This donation will significantly enhance their ability to continue their vital work within the community. 

 

The organization is seeking donated ground transportation assistance to facilitate the pickup and delivery of these 52 pallets of toilet tissue wipes. The items are currently located in Plainfield, IN, 46168, and need to be transported to Ragley, LA, 70657. The distance and logistics involved in this task are substantial, and we believe that the collective strength and generosity of the LMTA members can make a significant impact.

 

We kindly ask for your support in providing ground transportation for this essential shipment. Your assistance in making this transportation possible would greatly benefit Hearts 2 Serve Food Pantry in their mission to serve the local community.

 

If you or your organization can offer any help, whether in the form of transportation services or by connecting us with potential partners who can, please reach out to Alexia Nobles at Alexia@ALANaid.org, at your earliest convenience. Your generosity can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who rely on Hearts 2 Serve Food Pantry's support.

 

Meeting Notice Posted For Toll Hearing On Lake Charles Bridge

We are happy to announce that the meeting notice for the toll hearing on the Lake Charles bridge has officially been posted. 

 

The members of the House Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works,  will meet jointly as follows on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 at 10:00 am in House Committee Room 5. This is an opportunity for members to give a public testimony for the Calcasieu River Bridge

 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

 

2024 Sponsorship Opportunities 

Our annual sponsorship opportunities for 2024 are available and open today. Don’t miss out on these exclusive advertising opportunities and added benefits! 

 

GOLD - 2 Available

  • One (1) complementary room for the duration of the event at the 2023 Seafood Gala 
  • Five (5) complementary tickets to our 2023 SeafoodGala
  • One (1) couples registration to Annual Convention
  • Two (2) registrations to our TransportationConference Signage at all of LMTA annual events
  • Feature on our website, Truck Talk Weekly NewsletterLMTA app, & association’s social media

AND MORE

 

SILVER - 3 Available

  • Two (2) complementary tickets to our 2023 SeafoodGala
  • One (1) singles registration to Annual Convention
  • One (1) registration to our Transportation Conference
  • Signage at all of LMTA annual events

AND MORE

 

BRONZE - 1 Available

  • Signage at all of LMTA annual events
  • Feature on our website, Truck Talk, LMTA app, & association’s social media
  • PLUS: Exclusive Annual Partner apparel

 

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

 

If you are interested in becoming a 2024 Annual Sponsor, please contact Executive Director Renee Amar or call the LMTA office.

 

Renee Amar

renee@lmta.la

C: (225) 287-0117

 

Louisiana Transportation Conference | January 16-17, 2024

We are thrilled to announce LMTA's 2024 Transportation Conference. Mark your calendars for January 16-17, 2024, as we gather at The Cook Hotel & Convention Center at LSU in Baton Rouge, LA, for two days of invaluable insight, networking, and opportunities. 

 

Join us at this exclusive event to engage directly with agency leaders, regulators, and influential politicians. We'll delve into a wide range of crucial topics, from infrastructure to logistics, all of which have a profound impact on the day-to-day operations and business landscape of Louisiana's transportation sector.

 

This conference offers numerous chances to expand your professional network and discover new opportunities, including exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities - which will be limited! 

 

Stay tuned for the official conference schedule with confirmed speakers, which will be released soon. 

 

Don't miss this chance to be part of a transformative event for Louisiana's transportation industry. Save the date, spread the word, and stay tuned for further updates!

 

Presenting the Digital Release of Open Road Magazine

We are excited to announce that the digital version of the latest issue of Open Road magazine is now available! We're confident that you'll find this edition to be a captivating and informative read.

Here's what you can anticipate in this issue:

Health of the Economy: Explore the state of the economy in our latest report. 
Federal Funding Targets Trucking Safety: Discover the impact of increased federal funding on Louisiana's trucking industry.
Combating Distracted and Impaired Driving: Learn valuable tips for staying safe on the road. 
ATRI's Newest Operational Costs Research: Uncover insights into spikes in equipment, wage, and total cost in trucking. 
Legal Brief: Read about Louisiana's latest legislation that grants employees unpaid leave for genetic testing and cancer screenings.

CLICK HERE TO EXPLORE THE DIGITAL EDITION NOW.

 

We appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy reading the latest issue of Open Road magazine!

 

Lake Charles Transportation Industry Convening | Nov 14

The Louisiana Workforce Commission have partnered with the LMTA, Coastal Truck Driving School, Chamber Southwest Louisiana, and Seed Center Incubator to host a Transportation Industry Sector Convening in Lake Charles. 

 

The LMTA invites all our members and those interested in joining us. 

 

Date: Nov 14, 2023 | 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm

Location: Seed Center SWLA (2nd Floor)

4310 Ryan St. | Lake Charles, LA, 70605

 

To register or attend, please contact Michael Pritchard at mpritchard@lwc.la.gov or (337) 262-5546 for more information.

 

Autonomous Truck Survey 

We greatly value your input and invite you to participate in a crucial survey on the acceptance of  Autonomous Trucks in logistics, with a special focus on the Gulf Coast region. The survey will take approximately 10-minutes and can be accessed online by clicking the link below.  

 

Your feedback is essential to advancing our understanding of this emerging technology's impact on logistics in the Gulf Coast, and your involvement in this survey is highly appreciated.  

 

Once the research findings are ready, we will share with you a report summarizing key takeaways from the study. Additionally, LMTA will be acknowledged when the research findings are presented at conferences and published.  

 

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30, 2023

 

The survey was created by Dr. Yuanyuan Zhang and Dr. Abu Haddud, Assistant Professors from the University of Southern Mississippi. Your participation will contribute significantly to their research. 

 

Thank you for your continued support and engagement!

 

Temporary Lane Closures and Overnight Closure on I-110 in Harrison County

Temporary Lane CLOSURES and Road CLOSURE.

 

Beginning 9:00 am on Sunday, Oct. 29th, until 4:30 am on Monday, Oct. 30th.

 

The right lanes of I-110 in both directions from Rodriguez St. to the drawbridge will be closed from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, followed by the closure of ALL lanes of I-110 in both directions between Rodriguez St. and U.S. 90 from 11:00 pm until 4:30 am.

 

Drivers are advised to find an alternate route. Motorists are advised to drive slow and be alert for roadside crews during the closure period.

I-55 MS River Bridge to Temporarily Close Between Arkansas & Tennessee Beginning Friday October 6 at 8 pm

The Interstate 55 Mississippi River Bridge will close on Friday, Oct. 6 at 8 p.m. to continue construction activities on the I-55 and Crump interchange. 

 

Activities include work on the Wisconsin Bridge, repair work on the I-55 bridge, moving concrete barrier rail and stripping. All work is weather-dependent. 

 

The bridge will reopen to all traffic on Monday, Oct. 9 at 6 a.m. 

 

The closure will include southbound lanes beginning at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas and northbound lanes beginning at South Parkway in Tennessee. Local traffic will be allowed to continue to the McLemore exit. 

 

The I-55 southbound ramp will be closed, and Crump Boulevard westbound will be closed. 

 

Traffic heading south on I-55 will need to take Interstate 40 through Memphis to Interstate 69. I-69 then connects to I-55 south of Memphis. 

 

Traffic heading north on I-55 will follow Interstate 69 to Interstate 40, then reconnect to I-55. 

 

For more details and updates click here.  

 

Current Emergency Declarations

Florida Executive Order 23-171 

  

FLORIDA HIGHWAY SAFETY AND MOTOR VEHICLES Executive Order 082623 Invest 93L 

  

Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits 

  

In preparation, the Governor of Florida has issued a State Emergency Declaration for 33 counties for Storm Idalia, expected to turn into a hurricane and possibly make landfall on Tuesday/Wednesday along Florida’s western coast.   

  • A HURRICANE WATCH has been issued for the Gulf Coast of Florida from Englewood to Indian Pass, including Tampa Bay. 

All Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations

 
 

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

 
 

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

 

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

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.

 

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 Manager Lyia Higgs at lyia@lmta.la.