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The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry |
Mar 28, 2024 |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
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THIS WEEK |
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES |
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LMTA's Capitol Corner: Week 3 |
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Members, the insurance reform package continues to move at the state capitol. The bills that moved this week are listed below. The big news out of the capitol is that there is now a date for a constitutional convention though some disagree that the date will stick. There is talk of doing the convention during the legislative session in May, so the legislature is working to get most of the bills moved through the process early.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR TRUCKERS: HB 423 by Rep Melerine passed the house floor by a vote of 88-10 with 7 absent. This bill would reform the collateral source rule or what we commonly call phantom damages. In the 2020 bill that was passed that supposedly targeted reform, included a 40% add on that the court shall award to the claimant of the difference between the amount billed and amount paid. This bill would remove the 40%. HB 337 by Rep McFarland passed the house floor by a vote of 86-15-4 . This bill would repeal the direct action statute, except in certain circumstances. This means that the plaintiff could not sure an insurance company directly would not be named, and the court is prohibited from mentioning the existence of insurance coverage in a jury's presence. This bill would put Louisiana in line with 47 other states, thus making Louisiana a more attractive state to write insurance. Watch Rep McFarland as he does a great job explaining why we need HB 337. HB 315 by Rep Johnson which extends the time for you to be sued from 1 to 2 years passed the house floor by a vote 83-18-4. This is the governor’s bill that he touts will reduce lawsuits. We fought to have an amendment included that would have given notice to you when a plaintiff is seeking medical treatment, but that amendment only garnered 18 votes. Huge thanks to Rep Mark Wright for courageously bringing the amendment knowing that the governor did not want this bill amended. We greatly appreciate the 17 who voted with him in support of the amendment. Voting in support of an amendment on HB 315: Mr. Speaker Amedee Bagley Beaullieu Carlson Carver Chenevert Echols Emerson Freiberg Henry Horton Landry, J. McCormick McMakin Melerine Wright Wyble SB 355 by Sen Stine is a supposed third party litigation funding bill, but it really is not. It is more of a national security bill that provides in any civil action in which a foreign third party litigation funder provides funds intended to defray litigation expenses, the third-party litigation funder shall meet requirements that must be disclosed to the attorney general. LMTA general counsel, Doug Williams, testified in the Senate Judiciary A Committee about our concerns with this bill. The committee passed the bill out without objection. SB 355 does nothing about the third-party funders that are from the US, which is why we believe it is a national security bill and not a transparency bill. We are seeking amendments to SB 355 to include the transparency that we need. We deserve to know who is involved in our litigation. We strongly support SB 336 by Rep Emily Chenevert which is a third party litigation funding bill that requires transparency and disclosure. That bill passed the house floor and is awaiting a senate committee hearing.
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Action Alert: Tell Your Senator to Put an End to Lawsuit Abuse |
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Truckers, your voice is crucial in urging State Senators in Baton Rouge to protect our legal system from exploitation by opportunistic trial attorneys.
As truckers, we are significantly affected by the predatory lawsuits brought by billboard lawyers seeking “jackpot justice.” The frivolous lawsuits and excessive legal costs are threatening the livelihoods of trucking companies and the well-being of Louisiana's economy.
For too long, hardworking residents of Louisiana carried the burden of legal system abuse, through inflated prices for goods and services. The only beneficiaries of this abuse are the trial attorneys who profit from exploiting loopholes within the system.
It’s time to ask lawmakers to put an end to this abuse and enact reforms that will balance the scales to benefit everyone, bring transparency and accountability to our legal system, and help retain our best talent by attracting new investment and jobs.
We appreciate your continued support and urge you to contact your legislator today.
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Office Closure on Good Friday - March 29 |
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Dear members,
The LMTA's office will be closed on Friday, March 29, 2024 in observance of the holiday. We will resume our operations and regular email communications on Monday, April 1, 2024, and you can expect to call and visit us at our office as usual.
If you have any urgent matters that require immediate attention, please feel free to reach out to us before the holiday closure.
Thank you, and we wish you a peaceful and enjoyable holiday! |
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LMTA’s Annual Seafood Gala | April 6, 2024 - LAST CHANCE TO PURCHASE TICKETS |
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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, Hathorn Transfer & Storage Company! |
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It is with great pleasure that we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Hathorn Transfer & Storage Co. for being a dedicated member of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association for 70 years!
On behalf of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association, we extend our sincerest thanks to Hathorn Transfer & Storage Co. 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, Hathorn Transfer & Storage Co. for being an integral part of the Louisiana Motor Transport Association's history and future! |
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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.
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 |
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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.
April 25, 2024 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am Bengal Transportation Services, LLC |
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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LMTA in the NEWS |
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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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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Call for Female Independent Contractors: Share Your Story! |
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The American Trucking Association (ATA) is embarking on an initiative to amplify the voices of female independent contractors in the trucking industry. The association is creating a booklet to showcase the stories and experiences of female small business owners who have chosen the independent contractor path in trucking.
Every female independent contractors in the country is invited to be part of this empowering project by sharing their unique journey as a female independent contractor through an online questionnaire. The booklet aims to:
To participate, simply complete the form online using the provided links or share this email with someone you recommend.
Submissions to be completed by April 10, 2024. Together, let's make a meaningful impact in advocating for the diverse voices within the trucking community.
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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:
“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.”
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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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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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