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The Official Newsletter of Louisiana's Trucking Industry |
December 5, 2025 |
UPCOMING EVENTS |
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THIS WEEK |
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES
INDUSTRY UPDATES MEMBER PROGRAMS
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ASSOCIATION UPDATES |
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Introducing the LMTA Association Health Plan -Exclusive Benefits for Members |
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We’re excited to announce the launch of a brand-new benefit for LMTA members — the LMTA Association Sponsored Health Plan, powered by USI Insurance Services. This exclusive program was designed to help our members take control of one of the biggest challenges facing trucking companies today: the rising cost of employee health coverage. By joining together under one plan, LMTA members can now access lower costs, greater transparency, and trucking-specific health and wellness benefits — all while maintaining the flexibility and control you need as an employer. Program Highlights:
This new health plan gives trucking employers the tools to reduce costs, enhance employee benefits, and improve long-term financial stability — all while keeping more value within our industry and association. If you are interested in the plan, contact Jason Roussell with USI Insurance Services at jason.roussell@usi.com. For any other questions, contact Renee Amar at renee@lmta.la. Together, we’re helping LMTA members build stronger businesses — and healthier teams. |
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New ATRI Research - Insights on the Scale and Causes of Growing Trucking Litigation |
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The American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) released new research on the scope of tort litigation in the trucking industry and the factors that influence case outcomes. Also included are new updates on third-party litigation financing, carrier policies and procedures that impact the likelihood of lawsuits, whether Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations represent full compliance or minimum standards, and a new plaintiff focus on product liability suits.
Using a variety of federal and industry litigation data sources, the research analyzes six years of truck tort cases. In 2022 alone, the report estimates that there were 12,817 state truck-tractor tort cases, as many as 147 of which were improperly prevented from reaching federal court – where cases are often more protected from potential bias. The largest half of awards – those most damaging to the industry – rose at an average rate of 5.7 percent per year.
The report identifies numerous factors that statistically lead to higher awards, including types of negligence (such as improper hiring or onboarding) and injuries (such as moderate and severe traumatic brain injury). It found that settlements were lower than verdicts in cases with awards of $5 million or more but higher than verdicts with awards under $1 million. Three types of alleged negligence were statistically correlated with defense victories, including improper turn, improper merge, and failure to yield.
Trial strategies were analyzed, and it was discovered that counterclaims – where evidence of plaintiff negligence was presented – did not result in statistically lower awards, underscoring jury bias faced by motor carriers. Nonmedical awards were more than 10 times higher than medical awards in 17.8 percent of cases, indicating the presence of exaggerated nonmedical claims.
“Both frivolous and excess litigation pose grave challenges to the trucking industry today. They drain significant time and resources that could otherwise be spent on improving industry operations and safety,” said Nathan J. Meisgeier, Werner Enterprises President and Chief Legal Officer. “ATRI’s data-driven insights on case outcomes are a valuable resource for decision makers.”
“ATRI’s report underscores the need for fair and balanced reforms to the legal system and the importance of remaining vigilant in this challenging legal environment,” said Renee Amar, Louisiana Motor Transport Association Executive Director. “Its assessment of the current litigation environment serves as an important wake-up call for policymakers.”
The full report is available on ATRI’s website here. |
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LMTA Joins National Effort - Crack Down on Fraud & Restore Fair Competition in Trucking |
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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association has partnered with trucking associations across the country to support a new national action plan aimed at eliminating bad actors who undermine safety, exploit regulatory gaps, and create unfair competition in our industry.
The plan — The Fight for Fairness and Safety: Paving the Way for a Trucking Resurgence — targets seven key areas where fraudulent and illegal operators most often take advantage:
These recommendations build on recent federal actions that removed thousands of unsafe drivers from service and tightened oversight of non-domiciled CDL issuance.
The goal is simple: create a fair, predictable, and safe operating environment for law-abiding fleets and professional drivers.
LMTA will continue working with state and federal partners to advance these reforms and protect our members.
Read the full report and action plan here: www.truckingresurgence.com |
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ATRI Needs Your Help: Participate in New Insurance Research & Receive a Customized Peer Comparison Report |
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ATRI is asking motor carriers to participate in a new national study on rising commercial auto insurance costs. We encourage your company to take part.
Insurance costs have risen 36% per mile over the past eight years, even as crashes have declined. This research will help identify which risk-management strategies—safety technology, training, coverage adjustments, captives, and more—are truly making a difference. Why your company should participate:
Why it matters for the industry:
ATRI is requesting insurance coverage data for 2021–2024, along with information on safety technologies and risk-management practices. They will sign an NDA if needed. Read ATRI’s full release here: https://truckingresearch.org/2025/11/new-atri-research-to-study-rising-commercial-auto-insurance-costs-risk-management-strategies/ Please let us know if you have any questions. |
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Year-Round Visibility: Become a 2026 LMTA Annual Sponsor |
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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association is excited to announce that 2026 Annual Sponsorships are now available and can be purchased online!
By becoming an LMTA Annual Sponsor, your company will gain year-round visibility and exclusive recognition at every major LMTA event, including the Seafood Gala, Annual Convention, and Transportation Conference.
Annual Sponsors enjoy:
With Gold, Silver, Bronze, and specialty sponsorships available, there’s a package to fit every company’s goals. Flexible monthly installment options make it simple to support LMTA and showcase your commitment to Louisiana’s trucking industry.
Available Packages:
For installment pricing or more information, please contact Burton Comeaux, Accounting Director – burton@lmta.la
Join us in supporting the voice of Louisiana’s trucking industry while promoting your company in front of industry leaders all year long. |
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INDUSTRY UPDATES |
Emergency Declarations |
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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.
LMTA ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN Exclusively for LMTA members, this group health insurance program helps trucking employers reduce costs and enhance employee benefits through collective purchasing power and risk sharing. Powered by USI, it offers greater transparency, trucking specific plan options and expert guidance giving employers improved control and drivers access to specialized care.
LMTA & WEX CARD The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) is excited to announce a rewarding affinity program partnership with WEX and their MasterCard product. Whether you use a physical WEX MasterCard, a Ghost Card for recurring payments, a Virtual Card for one-time payments, or integrate WEX MasterCard to handle all electronic payments, you can help the LMTA earn valuable rebates.
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!
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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