GUILLORY PETROLEUM TRANSPORT

In celebration of the Independence Day holiday, we’re taking a short pause from our regular newsletter this week. We’ll be back next week with all the latest updates and news from LMTA.

Wishing you, your employees, and your families a safe and happy Fourth of July!

You can view past issues — and next week’s edition once it’s published — HERE.

ICYMI: LMTA Executive Director Renee Amar joined Brian Haldane on 107.3 FM to discuss the 2025 legislative session and what it means for Louisiana’s trucking industry.

Renee highlighted key victories, including meaningful legal reforms like the adoption of modified comparative fault—a long-overdue step toward fairness on the road and in the courtroom. But while momentum is building, the work is far from over. Sky-high insurance rates continue to burden small businesses, fueled by issues like inflated medical billing, a lack of transparency, and runaway injury claims. As Renee made clear: we’ve made progress, but we’re just getting started.

WATCH HERE

(Time: 1:56:26 - 2:09:22)

The recent Legislative Auditor's report suggests Louisiana should raise truck permitting fees to align with neighboring states and address our transportation backlog. But let's be clear--this proposal is not a solution; it's a direct hit on Louisiana's trucking industry and small businesses.

Here's what the report gets wrong:

• Louisiana already collects nearly $34 million a year from truck permits--fees that target a single industry, yet there is little transparency about where that money actually goes or what it truly funds.
• The report admits our permit fees are comparable or lower than other states, but still recommends hikes as high as 127%, with no assurance that carriers won't reroute to avoid Louisiana altogether.
• It ignores the economic impact of making Louisiana less competitive for freight movement--jeopardizing jobs, supply chains, and the industries that rely on us to move goods.
• Suggesting truckers pay more to fix a $24 billion infrastructure backlog--which they didn't create--is shortsighted and unfair.

Louisiana's trucking industry is the backbone of commerce, not a piggy bank for poor planning. We need meaningful reform, not blanket fee hikes disguised as fiscal responsibility.

VIEW IN ENTIRETY: 

• FULL REPORT: Truck Permitting Fees In Louisiana and Neighboring States
• EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: From LLA on the report above

SPONSORSHIPS

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• $10,000 – Banquet Cocktail Reception Sponsor (1 Remaining)
• $5,000 – Bloody Mary Sponsor (1 Remaining)
• $5,000 – Banquet Drink Sponsorship (1 Remaining)
• $2,500 – Safety Sponsor (1 Remaining)
• $1,250 – Banquet Dessert Sponsorship
• $1,250 – Past Presidents' Banquet Sponsor (Reserved for former LMTA Presidents)

Interest if purchasing a sponsorship offline? Contact Accounting Director Burton Comeaux (burton@lmta.la) or call the LMTA Office at 225-928-5682. 

According to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles and the Louisiana Department of Public Safety, the federal National Registry II (NRII) system—requiring electronic submission of DOT medical certifications—goes into effect on June 23, 2025.

However, Louisiana will not meet this federal deadline.

What This Means for You:

Until Louisiana is fully compliant with NRII, you must take the following steps to remain in good standing:

1. Ask for a printed copy of your DOT medical exam—even if completed in another state.
2. Obtain your DOT medical as usual from a certified provider.
3. Manually submit your DOT medical certificate to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles using this link: Submit Here
4. Carry a physical copy of your DOT medical certificate with you at all times when operating a commercial vehicle.

You will be notified as soon as Louisiana implements the necessary systems to meet NRII standards.

If you have questions or need assistance submitting your certificate, don’t hesitate to contact the Office of Motor Vehicles.

Thank you for staying compliant and safe on the road.

We’re excited to invite you to participate in a new initiative: the Quarterly Check-In with Chief Jeff Melchior, Chief of Police for the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD).

While both help keep Louisiana’s roads safe, what’s the difference between DOTD Police and State Police?

DOTD Police focus on transportation enforcement, weigh stations, commercial vehicle compliance, and road work zones—primarily supporting safe freight movement. Louisiana State Police have law enforcement authority statewide, handling everything from traffic stops-including mobile commercial stops-to major criminal investigations.

These quarterly sessions are designed to open the lines of communication between DOTD Police and Louisiana’s trucking industry. They’re informal, honest conversations — not lectures — where truckers, dispatchers, and company reps can hear updates directly from Chief Melchior and share the real-world issues they’re facing on the road and in operations.

This is not limited to LMTA members. All truckers and industry professionals are welcome to participate or submit topics for discussion!

We want to know:

• What topics need more clarity?
• Where do you see misalignment or confusion in enforcement?
• What issues matter most to you and your company?

Use the form below to submit any questions, topics, or concerns you’d like discussed in an upcoming Check-In. Your feedback will help shape the conversation and move our industry forward, together.

SUBMIT YOUR TOPICS HERE

Thank you for being a part of this important effort to build mutual respect and collaboration.

Interested in joining one of our quarterly webinars? Register online today!

• Sept 9: Quarterly Check-In with the Chief
• Dec 3: Quarterly Check-In with the Chief

Let’s move forward together — with honesty, integrity, and courage.

Thank you for being part of this important step toward a safer, stronger, and more collaborative transportation system.

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA), in partnership with the Louisiana State Police (LSP), invites you to attend a Hours of Service & Logbook Training session on Tuesday, September 10, in West Monroe, LA.

Stay compliant and audit-ready by joining us for a comprehensive seminar on Hours of Service (HOS) regulations and logbook requirements, presented by the Louisiana State Police (LSP).

This in-person training is ideal for drivers, safety managers, and motor carriers looking to deepen their understanding of HOS rules and ensure proper documentation.

Topics will include:

• Overview of HOS regulations and exemptions
• How to correctly complete paper logs and use electronic logging devices (ELDs)
• Common violations and how to avoid them
• Tips for preparing for roadside inspections and audits

Hear directly from LSP enforcement officers, ask questions, and walk away with the knowledge and tools to keep your operation in compliance.

Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: D&J Construction - 602 Well Rd, West Monroe, 71292

REGISTER TODAY!

As of the date this newsletter was written, the requirement for businesses to file a Beneficial 

Below is a free "Litigation Checklist" from LMTA members Perkins & Associates. Their team wanted to share this information, providing a litigation checklist that may help your company to keep track of what should be done along the way in the unfortunate event of a suit against your company. 

While we hope your team never has to use this resource, we encourage you to review it and keep it on file.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE CHECKLIST

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (LADOTD) remains committed to engaging with the industry at all levels beyond enforcement efforts. As part of this proactive approach, LADOTD offers its team as a resource for training, discussions, and industry collaboration, whether through formal sessions or informal meetings.

Organizations across the state are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity. LADOTD leadership is available to visit facilities, conduct walkthroughs, and engage directly with staff to foster stronger connections and support industry needs. Strengthening these relationships is a priority, and LADOTD is dedicated to facilitating meaningful engagement throughout Louisiana.

For more information or to schedule a visit, please contact:

Chief Jeffery C. Melchior

Jeffery C. Melchior,

Chief of Police - DOTD Police

225-377-7185

jeff.melchior@la.gov

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:

• Part A (CDL, medical certificates, clearinghouse, ELD/logbook violations , speeding/moving violations, required documents like proof of annual inspection)
• Part B (mechanical violations, such as cargo securement, brake adjustment, tire violations, etc.)
• Weight and Dimension Laws (Louisiana State Law only)
• General HazMat (placarding, marking, labeling, shipping papers)
• Cargo Tank Inspections (test date markings, rear end protection, required marking)
• Other Bulk HazMat (IBCs, portable tanks, chlorine service)
• Compliance Related Topics (Driver Qualification Files, Vehicle Maintenance Files, DOT Drug/Alcohol Testing , Clearinghouse, logbook record-keeping, etc.)
• Mock Level 1 inspections for anyone who wants to see and question the LSP’s inspection process. 

Sgt. Brady Johnson

brady.johnson@la.gov

Louisiana State Police

Compliance Review Division 

CVE Training Coordinator 

LOGIN TO ACCESS RESOURCES

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 & 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.

LEARN MORE

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!  

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.