Updates from Louisiana's Transportation Industry!

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

2024 Annual Sponsor

 

LMTA's Capitol Corner: Week 6

 

Condolences on the Passing of William "Bill" Lowe

It is with heavy hearts that we inform you of the passing of Bill Lowe, a cherished member of our Louisiana Motor Transport Association family. Bill peacefully departed on Friday, April 13, 2024.

 

During this difficult time, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to Paul Lowe, Judy Smart, and their family, and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as they navigate through this period of grief and loss.

 

Funeral arrangements for Bill Lowe have been scheduled as follows:

 

Visitation will be held at Seale Funeral Home in Denham Springs, LA on Saturday, April 20, from 11 a.m. until service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park in Denham Springs. 

 

For those who wish to honor Bill's memory and express their condolences, we have provided a link where you can learn more about his legacy and send flowers to his family. You can access the page by clicking here.

 

Let us join together in supporting the Lowe family and loved ones during this challenging time.

 

Mock Level - 1 Inspection Seminar | May 8

This seminar will discuss the procedure inspectors use for determining compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations through the National Uniform Driver Vehicle Inspection Program. The 37 step inspection will be broken down to illustrate what is required to successfully navigate a Level I roadside inspection.

 

Hosted by Walmart Fleet Safety and presented by the Louisiana State Police. There will be limited space so please register early. For questions or concerns, please contact Gerald Woodard at (337) 594-15 or gerald.woodard@walmart.com

 

Mock Level - 1 Inspection

May 8 2024 | 8:00am - 12:00 pm

Walmart Distribution Center

3160 Hwy 743
Opelousas, LA 70570 United States

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

 

Explore Exclusive Advertising Options in the LMTA Membership Directory

E&M Consulting, Inc. is working on producing our Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats.  E&M is currently contacting all members about advertising opportunities available.  The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure.

 

To view the ad rates/options and sign-up online, please visit:  https://reserveyourad.com/LAMTA/

 

If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com.  As always, your support is greatly appreciated!

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES 

 

See Photos From 2024 LMTA Seafood Gala

Photos from the 2024 LMTA Seafood Gala are available online now. Thank you to John Ballance Photography for capturing each special moment this weekend. 

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE EVENT PHOTOS

 

2024 LMTA Annual Convention: REGISTER NOW & Secure Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities TODAY!

The 2024 LMTA Annual Convention will take place at The Grand Hotel Gulf Resort & Spa in Point Clear, AL. Registration and our room block are now open. We encourage all those planning to attend to book early. This resort is in demand and usually fully books before the spring! 

 

The link to the LMTA Room Block will only be available after completing your online registration for the Convention and will be included in your confirmation email.

 

The Grand Hotel Gulf Resort & Spa
One Grand Blvd
Point Clear, AL 36564 


Please Note: The LMTA will remove any guest from the room block who is not registered for the convention. Removal from the block may result in an increase in rate or cancelation of reservation by the hotel.

 

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER NOW

 

SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

We have multiple sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities available for this year's convention for all budgets. For information on sponsorships or exhibitor opportunity details, click the link below or contact the LMTA Office at (225) 928-5682.

VIEW SPONSORSHIP & EXHIBITOR OPPORTUNITIES

 

NATMI Hybrid Motor Fleet Accident Investigation Course - REGISTRATION IS CLOSED

APRIL 23-24 COURSE

NATMI's Hybrid Motor Fleet Accident Investigation course is coming to Louisiana April 23-24. REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED. 

 

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. 

 

Load Securement Class | April 25

Bengal Transportation and the Louisiana State Police have partnered with the LMTA to host

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.

 

Load Securement Class

April 25, 2024 | 8:00 am - 10:00 am

Bengal Transportation Services, LLC
37156 E Hwy 30
Geismar, LA 70734 United States

 

Old River Companies Opens New Location in Jennings!

We're thrilled to share that Old River Companies has broken ground on their newest location in Jennings, Louisiana. Set to open in early 2026, the $10 million dealership will specialize in selling and servicing semi-trucks, including Mack and Volvo.

 

Located at 3346 I-10 Frontage Road, the 50,000 square-foot facility will merge the company's Lake Charles and Breaux Bridge locations, providing a better experience for customers across Southwest Louisiana.

 

With over 200 employees company-wide, Old River Companies will bring 40 team members to Jennings and create at least 20 new positions for area residents.

 

Member Highlight: Thank You, Hathorn Transfer & Storage Company!

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!

 
 

Current Emergency Declarations

All Emergency Declarations, Waivers, Exemptions and Permits

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

 
 
 

Missouri Proclamation of State of Civil Emergency

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/missouri-executive-order-24-02

 

Tennessee Emergency Declaration for Winter Weather and Fuel Transportation Regulatory Relief

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency/tennessee-january-2024-emergency-declaration-winter-weather-and-fuel-transportation

 

DOTD to Begin Phase 2 of Atchafalaya Basin Bridge Safety Corridor | Announces Change in Speed Limit

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:

  • Implementation of a new speed limit of 60 miles per hour for all motorists, replacing the current speed limit of 55 for trucks and 60 for cars. 
  • Trucks will be restricted to the right lane only.
  • Deployment of white “your speed” feedback signs to warn drivers about exceeding the speed limit.
  • Focus on reducing fatal and injury crashes to minimize traffic closures on the bridge.

“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.” 

 

CICK HERE TO READ THE FULL DOTD ANNOUNCEMENT.

 

Louisiana State Police Offer Safety and Compliance Services for Carriers and Drivers

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 

 

DOTD Advisory - Commercial Vehicles Prohibited From Work Zone on I-20 in Bossier 

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.

Click here to access additional resources and project information.

 

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.