Baton Rouge, LA – Nov. 11, 2024 – Today the Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) released the Louisiana Top Industry Issues report for 2024 identifying the legal climate as the state’s top concern.

The report, conducted alongside the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) annual Top Industry Issues report, identified lawsuit abuse as their other primary challenge, surpassing even issues related to fuel prices, labor shortages, and infrastructure concerns.

“Insurance premiums have become a major financial strain for our industry,” says LMTA’s Executive Director Renee Amar. “For many truckers, the cost of insuring their vehicles now represents the largest cost, out pacing labor and fuel. Some businesses have chosen to leave the state with the sole reason being the cost of insurance. This is unsustainable, and it's hurting both trucking companies and the Louisiana economy.”

Once again, industry leaders are urging state lawmakers to take immediate action to help mitigate these rising costs. Pushing for legislation that addresses legal reforms and reduces frivolous lawsuits targeting the trucking industry.

Amar says, “Now that our members told us their top issues, we need to find solutions, especially concerning insurance cost and lawsuit abuse. We hoped with a new governor and legislature coming into office in 2024, we would have a solution. We greatly appreciate the legislatures action this past session, but truckers need bold and innovative reforms today, even before tax reform. While we appreciate the legislatures work to reform our antiquated tax system, when businesses cannot afford insurance, they cannot afford to do business in our state.”

Other listed top ten issues were the economy and the driver shortage followed by fuel prices and driver distraction. Other highly ranked issues expressed by the industry on the state level included compliance, safety and accountability as well as driver training standards. Closing out the top 10 were infrastructure congestion and funding, which comes as no surprise driving through the state, as well as autonomous trucks.

The full report of Louisiana Top Industry Issues can be found here.

About the Louisiana Motor Transport Association

Founded in 1939, LMTA represents trucking and related industry companies throughout the state and the nation. The association’s membership includes every type of motor carrier in Louisiana. The LMTA is the largest transportation trade organization in the State of Louisiana, as well as an officially recognized affiliate of the American Trucking Associations, Inc. in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the association, visit www.lmta.la.