There’s No Shortage of Reasons or Resources for Louisiana Truckers

From the world-famous “Mardi Gras” to its distinct Creole and Cajun culture, succulent food, jazz music, and historical significance, Louisiana tops the charts for many reasons.

Although trucking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the Bayou State, it definitely shouldn’t be the last.

With major industries like oil, natural gas, commercial fishing, chemicals, and agriculture, truck drivers looking to work in the state should probably consider getting their hazardous material endorsement.

These major industries and famous locations like New Orleans’ French Quarter and the National WWII Museum give truckers a top-notch reason to work, live, and stop for visits in the state.

Freight Economics

Louisiana is 52,271 square miles and mostly has a subtropical climate that provides the brooding scenery of the coastal bayous, its wealth of petroleum, natural gas, sugarcane, cotton plantations, and lumber.[10][13] All of these resources give Louisiana a vital role in supplying the nation with a variety of products.

Situated on the Gulf Coast between Texas and Mississippi, Louisiana is an excellent location for industries such as offshore oil drilling. Tankers from the Gulf and overseas line up to access the Port of New Orleans or travel up the Mississippi River to inland ports.

Louisiana truckers primarily ship:

• Miscellaneous petroleum oils
• Soya beans
• Natural gas (liquid)
• Corn, and
• polyvinylchloride

Access

Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi all border Louisiana.

The Bayou State has several interstate highways and auxiliary interstates that connect to major routes across the country.

Of the 134,115 total lane miles in the state, interstate highways account for 789 miles.

Work and Wages

Approximately 15.5 million trucks are operating on U.S. roads and highways.

In May 2020, the BLS reported a median annual salary of $47,130 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.

There are roughly 4,582 local truck driver jobs in Louisiana, and the state’s average yearly salary for drivers is around $51,812.

Advocacy

The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) serves and represents trucking and related industry companies throughout the state and the nation.

LMTA has several councils and committees to aid in its efforts to serve truckers and others in the industry, including:

• Governmental Affairs Committee
• Convention and Events Committee
• Membership Development Committee
• Safety Management Council
• Leadership Council
• Council of Past Presidents
• Education and Training Committee, and
• Maintenance Council