OPEN ROAD Q3

to cultivate relationships in a more relaxed atmosphere.
“We learn information that can move us all forward,” he
said. “It’s a different setting. It’s more relaxed. You can
talk to people when you’re not under the gun.”
Greg Morrison with Quality Transport Inc. said he gets
great information from the speakers. “I think our leadership
does a good job selecting speakers with valuable
information,” Morrison said, adding he appreciates
the local and national legislative updates on issues
affecting the trucking industry.
Information Please
Dr. Shawn Wilson, secretary of the Louisiana Department
of Transportation & Development, was one of
five guest speakers at the convention. Wilson provided
an overview of DOTD operations before conducting a
lively question & answer session with audience members.
“We recognize the value that you all bring to our
state,” Wilson told LMTA audience members. “When
we have issues affecting your industry…I will be calling
Cathy Gautreaux,” he promised.
Dave Manning, second vice president of the American
Trucking Associations Inc., gave members a list of ATA
industry priorities for the coming year and thanked the
LMTA for its significant involvement in national issues,
particularly the annual Call on Washington.
“The LMTA has been a great supporter of ATA,” Manning
said. “Louisiana definitely has a well-run state
association” promoting the trucking industry, he added.
“We believe the image of our industry is important.
Public perception affects public policy,” Manning said.
Rebecca Brewster, president of the American Transportation
Research Institute, outlined ATRI research
on critical industry issues like truck parking, hours of
service rules, safety performance, sleep apnea and the
costs of nationwide traffic bottlenecks. (The bottleneck
at the I-10 Mississippi River Bridge made ATRI’s Top
100 Bottleneck list, coming in at No. 19).
Brewster encouraged members to support the industry’s
research agenda, adding, “We’re always looking
for people to participate.”
Jim Angel, vice president of video intelligence for PeopleNet,
showed members how they can benefit from
onboard telematics and video, especially after an accident.
Video can prevent false accusations (and lawsuits)
because drivers can immediately produce evidence
of how the crash occurred. “There’s something magic
20 ❘ Open Road Q3 2016