LATEST LOGGING NEWS
Louisiana Loggers Association Endorse Julia Letlow for Congress
On Monday, February 8, 2021, the Louisiana Loggers Association endorsed Dr. Julia Letlow for Congress District 5.
Julia’s passion for the people of district 5 is remarkable and mirrors that of the late, congressman-elect, Luke Letlow — a champion for blue collar workers and our children’s future. She will fight for our rural agricultural and logging communities. Julia will deliver real results to move district 5 and our state forward.
The Louisiana Loggers Association is here to support, encourage, and assist in any way possible to reinforce Dr. Letlow’s objectives in Washington. We encourages all the citizens of District 5 to consider casting their vote for Dr. Julia Letlow for Congress.
-Toni McAllister, LLA Executive Director
#TeamJulia
2020: An Extraordinary Year for Louisiana Loggers
Through a worldwide pandemic, cancellations of everything, a new normal, two major hurricanes, 2020 has been unforgettable! For the Louisiana Loggers Association, 2020 has been a noteworthy year! The LLA was a part of the collected efforts that has taken steps forward in chipping away at the "monster" called the commercial liability crisis. But with that, many new crises amidst the industry has started to peak through. The LLA is here to continue the battle, working alongside our wonderful legislators and like minded associations to provide a healthy environment for our industry!
2020 Highlights
New Logging Task Force Meets November 12, 2020
Unprecedented Times for the Louisiana Timber Industry Sep 25, 2020
1.1-Billion: Estimate of Hurricane Laura’s Impact to the Louisiana Timber Industry Sep 15, 2020
McManus Timber: Louisiana's First Timber Harvester's Logging Business of the Year Sep 10, 2020
Louisiana Loggers Host Appreciation Luncheon Oct. 6, 2020
The Louisiana Loggers Association present Representative McFarland with “Champion” Plaque. Jul 15, 2020
HB 57: Victory at Last — Tort Reform Package Passed! Jul 1, 2020
SB 471: Logging Hauling Commercial Liability Insurance May 12, 2020
Louisiana Loggers Association Responds to COVID-19 Apr 14, 2020
Homeland Security & Governor Designates Logging, Forestry & Wood Products as Essential Industry Mar 22, 2020
LLA & PAC Host Day of Louisiana Logging Feb 19, 2020
“Loggers made another huge impact in 2020. Throughout the pandemic and 3 legislative sessions, the Louisiana Loggers Association proved once again that the Logging industry is here to stay. The massive legislative hurdle of tort reform that has been plaguing Louisiana for decades was curbed in the loggers favor, this year. Without the support from the Loggers, our ability to work collaboratively with other stake holder groups and combined efforts of all of our valued elected leaders this could not and would not have happened. The hard work and persistence paid off!! Also, another victory was a law that passed to clean-up a 2019 bill dealing with log truck weights and measures, clarifying the increase in hauling loads. Thank you all for all of the calls, text, late night meetings and support for the legislative efforts. Best part... We are not done YET!”
- Cary Koch, Pelican State Partners
Final Message from LLA Director
If 2020 has taught me anything, it is that we are a blessed people! We may be struggling financially, physically, and/or emotionally, our companies maybe in financial ruins, but I pray that you step back and instead of seeing the difficulties that this year has brought, you see the blessings bursting forth! We are warm, we have shelter, clothes on our backs and food on our tables! Take the time to reflect on the "Reason for the Season!"
"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord." Luke2:10-11
And remember: "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." John 16:33
CHEERS TO 2021!!!
-Toni McAllister, Executive Director
Unprecedented Times for the Louisiana Timber Industry
9/25/2020 — The Louisiana Timber Industry is made up of three separate entities, timberland owners, loggers, and forest product manufacturing facilities, which rely on each other to maintain healthy forest management along with a sustainable market. 2020 has brought many obstacles for the industry, as it has for everyone.
Deemed essential workers, the mills and loggers continued harvesting and processing but at a much slower rate. The reaction from the initial shutdown of COVID-19 left mills operating at approximately 35-45% bringing on tight quotas and other restrictions to the loggers.
The demand for lumber, housing and wood projects started rising amidst the shutdown but with mills still operating with skeleton crews and the inability to move the product, lumber prices began to rise.
During mid-summer, mills began accepting a larger quantity of raw materials while still working through quarantining and COVID-19 restrictions. Harvesting operations returned to a new normal at slightly less production rates. August brought an extreme reduction in logger production, as the mills (still not working at 100 %) couldn’t process the raw materials as quickly as it was being hauled. The reduced production rates of the manufacturing facilities lead to an overcapacity of raw materials. This in turn has driven the raw material values down. While finished goods prices are high, returns have been moderated by decreased production and additional COVID-19 related expenses.
Photos by the U.S. Forest Service
August 27, hurricane Laura brought violent winds that caused nearly 758,000 acres in damaged and destroyed timber; more damage than Hurricane Katrina and Rita, combined. It is estimated that the total economic loss to the Louisiana timber industry as a result of Hurricane Laura is $1.1 Billion. Timber owners, small and large, have lost lifelong investments, with no relief.
Many Louisiana Loggers have been moved to the downed timber to try to harvest as much as possible. 10% harvested is what Louisiana Timber Owners were hoping would be recovered, but due to our Louisiana climate, which causes rapid quality loss, and full mills there is no where to bring this product. 3-5% recovered being a more realistic number.
Photo by Thomas Johnson Media
SO WHAT’S NEXT?
Although Louisiana Loggers are among the most resilient people, Louisiana Loggers Association has joined efforts with the American Logging Council in pushing for Loggers and Log Haulers to be added to the next “Relief Bill”. S4233 and HR7690 “The Logger Relief Act” will provide much needed financial aid to our struggling Logging industry. Please visit saveourloggers.com to find out more.
Timber Owners have lost a lifetime of investments. The only type of financial relief that timber owners can recoup is a “casualty loss” on their taxes that is dependent upon the base investment of the timber. Unfortunately, this will provide little to nothing for the majority of the timber owners. The Forest Land Owners Association along with many more are encouraging Congress to support S1687 “The Forest Recovery Act”. This bill will correct the existing tax rules and allow for the timber loss to be filed at current market value.
The Mills will continue the production of lumber products to keep up with demand while still navigating COVID-19 regulations. We do feel that the prices of lumber and the housing markets will correct and level out, in time.
Louisiana’s Timber Industry is no stranger to hardships. Perseverance and resourcefulness with determination and hard work has maintained our significance in the state of Louisiana. 2020, although very dissimilar than what we have ever been confronted, will hopefully, allow for a more efficient and effective industry not only in the state but also the country.
McManus Timber: Louisiana's First Timber Harvester's Logging Business of the Year
McManus Timber Co. of Winnfield, La. is the 2020 Timber Harvesting Logging Business of the Year, named by Timber Harvesting magazine in its September-October 2020 issue. McManus Timber Co. is the 23rd logging operation to win this prestigious national award, which began in 1998, and the first logging company from Louisiana. The award honors contractors who operate top-notch logging companies in the woods, make an impact in their communities and work to build a better forest products industry.
Read the full article in Timber Harvester's Sept/Oct issue or click the link, below.
The Louisiana Loggers Association present Representative McFarland with “Champion” Plaque.
The Louisiana Loggers met July 9th for a legislative update with special guest Luke Letlow (candidate for US congress district 5) Representative Gabe Firment, Senator Louie Bernard and Representative Jack McFarland were present to give their account of the 2020 session and extraordinary session.
Representative McFarland has spent 5 years in Baton Rouge, moving legislation and bringing awareness and attention to the largest agricultural crop in Louisiana and the importance that the logging industry brings to our state.
The Louisiana Loggers Association presented Representative McFarland with a “Champion” plaque! Hand carved by Mr Emmett Blundell, for always “Fighting for the Louisiana Logger” -
We are thankful that Representative McFarland never wavered on fighting for reform for our industry!
Thank you to all of our legislators for representing and fighting for us during these unprecedented times!
The Louisiana Logger Association’s mission is to ensure that Louisiana logging and log hauling businesses remain viable and to promote the image and profitability of its membership.
HB 57: Victory at Last — Tort Reform Package Passed!
HB 57 creates the Civil Justice Reform Act of 2020 which reduces the threshold for a jury trial, provides for the transfer of cases from courts of limited jurisdiction to district courts, provides for evidence of medical expense payments, and repeals the limitation on presenting evidence of the failure to wear a safety belt.
HB 57 reduce’s the amount of money at stake needed to trigger the right to a jury trial from $50,000, the highest in the nation by far, to $10,000.
Rep. Jack McFarland, a Winnfield Republican, said the changes, particularly the collateral source rule, would benefit small commercial transport companies whose businesses are threatened by skyrocketing rates. “I think we found a sweet spot that is going to have an effect [on rates],” he said. —
Representative Jack McFarland has truly worked continuously on this collateral source!!! We are beyond grateful for his efforts!!
Senator Heather Cloud was also an amazing advocate for TRUCKERS!!!
We encourage you to watch their testimonies.
Rep. McFarland testimony (54:54 - 57:26)
Sen. Heather Cloud (1:24:56-1:26:23)
Thank you House Speaker Clay Schexnayder!
SB 471: Logging Hauling Commercial Liability Insurance
Logging Hauling Commercial Liability Insurance: by Senator Robert Mills and Representative Jack McFarland
Provides for the Louisiana Timber Transportation and Safety Act.
This bill was written to Mirror the medical mal practice bill of the late 70's. Doctors were leaving Louisiana because there were no writers and insurance premiums were so high they couldn't afford to practice. Putting a cap on frivolous lawsuits for people taking advantage of doctors. Flash forward to present day and Loggers and Log Haulers are facing these same issues. Billboard attorneys and ambulance chasers have permeated our industry and in result have influenced premiums of commercial liability to SKY ROCKET!! The Logging industry is teetering! We weather the weather, low quotas, low or no timber markets, an economic, oil and health disaster and this MONSTER called the commercial liability crisis. During these last few months, the Louisiana Loggers have kept our heads down and moved slowly but surely while other major industries could not! The Mal Practice "cap" was something I had heard of years ago, I even asked the Governor about it when he met with the Association last fall. This bill SAVED the medical industry and STOPPED people from taking advantage of such! I briefly discussed this topic months back with a few legislators. Then, rainy season, COVID-19, oil and economic crisis. Loggers are in "survivor mode". While we have been WORKING, these legislators have been WORKING FOR US!!!
SB 471 is regulation to put a cap on commercial liability insurance for log haulers.
There will be a cap $500,000.00 on GENERAL DAMAGES which include "pain and suffering"
There is NOT a cap on SPECIAL DAMAGES which include, loss wages, bills, gas, etc. (anything you can receive a bill for)
On medical charges there is also NO CAP, but the bill does include ACTUAL COSTS (ex. if your doctor's cost is going to be $10,000.00/year for the rest of your life.....your attorney can NOT shop for a doctor that would cost $50,000.00/year to award you more)
CREATION of the TIMBER TRANSPORTATION & SAFETY OVERSIGHT BOARD which will be overseen by the Commissioner of Agriculture will be a fund that Loggers and Log Haulers can pay into that will provide representation for mandatory mediation.
To be eligible Log Trucks will have to be equipped with GPS, cameras, and on-board scales. CDL holders will have to maintain up to date driver training, along with "hands free" devices inside truck.
Billboard attorneys and ambulance chasers have made their living off of our backs, taking the LIFE out of our LIVELIHOOD. Louisiana Loggers know that all lives are precious and this bill is not to devalue someone's pain and suffering. Louisiana Loggers know all too well how this crisis has caused pain and suffering to us and our families.
Remember: people buy as much insurance as they can afford NOT as much as they think a LIFE is worth!
MOTOR VEHICLE USED FOR TRANSPORTATION OF FOREST PRODUCTS:
Under current law only $25,000.00 is required on gross weight less than 50,000lbs (bodily, injury, or death of one person in any one accident)
Under current law only $100,000.00 is required on gross weight greater than 50,000lbs (bodily, injury, or death of one person in any one accident) Liability Limits of a Log Truck
CONTACT YOUR SENATORS & EXPLAIN THAT THIS BILL COULD SAVE OUT INDUSTRY.
If you have any questions and/or comments please contact: Toni McAllister, (318) 729 1726, lla_pac@laloggers.com
Words From Our Legislators
Thank you to our Legislators that continue to support and work hard for our Louisiana Loggers!
“Stay Home” order by Governor:
“What Louisiana, America, and the world, have endured as a result of the COVID 19 virus would have been unthinkable three months ago. The failure of China to sound an alarm about a potential world-wide pandemic is unconscionable. But, now it’s here . . . in our towns, our cities, and our communities. What remains is the classic case of playing the hand we’ve been dealt.
This is not a Republican problem, or a Democrat problem. It is a humanitarian problem. The people dying are not unknown to us. They are our brothers, our mothers, our sons, our daughters, and our friends. They are our neighbors, our fellow elected officials, and folks who sat with us in church on Sunday. We owe it to them, and to ourselves, to fix this problem so that hardworking men and women in Louisiana can safely return to work and support their families.
The first job of the President of the United States is to protect his people. Likewise, the first job of a Governor is to protect the citizens of his or her state. I think Governor Edwards has been dutiful, diligent, and sincere in this attempt. In doing so, he has relied on the most experienced and knowledgeable medical personnel in America. From Washington D.C. to Baton Rouge, this expertise has been harnessed to work around the clock, monitoring this pandemic, gathering data, and providing their best advice and recommendations based on that data.
The people in my district want to go back to work, and so do I. The efforts to mitigate the virus have been harsh on families. Like so many others, I had hoped our statistics would meet President Trump’s requirements to phase back into a working economy. But to abandon all we have done thus far to mitigate the virus seems wasted sacrifice. I pray that on May 11, our Governor can announce that Louisiana has turned the corner. I believe we will. If not, then we must find ways to allow our businesses to safely return to work.”
~Louie Bernard, Senator-District 31
"I feel that our people have been incredibly patient considering that we are a free people. The face is that the virus is not going to be magically gone on May 15th. We will be dealing with periodic spikes for some time. On another note, the State Legislature is going back into session Monday, and we have a monumental task ahead of us. We are losing well over $1 million a day, according to our State Treasurer. People need to get back to work and we need them to get back to work".
~ Heather Cloud, Senator District 28
"There is still lots of work to be done in our state. We will get through these hard times, together"!
~ Neil Riser, Representative District 20
" The Legislature is looking forward to session beginning again, May 4. we still have tort reform to pass and we will have 5 weeks left in the regular session to pass legislation to lower commercial auto insurance rates. Also, we can still pass the amendment to our current harvest permit to specifically define the gross vehicle weight allowed by law on our state highways. Thankfully, the timber industry, more specifically, the Logging Contractor, has been declared an essential industry by both the state and federal government. The declaration has allowed our industry to continue to provide jobs, and revenue to local governments. I encourage everyone to continue to protect their health by practicing safe health measures when in public places and look forward to our state returning to some normalcy".
~Jack McFarland, Representative District 13
" I'm exciting to be returning to Baton Rouge for a race to the June 1st finish line. I am REALLY EXCITED to have my centerpiece bill heard in the friendly, Agriculture Committee!! With the help from Senate attorney, Carla Roberts from Saline, we drafted a bill to limit the liability losses for log trucks which could quickly bring down the horribly high liability insurance costs. We have the support of Rep. Jack McFarland and Sen. Heather Cloud as well as Insurance Commissioner, Donelon, and Ag Commissioner, Strain."
~ Robert Mills, Senator District 36
"I want to take a moment to thank all of those who work in the timber industry. Over the past two months we have seen shortages on paper products across the country, and while the focus has been on the product producers, in Louisiana, we know those products start with the timber industry. The timber industry works day in and day out to ensure people across the globe have basic and essential products, and I am thankful for your dedication and hard work in an industry that faces obstacles around every corner."
~ Stewart Cathey, Senator District 33
"What do we do in these troubling times? When I ran for state representative, I had two goals. To tell people the truth and give them their freedom back. When COVID-19 hit, it rocked me back on my heels, but now I'm back on the balls of my feet. At this point, I'm working on ending the state of emergency and giving the people their freedom, back. Our best hope in restoring our country is through prayer and the American spirit. So, how do we unleash the American spirit? It's really simple, we just destroyed the red tape that acts as a noose around the neck of our businesses. We know our elected leaders realize this because they remove the red tape in times of emergency to increase productivity. We see this in several ways but the most important is our great American truck drivers being allowed to deliver items without interference from government agencies. I believe our state government will be more aware of this after this tragedy. It's like an old man asked me the other day, He said, "Son have you seen any trial lawyers delivering food and toilet paper during the state of emergency?" He made a very good point!. God bless!"
~ Danny McCormick, Representative District 1
“To my neighbors who work so hard transporting Louisiana’s number one crop: THANK YOU. From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you. I am grateful for your courage, commitment and tenacity. I believe our State will come out of this crisis with our head high, looking to the future. I’m proud of the way the men and women of the logging industry have continued moving product to market and have helped our State stand up. Please know there are many of us in the legislature who admire and support you. God be with you. Louisiana is a free state. You have my commitment that I’ll work on your behalf and stand up for you and your families.”
~ Charles Owen, LtCol (ret), USAF State Representative, District 30 Vernon-Beauregard Parishes
As we emerge from the COVID-19 crisis our nation, state, and local communities are facing times of great uncertainty with many challenges ahead of us. The logging and wood products industries will be critical to our ability to bounce back from this crisis and continue to enjoy the freedom and liberty that we as Americans hold so dear. I am looking forward to returning to the state capitol and fighting alongside the Louisiana Logger’s Association for meaningful tort reform, lower commercial insurance rates, and economic development that will ensure the success and profitability of the logging industry for many years to come. Thank you.
~ Gabe Firment State Representative District 22
“I want to insure you all that although the 2020 Legislative Session has been interrupted and shortened due to the pandemic, that Tort reform is still foremost on our minds. I have been assured by our Speaker, Clay Schexnayder, that our Tort reform bills will be heard and that we have time to get them through the process. Like you, I too am concerned about our economy and am pressing our Leadership, asking that our citizens be allowed back to work immediately. Please pray for us as we embark in uncharted waters. I look forward to working with you soon.”
~ Your Servant, Dodie Horton District 9
Louisiana Loggers Association Responds to COVID-19
The Louisiana Loggers Association wants to send a word of THANK YOU and acknowledge the amazing service the health care community is doing. Day in and day out our health care workers are selflessly charging into battle, exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically. Yet they are standing strong! Louisiana will celebrate this group of warriors for a “job well done” long after this crisis has passed.
We want to thank our other “ESSENTIALS”! Janitors, grocery store workers, restaurant cooks, pharmacist, delivery services, truckers etc. for TRUCKING forward during these difficult times.
We are thankful to our National Teams, President and Vice President that are aiding our state in every effort to help Louisiana make it through.
The LLA is incredibly grateful for the work of Governor John Bel Edwards and his staff for the strength they have shown during this troublesome time. The united efforts of all state and local government has truly been eye opening of what can be done, with all politics aside!
Thank you!!
WHO ARE WE?
The Louisiana Loggers Association is made up of Louisiana loggers (timber harvesters), log haulers, timber owners, mill owners, logging crew, machine dealers, oil, gas, fuel distributors, insurance representative, “mom and pops” stations and lumber stores, cleaning dealers, tire distributors, parts stores, nursing home managements, construction companies, trucking companies…just to name a few! We have a wide variety of members because in rural communities all over the state, logging is a way of life! Our harvesters and haulers provide over 8,000 jobs in the state (not including other timber related jobs).
We are the ESSENTIAL part of forest management that moves the raw product material to the mills to produce things such as: MASKS, FILTERS, TOILET TISSUE, DISINFECTING WIPES, CLEANING PRODUCTS, CELLULOSE – BASED PILL FILLERS, LATEX GLOVES AND OTHER RUBBER PROTECTIVE PRODUCTS, WOOD PALLETS TO MOVE FOOD, MEDICAL SUPPLIES AND CRITICAL GOODS, LUMBER/PLYWOOD FOR MAKE SHIFT HOSPITALS, FUEL FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION AND HEATING. {** remember timber is Louisiana’s largest renewable resource and the ONLY Agricultural crop that pays in severance tax - $13,439,253.10 was collected on all products in 2019}
Louisiana Loggers are not only filling these orders, but we are continuing to fuel the economy during a time of a health and economic crisis, oil crisis, and commercial auto liability crisis!!
HOW DO WE DO IT?
During these uncertain times, the LLA is more than relieved to be considered “ESSENTIAL” and we are pushing forward. BUT timber markets are shrinking, the uncharted economy is moving us down a path no one has ever traveled. Commercial insurance is still rising and loggers are still struggling to afford it! The industry is teetering, as we have never faced so many obstacles at once. But we will PERSEVERE! It’s who we are as a people. WE are innovators and will make something out of nothing with very little reward.
WHAT IS NEXT?
There is much fear moving forward in 2020. Unemployment is higher than ever, and more people are suffering financially. With this, comes an unease that billboard attorneys and frivolous lawsuits will have more motivation, which in turn, could be the demise of Louisiana’s LARGEST agricultural industry! We are encouraging the “ambulance chasers” to put their personal agendas aside and discourage this type of mentality for the benefit of the industry and the state of Louisiana.
The Louisiana Loggers Association is waiting in anticipation to see how the 2020 regular legislative session will unfold. There are many significant bills that have been filed and some on our behalf. We are hopeful that the legislature will deem them important enough to take time to hear and move them forward. It is imperative that our 2020 legislators will resume to not only to pass a budget, but to move forward on the issues that are plaguing our state!
MORE THAN EVER, we are PLEADING for your HELP!!
Louisiana will overcome by working together!!! Let’s move forward, ONE CRISIS AT A TIME!
Homeland Security & Governor Designates Logging, Forestry & Wood Products as Essential Industry
The Louisiana Loggers Association among with the help of Representative Jack McFarland, Chief of Staff Mark Cooper and Governor John Bel Edwards are thankful to report that we are essential to the workforce of not only our state, but our country. Details are provided in the links below.
SOURCES:
GOVERNORS OFFICE STAY AT HOME ORDER
MEMORANDUM ON IDENTIFICATION OF ESSENTIAL CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE WORKERS DURING COVID-19 RESPONSE
LLA & PAC Host Day of Louisiana Logging
The Louisiana Loggers Association hosted the FIRST Legislative Day in Winn Parish. We want to thank the Louisiana Political Museum for allowing us to entertain in such a unique space! Also, to the seven Louisiana senators and seven representatives, the chief of staff for Congressman Abraham, former congressman Rodney Alexander, local police jurors and city council and of course our Louisiana Loggers! The amount of rain fall discouraged our onsite logging job tour, but we will reschedule that for a later, dryer date!
Thank you to our amazing, informative speakers! Todd Martin of Southern Loggers Coop Dave Cupp of Walsh Timber representing the American Logging Council Cade Young of Roy O Martin Peyton Weeks of Weyerhaeuser Luke Letlow representing Congressman Abraham Jody Woodard of Timberland Services representing Pace Insurance Representative Jack McFarland of McFarland Timber Arthur Robinson of Adrian James Logging Josh McAllister of Winn Parish Police Jury The purpose of the day was to build relationships with our legislators and to present information for everyone to know all about the day of the life of a Louisiana Logger. At the conclusion of the meeting we used drone footage of logging sets and also showed tree rows of different ages and explained how loggers work to harvest crops and protect the ground and, how timber owners replant and how our relationship works together to keep Louisiana forests as healthy as we can. 16% reforesting and one timber company can replant over 28 million trees a year. ** J&J Catering, Denise Hebert and the Grant Parish Home Ec department, Winn Parish 4-H, Louisiana CAT (Chad Smith) & Louisiana Loggers Self Insured Fund
LLA & PAC President & Executive Director Receive State Appointments
Winn Parish-based, Louisiana Logger’s Association and PAC’s (LLA) Board President Josh McAllister, has been appointed by the governor to serve on the newly formed Louisiana Trucking Research and Education Council. The purpose of the Council is to promote education, training, research, and development for enhanced safety and efficiency within the industry. “I’m excited to be appointed to the council because this gives the logging industry a seat at the decision-making table and a voice in legislation drafted for our industry, neither of which we have had until now,” said Josh McAllister.
LLA’s Executive Director Toni McAllister has been appointed to a study group created by Louisiana House Concurrent Resolution 76 (LA HCR76) that authorizes and request- the Louisiana Department of Insurance to work with commercial freight companies to develop a good driver discount option for drivers with newly obtained commercial driver’s license.
LLA’s mission is to promote the logging industry in Louisiana by supporting research, providing education and giving Louisiana Loggers a voice. Membership costs $300.00 and associate membership is $150.00.
The LLA will continue its advocacy on behalf of Louisiana Loggers in 2020 by working with legislatures on tort reform for commercial liability insurance for log haulers, as well as making plans to host a Legislative Day in Winn Parish that will invite the legislative body to come visit our rural area, visit onsite jobs and experience a day in the life of a logger. Later in the year, the association will be planning a Legislative Day at the capital what will include taking association logging members to the capital.
Safe Route Legislation for Log Trucks
H.R. 2453 allows log trucks to utilize federal interstates for short-haul trips.
May 2, 2019, Hemphill, TX— The American Loggers Council (ALC) today applauded the introduction of the bipartisan Safe Routes Act of 2019 (H.R. 2453) allowing log trucks to utilize federal interstates for short-haul trips. The legislation was announced today by U.S. Representative Mike Gallagher (R-WI); other original sponsors include U.S. Representatives Sanford Bishop (D-GA), Joe Courtney (D-CT), Jared Golden (D-ME) and Jim Sensebrenner (R-WI).
The ALC along with its partners have advocated “Safe Routes” legislation to allow the industry’s trucks to haul state legal weight tolerances on the Federal Interstate Highway System, which often provide safer routes to mills. Due to inconsistent truck weights in many regions throughout the country, trucks hauling logs to mills are often forced to use city, county and state roads, where more than 96 percent of log truck collisions occurred, according to a study.
“Preventing fatal log truck collisions is a high priority in our industry and our communities,” said ALC Executive Vice President Daniel Dructor. “One proven solution is to give log trucks the option of using federal interstates on short hauls, where they can be routed away from schools, crosswalks, city intersections, railroad tracks, and other challenges. A few individual states have received exemptions that lifted federal truck weight limits on interstates, and in each case it resulted in fewer collisions, reduced driver fatigue and improved equipment safety.”
Dructor says improving log truck safety will help in the recruitment of new operators to replace an aging workforce, and with few insurance carriers willing to write policies for log trucks, the Safe Routes Act may help reduce those costs as well. The legislation only applies to short hauls typically within a 150-mile radius, and does not apply to long hauls.
“The ALC would like to thank the Democratic and Republican members who are supporting this bill as original co-sponsors, including Congressman Mike Gallagher for being its first champion in the 116th Congress,” Dructor said. “We also thank our partners, including the Forest Resources Association, and our members for educating their federal representatives and staff on this important safety issue. We’ll continue to work across the aisle, in the both the House and Senate, until this safety solution reaches the president’s desk.”
Click here to urge your federal representatives to support this important measure!
Article Source: American Loggers Council