Louisiana proposes tandem trailer hauling to “solve the [trucker shortage] problem overnight” 

Louisiana officials have proposed tandem trailer hauling as a way to alleviate supply chain bottlenecks at state ports. 

Senate Bill 477, sponsored by Sen. Gary Smith, D-Norco, passed the Senate Transportation, Highways & Public Works Committee on Thursday, April 14th, and will advance to the Senate floor. The bill would allow for “tandem load” permits for semi truck hauling to and from shipping ports across the state of Louisiana. 

“It’s going to speed up the time,” said Senator Gary Smith to the Louisiana Illuminator. “One truck can pull up, load two containers, and he’s gone.”

Officials say this solution could prevent current backups, and keep cargo from being diverted to other posts along the Gulf Coasts, mainly those in Houston. 

“We want to do more here in Louisiana. We don’t want the industry to keep loading up loads and moving them to other ports,” said Ronnie Mains, owner of CRC Global Solutions. 

“One driver — two containers,” Mains said. “That would solve the problem overnight.”