The Port of New Orleans has announced that port truckers are in very high demand to make local and regional deliveries as efforts continue to restore operations there to pre-Hurricane Katrina levels.

According to the Port, many trucking companies are offering “very competitive” rates as well as free housing to truckers. The Port itself is also offering to find housing for port truckers aboard Federal Maritime Administration ships docked along the Mississippi River.

The Port said that, as of today, operations have been restored to 45% of pre-Katrina levels. Typically 1,000 truck drivers haul 1,500 truckloads per day, but now only about 150 truckers are hauling 450 loads, the Port said. Approximately 70% of the Port’s cargo is handled by truck.

“The people of the City of New Orleans and the surrounding areas are working tirelessly to rebuild their lives, their communities and this economy,” said Gary LaGrange, the Port’s executive director & CEO. “Drivers who want to be a part of rebuilding of this great city and this region would be welcomed with open arms.”

Interested drivers may contact the Louisiana Motor Transport Assn. at 225-928-5682.