The event celebrated outstanding achievements across Louisiana’s trucking industry while recognizing drivers and safety professionals whose work continues to improve highway safety throughout the state.

Casey Driggers of Custom Transport received the 2026 Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year award for his leadership in developing and maintaining a strong safety culture within his organization. According to the LMTA Foundation, Driggers oversees safety efforts covering more than 20 million annual miles and nearly 300 employees. His work includes implementing driver training programs, strengthening accountability, and introducing safety technologies that have produced measurable results.

The LMTA names Casey Driggers (left) as Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year and Charles James (right) as Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year. Both are pictured with LMTA SMC vice chair Richard Elliott.  (Source: LMTA)

The association recognized his contributions, stating:

“His commitment to driver development, open communication and collaboration with industry and enforcement partners has strengthened both company and public safety. His leadership and dedication make him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.”

Charles James of New South Express was named the 2026 Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year after building an exceptional record behind the wheel. Over the past seven years, James has logged approximately 700,000 accident-free miles while maintaining a clean driving record with no preventable crashes, moving violations, or DOT recordable incidents.

The LMTA Foundation described his accomplishments by saying:

“James was selected as the 2026 Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year for his exceptional safety record and professionalism. Over the past seven years, he has logged approximately 700,000 accident-free miles while maintaining a spotless driving record, including no preventable crashes, moving violations, or DOT-recordable incidents. Known for his reliability, positive attitude, and commitment to safety, James consistently demonstrates excellence behind the wheel while serving as a strong representative of the trucking industry. His dedication and professionalism make him a deserving recipient of this year’s award.”

Recognizing Safety Across the Industry

While the individual awards highlighted two transportation professionals, the ceremony also recognized the broader role safety plays throughout Louisiana’s trucking industry.

“Safety professionals and professional drivers are the backbone of our industry,” said Renee Amar, executive director of the LMTA Foundation. “Casey and Charles represent the very best of Louisiana trucking through their commitment to safety, leadership, and service. Their dedication helps make our roads safer and strengthens the reputation of our industry every day.”

The LMTA Foundation also honored two law enforcement officers for their commitment to highway safety and their partnership with the trucking industry.

Additional information about the 2026 Officers of the Year from the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Police and the Louisiana State Police is available on the LMTA website.

The LMTA Foundation has also published the complete list of winners from the 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships. Drivers interested in learning more about this year’s competition and award recipients can find additional information on the LMTA website.

The TDUSA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering trucking news, industry updates, safety, regulations, and career information for professional truck drivers across the United States. Each article is built to reflect real-world experience, industry developments, and information drivers can use on and off the road.

Last Updated: July 1, 2026

Source: The Trucker

(Image Source: LMTA)

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The Louisiana Motor Transport Association Foundation recognized Charles James of New South Express with the 2026 Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year award during its Truck Safety Awards ceremony on June 20 in Lafayette. The ceremony was held alongside the 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships awards program at the Cajundome Event Center. Casey Driggers of Custom Transport was also recognized as the 2026 Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year.

James Honored for Safety Record and Professionalism

According to the LMTA Foundation, James was selected for the driver award based on his safety record and professionalism on the job. Over the past seven years, he has logged roughly 700,000 accident-free miles without a preventable crash, moving violation, or DOT-recordable incident.

In announcing the award, LMTA described James as a reliable driver with a strong commitment to safety and a positive attitude on the job. The association said his professionalism behind the wheel and the way he represents the trucking industry made him a deserving choice for this year’s award.

Award Presented During the Louisiana Truck Driving Championships Weekend

The award was presented during the LMTA Foundation’s annual Truck Safety Awards ceremony, which took place June 20 at the Cajundome Event Center in Lafayette. The event was held in conjunction with the 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships awards ceremony.

LMTA’s Truck Driving Championships serve as the state’s annual skills competition for professional drivers and are part of the association’s larger safety and driver recognition efforts in Louisiana.

LMTA Also Recognizes Safety Professional of the Year

Along with James’ award, the foundation recognized Casey Driggers of Custom Transport as the Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year.

LMTA said Driggers was selected for his work building a stronger safety culture across his company’s operations. According to the association, he oversees safety efforts tied to more than 20 million annual miles and nearly 300 employees. LMTA credited him with implementing training, accountability measures, and safety technology that produced measurable results.

The association also pointed to his focus on driver development, communication, and collaboration with industry and enforcement partners as reasons he was selected for the honor.

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry topics, job trends, and real-world decisions that impact drivers at every stage of their careers. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: June 30, 2026

Source: Truckers News

Image Source: Louisiana Motor Truck Association

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