BATON ROUGE, La. — The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Foundation officially recognized two industry leaders for their commitment to safety during the 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships awards ceremony held this September. Casey Driggers of Custom Transport and Charles James of New South Express took home the top honors, representing the high standards required for professional drivers and safety managers in today's demanding logistics environment.
Safety culture remains the defining metric for successful trucking companies hiring in the current market. The LMTA Foundation focused this year’s recognition on individuals who consistently outperform standard compliance requirements. These awards highlight the direct correlation between rigorous internal training programs and the reduction of preventable accidents on public highways. By promoting these success stories, the foundation aims to set a benchmark for other carriers operating throughout the Gulf Coast region.
Casey Driggers earned the title of 2026 Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year by managing the safety protocols for nearly 300 employees and overseeing operations that log 20 million miles annually. His approach integrates advanced safety technology with strict accountability measures. Meanwhile, Charles James was named the 2026 Louisiana Professional Truck Driver of the Year. James has spent the last seven years maintaining an impeccable record, logging 700,000 miles without a single preventable crash, moving violation, or DOT-recordable incident. His performance serves as a reminder of the precision required for a professional CDL-A driver to remain accident-free over long-term OTR assignments.
What This Means for Drivers
For any OTR truck driver, these awards emphasize the value of a clean driving record in securing long-term employment stability. Fleet managers look for the kind of reliability demonstrated by James when vetting candidates for high-paying roles. Maintaining compliance with FMCSA regulations is more than just a legal necessity; it is a career-defining trait that separates top-tier operators from the rest of the pack. Drivers who prioritize these standards often find themselves in a better position to negotiate pay and benefits with premier carriers.
Industry Reaction
Renee Amar, executive director of the LMTA Foundation, noted that these individuals act as the backbone of the entire supply chain. She emphasized that the dedication shown by Driggers and James strengthens the reputation of the trucking industry as a whole. Beyond the individual awards, the ceremony acknowledged the vital partnership between private trucking operations and law enforcement agencies, specifically highlighting the 2026 Officers of the Year from the Louisiana State Police and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Police.
Key Points
- Casey Driggers manages safety for nearly 300 employees and 20 million annual miles.
- Charles James achieved 700,000 accident-free miles over a seven-year period.
- The LMTA Foundation also honored law enforcement partners for their role in highway safety.
- The awards were presented alongside the 2026 Louisiana Truck Driving Championships results.
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