Source: LMTA Foundation

The annual event saw 80 skilled drivers competing in three key challenges, each designed to showcase their expertise in the trucking profession. To qualify, participants were required to maintain an impeccable safety record, including no accidents over the past year.

The three areas of the competition included:

• Written Examination: A comprehensive test assessing industry knowledge, safety protocols, first aid, and firefighting skills.
• Pre-Trip Inspection: Drivers had to identify hidden defects on a test vehicle under strict time constraints, showcasing their vehicle inspection skills based on Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) guidelines.
• Field Test Course: Participants navigated a specially crafted course designed to mimic real-world challenges encountered during daily driving duties.

Meet the Grand Champion

Chad Rudesill, a FedEx driver, emerged as the competition’s grand champion. Beyond clinching the overall title, Rudesill also took first place in the 3-Axle Van division.

Other Top Honors

• Rookie of the Year: Darrin Lemoine (Walmart)

• Team Trophy Winner: XPO

• Mechanic’s Award: Corey Mitchell (FedEx Freight)

Division Champions

Several drivers stood out for their exceptional skills and performances across various vehicle categories. Below are the winners in each division:

Step Van

1. Nicholas Burgess (Walmart)

1. Michael Brian (FedEx)

1. Mario Powell (FedEx)

Straight Truck

1. Leroy Williams (XPO)

1. Darrin Lemoine (Walmart)

1. Corey Mitchell (FedEx)

3-Axle Van

1. Chad Rudesill (FedEx)

1. David Jowers (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Damien Hebert (XPO)

4-Axle Van

1. Larry Peltier (Martin Brower)

1. Wallace Simien (Walmart)

1. Shelton Winn (Old Dominion Freight Line)

5-Axle Van

1. Eric Courville (FedEx)

1. Christopher Colomb (Walmart)

1. John McLean (Walmart)

5-Axle Tank Truck

1. Curtis McMellon (XPO)

1. Johnnie Long (Walmart)

1. Patrick Rudesill (FedEx)

5-Axle Flatbed

1. Mark Collins (Walmart)

1. Joseph Vital (FedEx)

1. Warren Little (FedEx)

5-Axle Sleeper Cab

1. Patrick Bonvillian (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Malcolm Taylor (FedEx)

1. Joseph Guidry (Walmart)

Twin Truck

1. Wilbur Sansom (FedEx)

1. Eddie Bonnet (Old Dominion Freight Line)

1. Michael Greene (Ergon Trucking)

Heading to Nationals

Each first-place driver has earned the honor of representing the LMTA Foundation and Louisiana at the 2025 American Trucking Association (ATA) National Truck Driving Championships. The national event will take place in Minneapolis from August 20 to 23, where drivers will compete on a larger stage against the best in the country.

Recognizing Skill and Excellence

This year’s competition not only celebrated safe driving but also served as a platform to highlight the expertise and dedication required in the trucking industry. With rigorous tests like the written exam, pre-trip inspection, and field driving course, the event underscored the importance of safety, knowledge, and precision behind the wheel.

Congratulations to all the winners, and best of luck to Louisiana’s top drivers as they prepare for the national stage in Minneapolis!

Source: Truckers News

The post FedEx Driver Crowned Champion at Louisiana Truck Driving Championships appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

“The LMTA Foundation is proud to shine a spotlight on these companies and their commitment to safety,” said Renee Amar, executive director of the LMTA Foundation. “Their dedication to improving highway safety sets a high standard for the industry and makes a real difference on Louisiana’s and the nation’s roads.”

Recognizing Safety Excellence in the Trucking Industry

The winners represent companies achieving the lowest accident frequency ratios per million miles annually, segmented by mileage and cargo categories. This dedication to safety underscores the commitment these businesses hold toward fostering safer roads across Louisiana and beyond.

All honorees will gather for recognition during the Truck Safety Awards Banquet on March 1 at the L’Auberge Hotel in Baton Rouge. The banquet will also honor recipients of the Most Improved Award and the coveted President’s Award, for which all category winners are eligible.

Meet the 2025 Louisiana Fleet Safety Awards Winners

Below is the list of this year’s top-performing companies across various categories:

Under 1 million miles | Hazardous/Tank

• 1st place: FreedomTrucks of America

• 1st place: Newman Transport

• 1st place: Occidental Chemical Corporation

• 2nd place: O’Nealgas, Inc.

1,000,000-3,000,000 miles | Hazardous/Tank Materials

• 1st place: Hercules Transport, Inc.

• 2nd place: Texas Transeastern

3,000,000-6,000,000 miles | Hazardous/Tank Materials

• 1st place: Ergon Trucking Inc.

6,000,000-9,000,000 miles | Hazardous/Tank Materials

• 1st place: Dupre’ Logistics

Under 1 million miles | Miscellaneous

• 1st place: Occidental Chemical Corporation

• 1st place: Sabel Steel

• 2nd place: River City Ready Mix

9,000,000-12,000,000 miles | Miscellaneous

• 1st place: Dupre’ Logistics

1,000,000-3,000,000 miles | General Commodities Truckload

• 1st place: New South Express

12,000,000-20,000,000 miles | General Commodities Truckload

• 1st place: C&S Wholesale Service Inc.

• 2nd place: Walmart Transportation

1,000,000-3,000,000 miles | General Commodities LTL

• 1st place: Martin Brower

9,000,000-12,000,000 miles | General Commodities LTL

• 1st place: Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Under 1 million miles | Household Goods

• 1st place: American Moving and Storage

Under 1 million miles | Heavy Haulers

• 1st place: RedGuard

1,000,000-3,000,000 miles | Heavy Haulers

• 1st place: D & J Construction

Celebrating a Legacy of Safer Highways

The 2025 Louisiana Fleet Safety Awards reflect the commitment of businesses operating in the trucking industry toward building safer roads for everyone. Each winning company serves as an example, setting benchmarks for safety practices and fostering a culture of responsibility.

Source: Truckers News

Image: LMTA, Truckers News

The post 18 Companies Honored as Division Winners in the 2025 Louisiana Fleet Safety Awards appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.