The annual recognition program is sponsored by Cummins Inc. and Love’s Travel Stops.

“We’re incredibly proud to see these drivers receive such an esteemed honor,” said Todd Wilson, vice president of Sales at Love’s Travel Stops. Their consistent commitment, integrity, and work ethic set a powerful example each day. They represent the values we stand for at Love’s, and we’re honored to champion their continued influence within the trucking industry.”

José Samperio, vice president and general manager of North America On-Highway at Cummins Inc., also expressed pride in the event: “It’s a privilege to help recognize these outstanding professionals who play a vital role in keeping our industry moving forward. Their dedication to high standards on the road and meaningful contributions to their communities make a significant and enduring difference.”

The five honorees represent a range of fleets and backgrounds, but each shares a track record of safety, leadership, and long-term commitment to the profession.

A Career Built on Service and Mentorship – Marcia Luchenbill

Marcia Luchenbill, a company driver with Knight Transportation’s El Paso terminal for six years, has accumulated nearly 650,000 career miles, including more than 193,000 accident-free miles in the past two years. A military veteran and mother of three, she has also mentored 22 female drivers in two and a half years as a trainer.

“Trucking is really a good fit for me,” says the married mother of three teens.

Her record reflects consistent safety performance and a steady presence on demanding routes. Luchenbill’s professionalism earned her selection as a Knight Fleet of Heroes driver, one of the company’s highest honors. She also continues her lifelong commitment to service through veteran-focused initiatives, including three Wreaths Across America Arlington convoys.

Millions of Miles Without a Preventable Accident – Nick Barboza

Nick Barboza has spent 27 years with Covenant Logistics Group, Inc., logging more than 3.5 million miles and earning membership in the company’s 120 Club, equivalent to circling the globe 120 times without a preventable accident. In addition to maintaining that record, he has trained new drivers throughout his career.

“Through the years I’ve learned that not everybody learns the same way,” Barboza said. “I look for the easiest way for the new drivers to learn — when they start to get it, and you can see it on their face, I love that.”

Off the road, he and his wife have fostered more than 30 children and adopted four, quietly serving their community through acts of generosity and faith.

Four Decades in Specialized Hauling – Tommy Cash

Tommy Cash, a driver with CAST Specialty Transportation, has spent 22 years supporting the U.S. Department of Energy’s WIPP program, hauling legacy nuclear waste as part of a small group of drivers nationwide entrusted with this critical assignment. His career spans more than four decades and an estimated 3.675 million miles.

“One of the highlights of my career has been training new drivers. It makes me feel good helping somebody start a new career and do it the right way.”

Beyond his driving record, Cash plays a key role in training and evaluating new hires, shaping CAST Specialty’s hiring and training practices, and mentoring other drivers across the fleet.

A Veteran’s Approach to the Highway – Richard Fertig

Richard Fertig, a 23-year Army veteran with Smith Transport, has driven over three million safe miles. Known for reliability, preparation, and quiet leadership, Fertig approaches every trip as a learning opportunity.

“My life is the highway,” Fertig said. “In my 28 years driving, it’s just been a joy to get out there and meet a lot of people.”

“I’ve had people call me at all hours of the day and night,” he said. “Every day out here, I learn something different.”

Building Community Through Training – Jesus Acevedo-Soto

Jesus Acevedo-Soto, affectionately known as “Avocado,” is a driver for Swift Transportation. Known for vigilance, skill, and respect on the road, he has also trained multiple generations of drivers who stay connected as a peer support network called the “Guac Squad.”

“The Guac Squad just kind of happened naturally,” said Soto, a married father of three. “It became a community of drivers that helped and supported each other. We use this to get camaraderie back in the business.”

He later added, “There are no two days alike in this industry. I love it — it’s truly a passion.”

Soto became the company’s youngest Million Mile Driver at age 28 and has earned multiple Diamond Driver distinctions for maintaining elite safety, fuel efficiency, and mileage standards for 36 consecutive months. Beyond driving, he participates in Children’s Miracle Network fundraising, blood donations, and youth coaching.

Nominations for the 2027 TCA Professional Drivers of the Year will open this fall. For more information, visit www.TCAProfessionalDriversoftheYear.com.

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A Remarkable Victory for Old Dominion Freight Lines

Mike Markham, from Belpre, Ohio, and representing Old Dominion Freight Lines, emerged as the Grand Champion of this year’s competition. His outstanding performance also earned him a first-place victory in the Tank Truck category, cementing his reputation as one of the best in the field. Notably, this is not Markham’s first time in the spotlight; he previously won the Grand Champion title in 2023, showcasing consistent excellence.

Honoring the Best in the Industry

This year’s event also paid tribute to other remarkable individuals whose commitment to safety and professionalism continues to elevate the trucking industry.

• Nick Backes, a resident of Hurricane, West Virginia, and a driver for Pitt Ohio, was honored with the prestigious title of West Virginia Professional Driver of the Year.

• Jeremy Gray, another Old Dominion Freight Lines driver based in Williamstown, West Virginia, received the West Virginia Public Service Commission Driver of the Year Award.

• Mike Roberts, from Eleanor, West Virginia, and a dedicated XPO driver, claimed the Pre-Trip Inspection Award, showcasing his attention to detail.

• The Rookie of the Year title was awarded to David Roberts, representing Walmart Transportation and hailing from St. Albans, West Virginia.

Team Effort Shines

Beyond individual accolades, teamwork was celebrated as Pitt Ohio earned the Team Champion Award for their collective efforts and standout performance during the competition.

Highlights of Category Wins

Here’s a closer look at all the category champions who stood out with their extraordinary abilities in their respective fields:

• Straight Truck – Alexander Atkins, St. Albans, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 3-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Mike Roberts, Eleanor, West Virginia, XPO

• 4-Axle Tractor Semi-Trailer – Cole Miltenberger, Ridgeley, West Virginia, Pitt Ohio

• 5-Axle Van – Steve Looney, St. Albans, West Virginia, ABF Freight

• Tank Truck – Mike Markham, Belpre, Ohio, Old Dominion Freight Lines

• Flatbed – Justin Moody, Beckley, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Twin Trailers – Vince May, Sitka, Kentucky, FedEx Freight

• Sleeper Berth – David Roberts, St. Albans, West Virginia, Walmart Transportation

• Step Van – Brandon Wuletich, Caldwell, Ohio, FedEx Freight

Eyes on the National Stage

Each first-place champion from the event will go on to represent West Virginia at the American Trucking Association’s National Truck Driving Championship in Minneapolis. Scheduled for August 20–23, the national competition provides an even larger platform for these skilled drivers to showcase their expertise and bring pride to their teams and communities.

Image Source: WVT
Source: Truckers News

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“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

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