The Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Foundation has named Clay Cormier of A & B Transportation as the 2024 Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year and Mr. Robert Zimmerman with Highway Transport as the 2024 Louisiana Truck Driver of the Year. These awards are part of the LMTA Foundation's mission to highlight industry safety professionals and professional drivers for improving safety and the image of trucking every day.  

LMTA's Safety Management Council members are nominated as the Safety Professional of the Year for their outstanding contributions to advancing their company’s fleet safety. Nominees are selected based on their outstanding commitment to safety, exceptional work record, and personal work ethics. The Louisiana Truck Driver of the Year award nominees are current commercial driver’s license holders who have established a long record of safe and courteous driving while displaying highway heroism and have made an outstanding contribution to the industry.

 “Our Safety Professional and Truck Driver of the Year are the heart of our industry’s workforce,” said Renee Amar, executive director of the LMTA Foundation. “This year’s recipients showcase the best of Louisiana’s trucking industry. We had a group of outstanding applicants for both awards, and it was an extremely competitive year.”

Clay Cormier, the 2024 Safety Professional of the Year, was nominated by A&B Transport for his exceptional dedication to fostering a culture of safety. He demonstrates true professionalism and a genuine concern for the safety of drivers and the public alike. Clay's commitment extends beyond regular hours as he invests personal time to ensure drivers comprehend and adhere to safety protocols, even accompanying them on routes to ensure compliance. His proactive approach includes conducting regular safety meetings with management, fostering open communication with drivers, and implementing innovative safety programs. Clay's efforts consistently yield outstanding results, reflected in stellar monthly Cab Reports and continuous improvements in safety initiatives. 

Mr. Robert Zimmerman has been named the 2024 Professional Truck Driver of the Year for his over 50 years in the industry. With an impeccable safety record, including no accidents in over a decade and no moving violations since 1974, Robert's dedication to excellence is unmatched.  Previous to his truck driving experience, Robert was a decorated veteran after being drafted in the Vietnam War. Subsequently volunteered for two additional tours of duty in the special forces. He was wounded and received the Silver Star and Purple Heart. Robert is revered for his leadership and willingness to assist fellow drivers. He embodies the highest standards of professionalism and service, making him a true asset to the trucking community. As the 2024 Louisiana Truck Driver of the Year, Zimmerman will be featured on the cover of Open Road magazine, as well as featured on a select number of billboards across the state during the month of September, celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation week. Zimmerman was recognized during the LMTA Foundation’s Truck Safety Awards at L’Auberge Casino and Hotel in Baton Rouge on March 2, 2024