South Louisiana Community College is proud to announce that its very own Nelson Landry has been named the Louisiana Motor Transport Association (LMTA) Truck Driver of the Year for 2023. This prestigious award recognizes Landry's exceptional driving skills, commitment to safety, and outstanding service to the trucking industry.
Landry, who has been driving for over 30 years, has spent the last seven years with SLCC as a lead instructor. He eventually transitioned into the role of lead examiner, conducting the third-party final state exams for SLCC’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) students. In these roles, Landry has greatly impacted the incoming workforce for the trucking industry.
"Nelson Landry is an outstanding instructor and an excellent driver, and we are thrilled to see him recognized as the LMTA Truck Driver of the Year," said Dr. Vincent June, SLCC Chancellor. "He is a true professional who embodies the highest standards of the industry, and we are proud to have him as a member of our faculty."
SLCC services a wide demographic of individuals looking to enter the transportation industry. Landry has been praised for being able to connect with his students. He invests in their lives and in their education in a way that leaves an impact on the future workforce. The LMTA Truck Driver of the Year award is presented annually to a professional truck driver who has demonstrated excellence in driving, safety, and professionalism. An award is also presented to the Louisiana Safety Professional of the Year. All nominees must have a clean driving record, a record of community service, and a commitment to the trucking 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.”
In addition to the award, Landry will be featured on the cover of Open Road magazine and on billboards across the state during National Truck Driver Appreciation week, in September. He will be recognized in March at the Trucking Safety Awards, as well as at the Annual Convention in July of this year.
For more information about South Louisiana Community College and its Commercial Driving program visit https://www.solacc.edu/continuing-education/cdl-training.