The American Trucking Associations named 33 professional truck drivers as finalists in the selection process to become Captains on the 2017-2018 America’s Road Team.
“These professional drivers were chosen as finalists for America’s Road Team because they are proven industry ambassadors with long safety records and professionalism that projects a positive image of our industry’s 3.5 million truck drivers,” said ATA President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Spear. “America’s Road Team will continue to serve as a voice for the trucking industry and build on its 30-year legacy of educating the public on highway safety and the trucking industry’s important role in our economy. We are honored to have these finalists participate in this prestigious selection process and I look forward to meeting them in January.”
America’s Road Team, a group of professional truck drivers with superior safety records, was created in 1986 to represent the trucking industry and is sponsored by Volvo Trucks.
“America’s Road Team’s grassroots efforts are closely aligned with our mission at Volvo Trucks,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “From conversations with a Captain, a member of the media or public official can walk away with an entirely different perspective of our industry. Those types of impressions are invaluable and help change the national conversation about trucking.”
The 33 professional truck drivers now move on to the final round of the selection process, being held January 8-12, 2017 in Arlington VA. A panel of industry officials and trucking news media will judge the contestants on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages, and overall safe driving record. The finalists, with a combined total of 77.6 million safe-driving miles and 893 years as professional truck drivers, are highway safety experts eager to share their message with the motoring public.
The newly chosen 2017-2018 America’s Road Team will be announced on January 12. New Captains, after receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazer, will begin working to share the industry’s message of safety, essentiality and sustainability with the motoring public, media, business groups, public officials, and their fellow truck drivers around the country.
“Being named a finalist for America’s Road Team is a major achievement for professional truck drivers and ATA congratulates each of them for this accomplishment,” said Elisabeth Barna, ATA chief operating officer and executive vice-president of industry affairs. “On this list you’ll find drivers with millions of safe-driving miles, state truck driving championship winners, community leaders, and role models in their companies.”
The finalists include:
Steve Brand, FedEx Freight, Union OH
Jon Brockway, Walmart Transportation, Westbrook ME
Brad Coffey, TCW, Murfreesboro TN
Bobby Covert, UPS Freight, Lexington KY
Scott Davis, ABF Freight, Kearney MO
Duane Donner, Walmart Transportation, Litchfield Park AZ
Donald Forrest, FedEx Freight, Winter Haven, FL
John Gaddy, Carbon Express, Asbury NJ
W Scott Harrison, K-Limited Carriers, Cincinnati OH
Rhonda Hartman, Old Dominion Freight Line, Des Moines IA
Gary Helms, Covenant Transport, Cleveland TN
Duane “Rusty” Holmes, UPS Freight, Odenville AL
Bill Krouse, YRC Freight, Shakopee MN
David Livingston, TCW, Springfield GA
Charles Lobsiger, Walmart Transportation, Alachua FL
Ronnie Luckadoo, UPS Freight, Forest City NC
Thomas McIntosh, YRC Freight, Aurora CO
Tim Melody, ABF Freight, Payette ID
James Moore, Saia LTL Freight, Magnolia TX
Chris Outen, FedEx Freight, Vancouver WA
Charlton Paul Jr., UPS Freight, Chester NY
Jeff Payne, Reddaway, Cedar City UT
James Quarles, Walmart Transportation, Laurens SC
Larry Rhein, FedEx Freight, Harrison AR
Stephen Richardson, Big G Express, Decatur AL
Michael Sheeds, Werner Enterprises, Bandera TX
Steven Smalley, ABF Freight, Mesa AZ
Gary Smith, Garner Trucking, Gomer OH
James Starr, Groendyke Transport, Wichita KS
Chris Sutton, UPS Freight, Erie PA
Barney “Earl” Taylor, Penske Logistics, Orlando FL
Tim Taylor, FedEx Freight, Valdosta GA
Jimmie Wisley, YRC Freight, Wichita KS