ARLINGTON, VA – American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced the names of the 22 professional truck drivers who will be the 2022-23 America’s Road Team Captains on Jan 20.
The drivers will serve as trucking industry ambassadors, traveling the country to spread the message of safe driving, while teaching about the trucking industry and its opportunities.
“This industry, like our country, is diverse, hardworking and patriotic, and this new class of America’s Road Team Captains reflects all of that,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said. “I’m proud that they will be representing the industry and ATA as our newest and best ambassadors – educating the country about trucking’s essential role in keeping America moving safely and efficiently.”
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. Captains, with support from their companies, dedicate a few days each month to attend industry events, speak at schools, or meet policymakers on behalf of the trucking industry.
This year’s class includes drivers from 13 companies, 17 states and drivers with more than 564 years of experience and 45,774,455 miles of accident-free driving.
“These Captains have dedicated their lives to spreading the message of safe driving. They are leaders in their communities, role models in their companies, and are dedicated to and passionate about the industry,” Elisabeth Barna, ATA executive vice president of industry affairs, said. “This new class represents everything we strive to promote about our industry and its professionals, especially as we face a driver shortage and challenges with the supply chain.”
The new America’s Road Team Captains are:
- Bob Bramwell, ABF Freight System, Centerview, Missouri
- Michael Buck, Yellow, Moore, Oklahoma
- Teddy Butler, ABF Freight System, Hampton, Georgia
- Kevin Byrnes, United Parcel Service, Sparta, New Jersey
- Jesus Davila, Werner Enterprises, San Antonio, Texas
- Ken Duncan, Walmart Transportation, Gorham, Maine
- James Ellis, Grammer Logistics, Erwin, North Carolina
- Lalo Fernandez, FedEx Freight, Battle Ground, Oregon
- Richard Frazer, Yellow, Rockford, Illinois
- Charlie Fuller, FedEx Freight, Pembroke Pines, Florida
- Ritch Fundell, FedEx Freight, Tonica, Illinois
- Salvador Gonzalez, TForce Freight, Ocala, Florida
- Darrien Henderson, J&M Tank Lines Inc., Mobile, Alabama
- Gina Jones, Werner Enterprises, Peoria, Arizona
- Dean Key, Ruan Transportation Management Systems, Primghar, Iowa
- Glen Allen Kirk, Old Dominion Freight Line, Franklin, Indiana
- Jeff Rose, Yellow, Creston, Ohio
- Ron Round, Pottle’s Transportation LLC, Enfield, Maine
- David Schroeder, FedEx Freight, Bellaire, Ohio
- Eric Stein, Werner Enterprises Inc., Canajoharie, New York
- PJ Singh, Penske Logistics, Stockton, California
- Derrick Thorpe, TForce Freight, Rahway, New Jersey
The drivers were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation and their overall safe-driving record.
The panel of judges included trucking executives and the trade press.
In a show of pride, trucking industry executives weighed in on their employees who were named to the team.
“We are extremely proud of Glen (Kirk) and we know that he will be a great representative for our industry and Old Dominion Freight Line during his time as a Road Team Captain. This is a well-deserved recognition,” said Steven Garrish, vice president for safety and compliance at Old Dominion Freight Line. “This last year, in particular, has been taxing on the industry and these drivers have shown perseverance and dedication through it all while underscoring the importance of safety on the road. This year’s Road Team has an opportunity to continue to advocate for our industry and teach the next generation of leaders and drivers about trucking.”
“Since I met Dean (Key) when he was recognized as part of our Driver of the Year Winners’ Circle, he certainly left an impression of professionalism, inspirational leadership, a can-do attitude, and commitment to safety,” said Ruan President and Chief Operating Officer Dan Van Alstine. “He is the consummate ambassador for Ruan’s Guiding Principles and values, and I know he will leave his mark on our industry serving in this important role as a Road Team captain.”
After receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers, the captains will immediately begin their work.
The new captains will tour the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, an American flag emblazoned with a brand new 2021 Volvo VNL 760, featuring a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator and mobile classroom.
“Volvo Trucks is honored for the 20th consecutive year to continue our sponsorship of America’s Road Team with a new Volvo VNL 760 and take part in this week’s selection of the 2022-23 Captains,” Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve said. “America’s Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe that their hard work to promote the profession and safety pays dividends for our industry. We thank the Captains for their strong engagement and being passionate ambassadors of this great profession. We congratulate the new class of America’s Road Team Captains and wish them the best of success as they carry out their mission over the next two years.”
The Trucker News Staff produces engaging content for not only TheTrucker.com, but also The Trucker Newspaper, which has been serving the trucking industry for more than 30 years. With a focus on drivers, the Trucker News Staff aims to provide relevant, objective content pertaining to the trucking segment of the transportation industry. The Trucker News Staff is based in Little Rock, Arkansas.
