ATA names 20 truck drivers to serve as trucking ambassadors on 2017-2018 America’s Road Team

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Updated Jan 12, 2017
The Volvo VNL used by the 2015-2016 America’s Road Team.The Volvo VNL used by the 2015-2016 America’s Road Team.

The American Trucking Associations has announced the members of the 2017-2018 America’s Road team, a group of 20 elite truck operators to serve as trucking industry ambassadors for the next two years.

For the next two years, the newly chosen America’s Road Team Captains will tour North America in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, an American flag emblazoned Volvo VNL 780 with a truck driving simulator. The Captains, who will remain full-time truck drivers with their various ATA member companies, will speak candidly about the life of truck drivers, the critical role trucking plays in the U.S. economy and industry safety.

“ATA is proud to select these respected drivers as the newest America’s Road Team Captains and we are thankful that they will continue to tell their important stories throughout the country,” said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear.

The final round of the selection process for America’s Road Team was held January 8-10 in Arlington, Va. A panel of industry officials and trucking industry press judged the finalists on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages and overall safe driving record.

Volvo Trucks is honored to sponsor the America’s Road Team program and take part in this week’s selection of the 2017-2018 Captains,” said Volvo Trucks North America President Göran Nyberg. “America’s Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe their hard work and dedication pays dividends for our industry.

After receiving their navy blue America’s Road Team blazers, the 2017-2018 Captains will immediately begin their work in bolstering the trucking industry’s image to the motoring public, lawmakers and the media. The team’s two-year journey will be chronicled on Facebook and Twitter.

The 2017-2018 America’s Road Team Captains are:

Steve Brand, FedEx Freight

Jon Brockway, Walmart Transportation LLC

John Gaddy, Carbon Express, Inc.

Scott Harrison, K Limited Carrier Ltd

Rhonda Hartman, Old Dominion Freight Line, Inc.

Gary Helms, Covenant Transport, Inc.

Bill Krouse, YRC Freight

David Livingston, TCW, Inc.

Charles Lobsiger, Walmart Transportation LLC

Timothy Melody, ABF Freight System, Inc.

James Moore, Saia LTL Freight

Chris Outen, FedEx Freight

Charlton Paul Jr., UPS Freight

Jeffrey Payne, Reddaway, Inc.

Stephen Richardson, Big G Express, Inc.

Michael Sheeds, Werner Enterprises

Steven Smalley, ABF Freight System, Inc.

Gary Smith, Garner Trucking, Inc.

Earl Taylor, Penske Logistics

Tim Taylor, FedEx Freight