The American Trucking Associations has named 36 professional truck drivers as finalists to become captains on the 2009-10 America’s Road Team. The group of professional drivers with superior safety records was created in 1986 to represent the trucking industry and is sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America.
The 36 professional truck drivers now will move on to the final round of the selection process, which will be held Jan. 11-13, 2009, at the ATA headquarters in Arlington, Va. A panel of trucking industry officials and trucking news media will judge the contestants on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate trucking’s messages and overall safe driving record.
The three-day competition will culminate with a new team of America’s Road Team captains receiving the signature Road Team blazer. The captains then begin their two-year term working to share the industry’s message of safety, professionalism and essentiality with the motoring public, news media, civic organizations, legislators and even fellow drivers across the nation.
“America’s Road Team represents the best of the best,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “The 36 professional drivers selected as finalists all have impressive driving records, share a passion for safety and are engaged in their communities. We are honored to have them participate in this prestigious selection process.”
To be nominated, a driver must be employed as either a company driver for an ATA member motor carrier or as an owner-operator leased to an ATA member. Each nominee should have an excellent safety record and should demonstrate an ability to communicate his or her commitment to safety, courtesy and professionalism.
“These candidates represent the dedication to safety that is at the heart of the trucking industry,” says Scott Kress, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo is proud to recognize their efforts in making our nation’s highways safer, and promoting the positive image of professional truck drivers. We also applaud their employers, who demonstrate their commitment to safety and industry image by supporting the large investment of time required to be an America’s Road Team captain.”
For a list of the finalists, click here.
