The American Trucking Associations named 33 professional truck drivers as finalists in the selection process to become captains on the 2011-2012 America’s Road Team. 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 North America.
The 33 professional truck drivers will move on to the final round of the selection process, which will be held Jan. 9-11, 2011, in Arlington, Va. A panel of trucking industry officials and trucking news media will judge the finalists on their knowledge of the trucking industry, their dedication to safety, their 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 being selected. The captains then begin their two-year term working to share the industry’s message of safety, essentiality and sustainability with the motoring public, news media, business and community leaders, public officials and their fellow drivers across the nation.
“America’s Road Team Captains are an incredible voice for the trucking industry,” says Bill Graves, ATA president and chief executive officer. “They represent the best of the best. The 33 professional drivers selected as finalists have remarkable safety records, are passionate about the industry and are dedicated to making our nation’s highways safer. ATA is honored to have these professional drivers participate in this prestigious selection process to become a captain of the America’s Road Team.”
To be nominated to serve as an America’s Road Team captain, a professional truck driver must be employed or leased to an ATA member company. Each nominee should have an excellent safety record and should demonstrate an ability to communicate his or her commitment to safety and passion for the industry.
“As candidates who have spent millions of miles behind the wheel, these true professionals bring a unique perspective – and credibility – to our industry’s messages of safety and essentiality,” says Ron Huibers, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Volvo Trucks North America. “Volvo is proud to recognize their sincere dedication to making our roadways safer places and promoting the positive image of the professional truck driver. We applaud their employers, who demonstrate their commitment to safety and industry image by supporting the America’s Road Team program.”
