Search Underway for New Class of America's Road Team Captains

ATA seeks nominations for elite team of professional drivers, industry ambassadors

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May 03, 2018, 10:24 ET

ARLINGTON, Va., May 3, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, American Trucking Associations opened the nominating process for professional truck drivers to serve on the 2019-2020 America's Road Team. America's Road Team, a group of highly-accomplished professional truck drivers, promotes the trucking industry by educating the general public, media, and elected officials about the industry's strong safety record and importance to the economy.

"Trucking continues to see professional drivers as the most important safety factor on the road and, as such, we have the upmost respect for the millions of skilled truck drivers who serve America's economy with pride," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. "For the past 32 years, America's Road Team has elevated the visibility of truck drivers and their important work in communities throughout the country, so we look forward to selecting a new group of passionate trucking advocates and welcoming them as the next generation of Captains."

Every two years, the trucking industry welcomes a new group of Captains to join the prestigious ranks of America's Road Team and serve as the industry's foremost ambassadors. America's Road Team Captains become the face of the trucking industry, attending key events alongside elected officials, appearing on national media broadcasts and championing the industry at schools and community events in every state. The professional drivers, all of whom have millions of accident-free miles, take a few days away from their companies each month to meet with the motoring public, students, transportation officials and public policymakers to perform truck safety demonstrations and explain the sustainable role that trucking plays in the nation's economy.

ATA members are invited to nominate professional truck drivers who exhibit strong interpersonal skills, have impressive safety records, and demonstrate a positive attitude toward the industry and their careers as professional truck drivers.

"There is a potential America's Road Team Captain at every truck terminal in the country. There are drivers with decades of experience who are anxious to get their message out to the public and tell their stories about trucking," said America's Road Team Captain Scott Harrison of K-Limited Carrier, a member of the 2017-2018 class. "Truck drivers, like me, are passionate about what we do and we get excited about telling people about our rewarding careers and the true professionalism with which our colleagues in the industry work each day."

For decades, truck drivers have held an important role in the American public's identity. ATA and its members in the trucking industry are increasingly seeing a revival of the authentic view of truck drivers as hard working, patriotic men and women who are willing to lend a helping hand to neighbors and fellow motorists while ensuring freight is delivered safely and securely to homes and businesses from coast to coast. America's Road Team Captains are expected to exhibit these qualities in order to promote the industry's image and advance the industry's policy goals.

Since America's Road Team's inception in 1986, Captains have traveled the country educating millions of individuals on highway safety, trucking's essentiality and the importance of pride and professionalism in the industry. Nominations for the 2019-2020 class of America's Road Team are due August 20, 2018.

"As longtime champions of safety and the trucking profession, Volvo Trucks knows how important it is to recognize truck drivers who not only practice safety every day at work, but advocate for safety in their communities and workplaces," said Magnus Koeck, Volvo Trucks North America vice president, marketing and brand management. "Volvo Trucks is committed to improving performance in the trucking industry and one of the ways we do that is by sponsoring America's Road Team and making sure Interstate One, their Volvo VNL tractor, is equipped with the latest safety technologies and comforts."

The 2017-2018 America's Road Team consists of 20 professional truck drivers who together have more than 49 million combined accident-free miles and 531 years of professional truck driving experience. Members of the 2017-2018 America's Road Team, alongside veteran Captains and trucking executives, participated in a marquee event with President Trump and Vice President Pence at the White House on March 23, 2017. America's Road Team also participated in an October 11 event with President Trump in Harrisburg, Penn. ATA's Interstate One tractor-trailer was used as the backdrop for the President's national address about tax reform.

"Having the opportunity to serve as an America's Road Team Captain has really been a highlight of my career," said America's Road Team Captain Rhonda Hartman of Old Dominion Freight Line. "I get to work with my team of Captains to spread positive stories about trucking to people who are really receptive of our message and open to learning about highway safety."

To nominate a professional truck driver for America's Road Team, please carefully read the eligibility requirements and fill out the nomination form found at americasroadteam.com. Finalists will be announced October 15, with the final selection taking place January 27-30, 2019 in Arlington, Va.

America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks, is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway. Follow America's Road Team on Facebook or Twitter.

American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation's freight. Follow ATA on Twitter or on Facebook. Trucking Moves America Forward

SOURCE American Trucking Associations