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ATA Picks 20 Drivers as Newest America’s Road Team Captains
Industry Ambassadors Represent Trucking at Events Nationwide, Tout Career Opportunities
Key Takeaways:
- ATA introduced America’s Road Team in 1986
- America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks, which is entering its 25th year of partnership with the program this October.
- The current class includes four military veterans, an NTDC grand champion, an NTDC national champion and an independent contractor.
American Trucking Associations has selected 20 professional truck drivers to serve as America’s Road Team captains for 2026-2027.
Chosen for their exemplary safety records and professionalism, these trucking ambassadors with support from their individual companies volunteer to represent the industry at events and schools, as well as through engagement with policymakers nationwide. A key component of their mission is to promote safe driving and highlight career opportunities in trucking.
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Spear
“This group of professional drivers have earned their place at the top through years of hard work, dedication and an unwavering commitment to safety on the road,” said ATA President Chris Spear. “They represent a vital segment of the American workforce, one whose impact is felt by nearly every person in the country. As these captains take to the road with a new mission and an important message, we are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident the nation will gain valuable insights from their leadership and the example they set for our industry.”
This latest group consists of drivers from small and large carriers across 13 states who collectively have 51 million miles of safe driving experience. Among them are four military veterans, an NTDC grand champion (Jackie Reed of FedEx Freight in 2024), an NTDC national champion (Miguel Sanchez of UPS, twins, in 2025) and one independent contractor.
The final selections took place Jan. 18-20 at ATA headquarters in Washington. Drivers were judged on their knowledge of the industry, ability to communicate effectively about safety and transportation, and their overall safe driving records. The panel of judges included trucking executives and trade press. ATA introduced America’s Road Team in 1986.
2026-2027 America's Road Team
- Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Mississippi
- Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida
- Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Florida
- Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas
- Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas
- Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Missouri
- Izet Kantarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri
- Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, California
- Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, West Virginia
- Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana
- Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island
- Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
- Jeffrey Reed, UPS, New Mexic
- Miguel Sanchez, UPS, Florida
- Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
- Omar Stebbins, XPO, Florida
- David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
- Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
- Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
- Ryan Ybarra, UPS, California
America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks, which is entering its 25th year of partnership with the program this October. The new captains will tour the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck — a Volvo VNL 860 — towing an American flag-emblazoned trailer that features a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator and mobile classroom.
“Volvo Trucks is honored to continue our longstanding sponsorship of America’s Road Team and to take part in this week’s selection of the 2026–2027 captains,” said Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve, adding that the 25th anniversary represents “a milestone that reflects our deep respect for professional drivers and our commitment to safety, professionalism and leadership across the trucking industry.
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Voorhoeve
“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.”
ATA Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath said, “America’s Road Team captains exemplify the highest standards of safety in our industry, helping to elevate trucking’s image by sharing their experiences and leading by example.
“These respected leaders craft compelling safety messages and demonstrate how the trucking industry offers meaningful, rewarding careers. Through their participation in community events, conferences and industry engagements, they fulfill the mission of America’s Road Team. We congratulate this new class for their dedication to excellence and for keeping our nation moving safely.”
