Florida’s trucking industry just welcomed seven highly respected drivers into the newest class of the Florida Road Team. Every few years, the Florida Trucking Association puts together a group of professional drivers who represent the industry at schools, events, and community programs. This year’s group went through a detailed selection process to earn their spots.
The Road Team has been around since 1996, and its mission has always stayed the same. Members teach students and the public about safe driving and how to share the road with commercial vehicles. Over the years, more than 150,000 students across Florida have learned from Road Team presentations.
Drivers cannot simply sign up. Member companies nominate candidates, and only drivers with strong experience, solid work history, and clean records are considered. To qualify, each nominee must have at least 10 years behind the wheel with a CDL, at least five years with their current company, and a proven commitment to safety. Communication skills matter too, because Road Team members spend a lot of time talking with students and the public.
President and CEO of FTA, Alix Miller, underscored the importance of the program.
“Our Road Team continues their enormous impact on students across the state with collaborative efforts from planning with schools and government groups to the support from our member companies to make it possible. The employing companies are giving their drivers time and the equipment to take to events, because the image of the industry and safety message delivered is so important.”
Meet the 2025 to 2028 Florida Road Team
Matthew Chidester, Walmart Transportation, Palm Bay
A 30-year driver with Walmart. He serves as a Walmart Certified Driver Trainer and Driver Ambassador. He has a spotless safety record and has spent years coaching youth sports.
Christopher Grandshaw, Walmart Transportation, Brooksville
Twenty-five years on the road and more than 2.3 million miles with Walmart. He is a Lead Certified Driver Trainer and Safety Team Pod Captain. He stays active in community events, including the Brooksville Christmas Parade, Wreaths Across America, and multiple hurricane relief efforts.
Demetrius Dee Hastings, UPS, Jacksonville
On the road since 2000 with two million safe miles in the last seven years at UPS. Dee has a military background and has worked as a Manufacturing Supervisor and Logistics Lead in the U.S. Military. His volunteer work includes United Way, Meals on Wheels, Wreaths Across America, and local youth programs.
Larry Johnson, Walmart Transportation, Alachua
Twenty-five years of professional experience with Walmart and more than 1.7 million miles logged. He works as a Driver Ambassador and Ambassador Mentor and stays involved in youth sports.
Michael Lightfoot, Walmart Transportation, Alachua
Twenty-three years of experience, including five with Walmart. He has 361,000 miles with the company and previous experience at R E D and South Point Distribution. He is a Certified Driver Trainer, Store Ambassador, and Wall of Fame honoree.
Russell Rusty Roberts, Walmart Transportation, MacClenny
Nearly three decades on the road and twenty-five years with Walmart. He serves as a Driver Culture Ambassador, Certified Driver Trainer, and Store Ambassador. Rusty is active in food distribution efforts and hurricane relief operations.
Miguel Sanchez, UPS, Jacksonville
A twenty-four-year professional with 1.5 million safe miles in the last seven years. Miguel won the Twins class at the 2025 National Truck Driving Championships and is the 2025 Grand Champion for Florida’s Truck Driving Championships. He gives back as a volunteer Bible Group Leader and basketball league announcer.
Elizabeth Emmanuel, Vice President of Public Affairs, highlighted why these drivers were selected.
The 2025 to 2028 Florida Road Team Captain joins the ranks of an expert group of professionals trained to educate and participate in community events. Our Captains are selected based on their driving record, community involvement, regulatory expertise, and public speaking skills. They’ve had additional testing and training to ensure their presentations adapt to every age group.”
Drivers continuing on the Road Team include:
- Scott Brown, FedEx, Tampa
• Michael Cherry, Walmart Transportation, Palm Coast
• Mihaly Ramirez, FedEx, Orlando
• Omar Stebbins, XPO Logistics, Pompano Beach
• Anthony Tirone, Walmart Transportation, Fort Pierce
• Chevelle Walker, Werner Enterprises, Lake City
This new class brings a broad mix of experience, safety commitment, and community involvement. Florida drivers will be seeing these ambassadors at schools, events, and safety programs statewide over the next three years.
Image Source: Florida Trucking Association
Source: Truckers News
