The American Trucking Associations has selected 20 professional drivers to serve as the 2026 2027 America’s Road Team Captains, recognizing individuals whose careers reflect consistent safety, professionalism, and leadership behind the wheel.
Over the next two years, these drivers will represent the trucking industry across the country. Their work includes attending industry events, engaging with communities, visiting schools, and speaking with policymakers to promote safe driving while sharing firsthand insight into trucking as a career.
“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 and CEO 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.”
A Longstanding Program Focused on Safety
America’s Road Team was established in 1986 to recognize professional truck drivers who have demonstrated exceptional safety records and a commitment to representing the industry with integrity. With the support of their companies, Captains volunteer their time to participate in public outreach efforts that help explain the role trucking plays in everyday life.
The 2026 2027 class represents 13 states and includes four military veterans, one independent contractor, and drivers from both small fleets and large national carriers. Together, the group brings 51 million miles of safe driving experience to the program.
Volvo Trucks Celebrates 25 Years Supporting America’s Road Team
Volvo Trucks remains the program’s sponsor and will mark 25 years of partnership with America’s Road Team this October. During their two-year term, the Captains will travel the country in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, a Volvo VNL 860 pulling an American flag themed trailer. The trailer features a mobile classroom and a state of the art truck driving simulator used for education and outreach.
“Volvo Trucks is honored to continue our long-standing 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. “This year at MCE marks 25 years of Volvo’s proud support of America’s Road Team, a milestone that reflects our deep respect for professional drivers and our commitment to safety, professionalism, and leadership across the trucking industry. 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.”
How the 2026 2027 Captains Were Selected
ATA conducted the final round of selections from January 18 through January 20 at its headquarters in Washington, DC. During this process, drivers were evaluated on more than just miles logged or years of experience.
Candidates were judged on their ability to clearly communicate about trucking, safety, and transportation issues, as well as their overall driving records. The selection panel included trucking industry executives and members of the trade press, ensuring the final group reflected both operational excellence and the ability to represent the industry publicly.
Once selected, the new Captains received their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers and immediately began their work as ambassadors. Their focus over the next two years will be on improving public understanding of trucking and reinforcing the industry’s commitment to safety and professionalism.
Supporting the Mission of America’s Road Team
Trucking professionals and industry partners can support the work of America’s Road Team by following the Captains throughout their two year term and engaging with them at major industry events, conferences, and community visits. ATA also encourages industry members to follow the team’s journey on Facebook, where updates from the road and event appearances are shared.
“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,” said ATA Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath. “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.”
The 2026- 2027 America’s Road Team Captains
- 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 Kanarevic, 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, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
- Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida
- Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
- Omar Stebbin, XPO, Florida
- David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
- Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
- Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
- Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, California
To learn more about the 2026 2027 America’s Road Team, visit the official America’s Road Team webpage.
Source: American Trucking Associations
