“The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list honors women for their career accomplishments, their influence on company success, and their contributions to the broader industry,” said Jennifer Hedrick, WIT President and CEO. “These professionals exemplify the mission and values of Women In Trucking and are impressive leaders to watch in our industry.”

Katy Payne’s Impact on Truck Drivers USA

Katy has built her career from the ground up, gaining hands-on experience in trucking and the challenges drivers face every day. She began focusing on driver retention and then expanded into creating communities where drivers can learn, gain recognition, and thrive. Today, her work guides Truck Drivers USA’s community growth and development strategy.

As Operations Manager, Katy serves as the consistent voice for drivers at Truck Drivers USA. She works to improve the professional image of truck drivers while ensuring they are connected with companies that value and support their careers. Her approach combines operational discipline with empathy, making her a trusted leader in the company’s ongoing evolution.

Key Achievements Over the Past 12–18 Months

• Haul of Fame Launch – Katy developed the Haul of Fame section of the Truck Drivers USA website, giving drivers recognition and visibility to elevate their professional standing.
• Enhanced Driver-to-Company Matching – She led the development of a matching algorithm that connects drivers with companies aligned with their skills, goals, and values.
• Driver Career Coaching Program – Katy is actively developing a career coaching solution to help drivers maximize earning potential and career growth with driver-focused carriers.

Supporting Women in Trucking

Katy also coaches women within Truck Drivers USA, helping them expand their transportation knowledge and understand how economic factors impact drivers and carriers. By amplifying driver stories, she highlights professionalism and diversity in the industry and helps broaden public perception of trucking careers.

About the Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch Program

The Top Women to Watch in Trucking list, now in its ninth year, recognizes women across a variety of roles, including operations, corporate management, sales, HR, technology, and professional driving. Selection is based on character and measurable accomplishments over the past 12 to 18 months. This year’s list includes 75 women from a range of companies, emphasizing leadership, innovation, and industry impact.

Looking Ahead

Katy Payne’s recognition reflects her leadership in building communities for drivers, supporting professional development, and advancing the trucking industry. Her work at Truck Drivers USA continues to strengthen the connection between drivers and the companies that value them, setting a standard for operational excellence and advocacy in transportation.

Congratulations, Katy!

The post Katy Payne of Truck Drivers USA Recognized on the 2026 Women In Trucking Top Women to Watch List appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Maverick Transportation has named its 2025 Drivers of the Year, highlighting two drivers who have built that kind of reputation through their work on the road and within their teams.

Charles Baber was selected as Over the Road Driver of the Year, while Ron Watson earned Dedicated Driver of the Year honors.

“This recognition is awarded annually to Maverick drivers who consistently go above and beyond in their commitment to safety,” Maverick said. “Honorees exemplify the highest levels of integrity and professionalism in every aspect of their role, setting a benchmark for excellence while proudly representing the Maverick fleet as ambassadors of the professional driving community.”

Charles Baber Sets the Tone on the OTR Side

Baber, who operates in Maverick’s flatbed division, was recognized not just for how he handles the job, but how he shows up for other drivers.

“Charles exemplifies what it means to be a Maverick,” said John Coppens, vice president of operations. “He’s confident, approachable, and never afraid to take on new challenges, whether that’s assisting others to lead change in the ROC division or stepping up to provide a voice for Maverick drivers. Charles believes deeply in mentorship, safety, and asking the right questions, and he’s honored to be a professional driver. He’s proud to wear the Black Hat, proud to work at Maverick, and just as proud to go home to his family after a job well done. Charles is truly a deserving recipient of Maverick’s 2025 Driver of the Year award.”

For Baber, the recognition is simple but meaningful.

“I am feeling wonderful about it,” Barber said. “It is an enormous honor, and it feels like a huge pat on the back. If I could tell other drivers to start doing everything the way you are taught, and you’ll be ok no matter what.”

Ron Watson Recognized for Consistency in Dedicated Operations

Watson, who runs in Maverick’s final mile division, was recognized for reliability and stepping in where needed across operations.

“It feels surreal, and I am taking it one day at a time,” Watson said. “It is rare that a company shows appreciation to its drivers, so things like this boost the morale of drivers.”

Leadership pointed to his willingness to support the team wherever needed.

“Mr. Watson lives the Maverick Way every day,” said Justin Brown, senior vice president of dedicated operations. He sets the standard by doing whatever is needed to help our growing Final Mile team, including traveling to fill in other markets, assisting other drivers, and doing it all while providing his customers with top-notch service. Congratulations, Ron, and thank you.”

That consistency has not gone unnoticed at the account level either.

“Ron is as steady as the day is long,” said Gordon Lee, dedicated onsite account manager. “He exhibits a great work ethic, attention to detail, commitment to his job, and is an absolute joy to work with. He is always available when we need him to help and has stepped up numerous times. Ron carries himself professionally and sets a great example for other drivers to follow. I can’t say enough good things about Ron. He does everything the right way…the Maverick way.”

What This Recognition Signals Across the Industry

Driver of the Year awards carry weight because they reflect what fleets are actually looking for in today’s environment.

Safety, consistency, and professionalism are still the foundation. But just as important is how drivers support each other, represent their company, and handle the job when things do not go as planned.

For drivers, it is a reminder that the details matter. For fleets and industry stakeholders, it reinforces the value of recognizing the people who keep operations running strong every day.

At the end of the day, awards like this come down to doing the job right and doing it consistently.

The post Charles Baber, Ron Watson Named Maverick’s Top Drivers for 2025 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

On Saturday, April 11, Pasco will host the Washington Truck Driving Championship at Gesa Stadium. The event brings together experienced drivers from across the state to compete in a series of challenges that focus on what matters most out on the road: safety, precision, and consistency.

Organized by the Washington Trucking Associations, the competition is designed to highlight drivers who have proven themselves behind the wheel and in the day-to-day demands of the job.

What drivers can expect at the competition?

This is not just a driving course. Competitors are tested across multiple areas that reflect real-world responsibilities.

Drivers will take part in:

• A written examination covering industry knowledge and safety
• A pre-trip inspection to demonstrate equipment awareness
• A skills course designed to test control, accuracy, and decision making

Each portion is built around the same standards drivers rely on every day, whether they are running local routes or long-haul miles.

A path to the national stage

Top performers in Pasco will move on to the national truck driving championship, often referred to as the Super Bowl of Safety within the industry.

“The Truck Driving Championship competitions inspire tens of thousands of drivers to operate accident-free for the right to compete,” said WTA President and CEO Sheri Call. “Safety is the paramount goal for our industry, both for drivers and the traveling public. These competitions are a testament to the thousands of truck drivers who operate safely on our roads every day and inspire their peers to operate accident-free.”

For many drivers, qualifying for nationals is not just about competition. It is recognition of years of safe driving and professional discipline.

Who can compete

To enter, drivers must meet strict requirements that reflect the standards behind the event.

• At least one year of continuous employment with a motor carrier fleet
• An accident-free record for that same period

Drivers will compete across nine different equipment classes, including Straight Truck and Sleeper Berth, allowing competitors from different types of operations to showcase their skills.

Why it matters across the industry

Events like this go beyond trophies. They reinforce the importance of safety and professionalism across trucking.

For drivers, it is a chance to measure their skills against some of the best in the state. For fleets and industry stakeholders, it highlights the value of training, consistency, and a strong safety culture.

At the end of the day, competitions like this reflect what the industry is built on. Drivers who take pride in doing the job right every mile.

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The winner will be announced during the Salute to Women Behind the Wheel event on March 27 at the Mid America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky.

Each of the finalists brings a unique background to the industry, with careers that include safety leadership, driver mentoring, and outreach efforts that highlight the importance of professional drivers across the country.

Ingrid Brown

Ingrid Brown of Boone, North Carolina, has spent more than four decades building a career in trucking centered on safety and leadership. Over her 46-year career, she has worked as both a driver and an industry advocate while continuing to stay active behind the wheel.

Brown operates as an independent owner-operator through Rollin’ B LLC while also serving as operations manager for a refrigerated fleet. She continues hauling freight for Blackjack Express LLC, including oversize, heavy haul, and refrigerated loads.

Her safety advocacy reaches beyond her day-to-day work. Brown serves as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Voice of Safety for the Our Roads, Our Safety campaign and has appeared in national public service announcements, billboards, radio programming on SiriusXM, and social media outreach efforts.

Her previous honors include the 2015 NASTC America’s Road Team and Woman Driver of the Year recognition, the 2025 NASTC Ambassador of the Year award, and the 2018 TA Petro Citizen Driver Award.

Brown has also been involved with the Women In Trucking Association since 2007 as one of its charter members and currently serves on the organization’s board of directors. After surviving melanoma, she has also focused on raising awareness about the disease while mentoring new drivers entering the industry.

Fabiola Campos-Buenavista

Fabiola Campos Buenavista built her trucking career through determination and a strong commitment to learning the craft. When she joined FedEx Freight, she had limited driving experience, but by age 22, she was already operating a tractor-trailer and beginning a career focused on safety and driver development.

In 2014, she became the first female driver development instructor at FedEx Freight. Since then, she has trained more than 40 drivers, helping new operators build the skills and confidence needed to handle commercial equipment safely.

Campos Buenavista is known for taking a hands-on approach when working with trainees and takes pride in helping new drivers find success in the industry.

Beyond the cab, she serves as a FedEx Road Team Captain and participates in outreach efforts that include school safety education programs and disaster relief initiatives.

Gina Jones

Gina Jones entered trucking after a long career in retail management and chose to pursue a commercial driver’s license at age 50 so she could join her husband Steve on the road.

Since then, she has built an impressive safety record that includes more than 1.5 million accident-free miles.

Her driving career has earned several recognitions, including the 2024 TA Citizen Driver Award, the Werner Safe Driver Award, and membership in the NTA President’s Safe Driver Club.

Jones also became active in industry advocacy. In 2025, she was invited to speak at the White House about the real-world impacts of electric vehicle mandates on trucking operations.

She previously served as an ATA America’s Road Team Captain from 2022 through 2023 and has remained involved in mentoring future drivers through school visits and recruitment efforts.

Jones and her husband also participate in Werner’s Operation Freedom Fleet program, driving a specially wrapped truck while supporting the 50 Mile March. When she is not on the road, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren and riding her Harley.

Kellylynn McLaughlin

Kellylynn McLaughlin brings more than a decade of professional driving experience across multiple sectors of the industry. Her background includes dry van operations, driver training, equine transportation, and over-the-road hazardous materials hauling with Clean Harbors Environmental Services.

Earlier in her career, she served as the first Driver Ambassador for Women In Trucking. In that role, she traveled across the country speaking about the role drivers play in the economy and encouraging more people to consider trucking careers.

Before entering the industry, McLaughlin earned a degree from Oklahoma State University, served in the Peace Corps, and worked internationally for a nonprofit organization.

She continues to advocate for professional drivers by sharing industry perspectives through speaking engagements, interviews, and advisory work.

Her involvement includes participation in several industry groups, such as the FMCSA Women of Trucking Advisory Board, the TAT Advisory Council, and the Travel Centers of America Women’s Safety Advisory Panel.

The 2026 Driver of the Year announcement later this month will highlight one of these four finalists whose work behind the wheel and within the industry continues to shape the future of trucking.

The post Women In Trucking Names Four Finalists for 2026 Driver of the Year Award appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

Mentorship on the Road

Wallis has made a career out of training and guiding other drivers. “I’ve been training ever since I started with Freymiller,” he said. “I’m a mentor to probably about 10 different people who have moved from training into their own trucks.”

His dedication extends beyond teaching maneuvering and safety. Wallis brings his own experience from competitive driving to the table. Winning the 2024 Oklahoma Truck Driving Championship in the Sleeper Berth division qualified him for national competition, but accolades are not his main focus.

Bill Woolsey, Freymiller’s director of safety, praised Wallis’s commitment: “With over 15 years as a driver trainer, Toby has mentored countless trainees, guiding them to become successful, professional drivers. His dedication to sharing his knowledge and fostering safe driving habits has shaped the next generation of drivers, strengthening our fleet’s overall performance.”

Advocacy and Industry Engagement

Wallis’s recognition as TCA Professional Driver of the Year also gave him opportunities to engage with broader industry issues. He participated in TCA’s Call on Washington last September, meeting lawmakers to discuss challenges such as parking shortages, cargo theft, and highway conditions.

“It’s interesting to see some of the behind-the-scenes activities, and something of the way laws are created,” Wallis said. “I knew (TCA and the trucking industry) were lobbying for legislation, but to see how that process actually works and getting to talk to people — that’s always been interesting to me.”

A Career That Started Unexpectedly

Like many professional drivers, Wallis didn’t start his career planning to be on the road. “I was working at a sheetrock company, and their driver was quitting,” he said. “They told me that if I got my CDL, they’d pay me more.” He earned his Class B CDL, later completing Class A training at Schneider, and eventually joined Freymiller in 2005.

Balancing life on the road with family responsibilities has shaped his approach. “My wife passed away about 12 years ago, so it’s pretty much just me, my mom, and my grandmother,” he said. “As long as I can come in and check on them and talk to them regularly, I don’t see any reason to come off the road.”

Wallis also has three adult children, proudly noting that his youngest earned a master’s degree. “No grandkids yet, but they’ve got to hurry up before I’m too old,” he joked.

Supporting Veterans and Mental Health

A former medivac crew chief in the U.S. Army, Wallis earned a psychology degree using the GI Bill, helping him manage PTSD and informing his work supporting others. “It helped me a lot with my PTSD, and I try to use my brain as much as possible,” he said.

He volunteers on a mental health hotline, focusing on veterans but assisting anyone in need. “On Wednesdays and Sundays, and once in a while as a fill-in, I run a mental health hotline,” he said. “We lean more towards veterans, but we help everybody.”

Passion for the Profession

Wallis’s approach to driving blends professionalism with personal fulfillment. “I enjoy getting out here and meeting new people, doing new things, going new places. It’s always something different every day to me,” he said. “What I really love about my job is being out on the open road — but also the fact that I get to be a trainer. I get to help bring up the new group of drivers out here and teach them some of the old ways of doing things, along with some of the new technology.”

He offers practical advice for newer drivers: “Be a truck driver, not a steering wheel holder. Stay aware of your surroundings. Keep a smile on your face, and never take anything personally.”

Wallis emphasizes attitude and outlook as key factors in a long and fulfilling driving career. “If you enjoy it, it’s a career,” he said. “As soon as you start calling it a job, you’re going to start looking for something else.”

Woolsey summarized Wallis’s impact on the fleet and the industry: “Toby consistently sets a high standard, proudly representing our company on the road and with our customers. His professionalism, safety record, and positive attitude make him a role model for all our drivers, enhancing our company’s reputation in the industry.”

Wallis, however, keeps it simple: “I’m a firm believer that every day is a new gift from God.”

Source: The Trucker

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The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) has partnered with the National Safety Council (NSC) to highlight these critical issues in the Safety Is Personal series. NSC President and CEO Lorraine Martin and WIT President and CEO Jennifer Hedrick, CAE, discussed the importance of safety in the trucking industry and how it impacts drivers daily.

View the conversation between Hedrick and Martin.

Making Safety Personal

The Safety Is Personal series emphasizes real stories and lessons that shape how trucking leaders prioritize safety. For Hedrick, safety is not abstract. She focuses on ensuring that drivers, especially those in underserved segments, return home each day safely.

In her interview with Martin, Hedrick discussed major safety challenges that extend beyond vehicle operation. These include awareness of surroundings, the lack of safe and accessible truck parking, and how harassment and discrimination can influence safety outcomes for drivers.

Hands-On Training With a Purpose

As part of the collaboration, Hedrick coached Martin on driving a commercial truck using the WITney Educational Trailer simulator. The interactive experience demonstrates how training and awareness can prevent accidents and support drivers on the road.

Why These Discussions Matter

Truck driving is a demanding profession. Long hours, tight schedules, and extended time away from home create stress that affects both safety and performance. Research shows that female truck drivers experience harassment and discrimination more frequently than their male counterparts, which can directly impact safety and retention.

Hedrick and Martin stress situational awareness as a critical skill. Drivers must stay alert to hazards, vehicle behavior, and environmental conditions. Addressing challenges like commercial truck parking shortages ensures drivers make safer decisions while complying with hours-of-service rules.

Advancing Industry Safety

WIT and NSC’s collaboration promotes a culture of care that goes beyond compliance. Their combined efforts highlight respect, preparedness, and proactive risk management. The conversation encourages all stakeholders in the trucking industry to prioritize safety as a central value that protects drivers, supports their careers, and ensures the safe delivery of goods across the country.

Through initiatives like Safety Is Personal, WIT continues to advocate for inclusion, driver safety, and the professional advancement of women in trucking.

Source: Women In Trucking

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The Truckload Carriers Association has named Christopher Bishop, a professional driver for Hi Pro Inc., as a recipient of the TCA Highway Angel Award for his actions following a hit-and-run crash involving a motorcyclist in Wichita, Kansas.

Early Morning Emergency in Wichita

The incident happened in the early morning hours of Dec. 13 at approximately 2:15 a.m. CST. Bishop had just left his terminal and was heading to load at the Wichita USPS Processing and Distribution Center when he came upon a disturbing scene on a city roadway.

A motorcycle was lying in a ditch, and its rider was severely injured and positioned in the middle of the road.

“He was just lying in the middle of the road,” Bishop said. “I stopped, and the first thing that ran through my mind was that he was dead.”

Based on what Bishop observed and later camera footage, the motorcyclist appeared to have been struck by a sedan that fled the scene without stopping.

Protecting the Scene and the Victim

Without hesitation, Bishop activated his truck’s flashers and positioned his vehicle to block traffic, creating a barrier between the injured rider and oncoming vehicles. After checking the rider, Bishop realized the man was still alive.

Bishop immediately called 911 and stayed with the victim, keeping him conscious and monitoring his breathing while emergency responders were on the way.

“I kept him talking as much as I could,” Bishop said. “Not long after that, an ambulance and police showed up.”

Emergency crews arrived roughly seven minutes later.

Critical Actions in Dangerous Conditions

Bishop’s actions were especially important given the cold December temperatures and the risks associated with a dark roadway in the early morning hours. By blocking traffic and staying with the injured motorcyclist, Bishop helped prevent further injuries, exposure to the cold, or the possibility of another vehicle striking the victim.

“Sometimes you have to actively be the change you want to see in the world,” he said.

Bishop later expressed disbelief that the driver responsible for the crash failed to stop.

“They didn’t stop; I couldn’t imagine doing that to someone and not stopping to check on him — that’s crazy,” he said.

Recognition From the Truckload Carriers Association

The TCA Highway Angel Award recognizes professional truck drivers who demonstrate extraordinary kindness, courage, and professionalism while on the road. Since the program began in August 1997, nearly 1,500 drivers have been honored for actions that go beyond the job description.

The Highway Angel program is made possible through the support of presenting sponsor EpicVue and supporting sponsors DriverFacts and Northland Insurance.

More information about the TCA Highway Angel program and nomination details is available at the TCA Highway Angel website.

Source: Truckers News

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The annual Highway Angels program highlights moments where truck drivers step in during emergencies, often before first responders arrive. This year’s honorees were selected for decisions made in real time, under pressure, in situations where hesitation could have cost lives.

2025 Highway Angels of the Year

• Terry Walde, Searcy Trucking Ltd.
• Deshown Moye, Melton Truck Lines
• Heather Barkey, Nussbaum Transportation

Each driver encountered a different emergency. The common thread was immediate action.

Terry Walde Acts After a Hit and Run in Saskatchewan

Terry Walde, a veteran driver with more than 40 years behind the wheel, was traveling eastbound on Highway 1 in Saskatchewan on May 27, 2025. Debris covered the roadway. Traffic was still moving.

Moments later, Walde found a cyclist who had been struck by a semi truck in a hit-and-run crash.

Walde stopped. He checked the cyclist’s breathing. He stayed calm. He relayed injury details to emergency responders and then took on another role, directing traffic around the scene to prevent further harm.

He remained there for several hours.

Dashcam footage later provided by Searcy Trucking helped authorities identify and charge the driver responsible. Walde’s actions kept the cyclist alive long enough for help to arrive and ensured accountability followed.

Deshown Moye Responds to Major Crash on I-65

On April 28, 2025, Deshown Moye was driving through Alabama when he came upon the aftermath of a violent multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 65.

A small sedan had been forced underneath a tractor-trailer. The driver inside was trapped and critically injured. Smoke was visible.

Moye pulled over, checked for hazards, and called 911. He moved quickly but carefully.

With the woman’s consent, he relieved pressure from her seatbelt, stabilized her injuries, and stayed with her for nearly 45 minutes. He talked to her. He kept her conscious. He did not leave until emergency crews arrived.

His presence mattered.

Heather Barkey Pulls Driver From Overturned Truck

Late on June 18, 2025, Heather Barkey was nearing her terminal in Mount Vernon, Illinois, when she noticed a truck rolled over along the roadway.

No one else had stopped.

The vehicle was leaking fuel. Smoke was present. The driver was trapped.

Barkey pulled over, activated her hazard lights, and called 911. Using a flashlight she already had in her cab, she broke a window and helped the driver escape before conditions worsened.

She stayed on scene until law enforcement confirmed the driver was safe.

Recognition at TCA Annual Convention

All three drivers will be formally honored during the Awards Luncheon on Monday, March 2, held in conjunction with the TCA Annual Convention in Orlando.

Each honoree will receive:

• A complimentary EpicVue satellite TV package
• A 24-inch television
• DVR
• One year of DIRECTV programming

About the TCA Highway Angel Program

“Since its inception in 1997, TCA’s Highway Angel program has recognized nearly 1,500 professional truck drivers for exemplary kindness, courtesy, and courage displayed while on the job,” TCA said.

The program is sponsored by EpicVue, Northland Insurance, and DriverFacts.

Drivers can be nominated by fellow motorists, law enforcement, carriers, or members of the public.

To nominate a driver or learn more about the program, visit the TCA Highway Angel page here.

Source: The Trucker

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The announcement was made in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, where industry leaders gathered to celebrate drivers who represent the highest standards of the profession. Klingson was selected from a pool of monthly honorees who stood out throughout the year for their driving records, industry involvement, and commitment to safety.

A career built on safety and reliability

Klingson’s selection reflects more than longevity. Over 40 years behind the wheel, he has accumulated more than 6 million safe driving miles, a milestone few drivers ever reach. Minnesota Trucking Association leaders said that level of performance is especially notable given the daily challenges drivers face, including congestion, distracted motorists, and harsh winter driving conditions.

“This award is a great way to honor the best in our industry,” said John Hausladen, MTA president. “Driving safely is no easy task—especially with daily challenges like congestion, driver distractions, and Minnesota winters. Gary’s achievement of more than 6 million safe driving miles over 40 years is truly outstanding, and we’re proud to recognize him for this accomplishment.”

How the Driver of the Year is selected

The Minnesota Driver of the Year honor follows a yearlong process. Throughout 2025, trucking companies across the state nominated exceptional drivers to be considered for Driver of the Month. Those drivers were evaluated based on strict criteria, including driving and work history, contributions to highway safety, industry involvement, and community engagement.

From the twelve monthly honorees, one driver was selected as Driver of the Year by a judging panel that included representatives from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, and the Minnesota State Patrol.

Recognition from Koch Trucking leadership

Koch Trucking leaders said Klingson’s recognition reflects the standards the company expects from its professional drivers.

“For four decades, Gary has shown up to work, day after day, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to doing things right,” said Rick Lueck, senior director of flatbed and oversized, Koch. “Gary truly represents the best of the best, recently accomplishing 6 million safe driving miles, a remarkable milestone that reflects his unwavering dedication to safety throughout his career.”

Why the recognition matters

Industry stakeholders say awards like Minnesota Driver of the Year highlight the role experienced drivers play in keeping freight moving safely. As fleets face ongoing challenges related to safety, retention, and public perception, honoring drivers who consistently perform at a high level reinforces the importance of professionalism behind the wheel.

For fellow drivers, Klingson’s recognition serves as a reminder that steady performance, attention to safety, and long-term commitment are still valued and celebrated within the industry.

Source: The Trucker

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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

1. Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Mississippi
2. Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida
3. Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Florida
4. Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas
5. Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas
6. Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Missouri
7. Izet Kanarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri
8. Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, California
9. Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, West Virginia
10. Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana
11. Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island
12. Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
13. Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
14. Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida
15. Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
16. Omar Stebbin, XPO, Florida
17. David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
18. Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
19. Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
20. 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

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