“These [people] were selected as finalists for America’s Road Team because they have outstanding safe driving records, share a passion for the trucking industry, and serve as role models among their peers,” said Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO. “They proudly represent ATA and exemplify some of the very best professional truck drivers on the road today. Their dedication and professionalism continue to inspire the entire industry.”

What America’s Road Team Represents

Founded in 1986 and sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America, America’s Road Team brings together professional truck drivers with superior safety records to represent the industry at events, schools, and meetings with policymakers. Captains dedicate a few days each month to share their knowledge of safe driving, the importance of trucking, and industry best practices.

This year’s 31 finalists, representing 19 states, have a combined total of 57 million safe-driving miles and 737 years of professional driving experience. They drive everything from short-haul deliveries to long-haul routes across all 48 continental states. Their goal is to continue raising awareness about highway safety, professionalism, and the essential role trucking plays in the U.S. economy.

Final Selection Process

The finalists will compete for the final team in January at ATA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Judges from various sectors of the trucking industry will evaluate candidates based on safety records, communication skills, industry knowledge, and dedication to promoting trucking to the public.

The new America’s Road Team captains will receive the signature navy blue blazers and begin outreach work with media, public officials, business and community groups, and their fellow drivers nationwide. Past Road Team captains continue to serve as industry ambassadors, frequently participating in safety events, conferences, and speaking engagements.

“Being named a finalist for America’s Road Team is a tremendous honor for professional truck drivers, and ATA applauds each of them for this accomplishment,” said Dan Horvath, ATA COO. “These drivers are the very best of the industry, sharing their expertise and commitment to safety, while educating the motoring public about the vital role trucking plays in our economy.”

2026-2027 America’s Road Team Finalists

• Mark Behr, ABF Freight Systems Inc., Michigan
• Cardell Benfield, Titan Transfer, Mississippi
• Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida
• Robbie Cottrell, XPO, Virginia
• Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport Inc., Florida
• Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas
• Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas
• Marshall Hopkins, Werner Enterprises, Texas
• Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems Inc., Missouri
• Izet Kanarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri
• Benjamin Mansfield, XPO, Michigan
• Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems Inc., California
• Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems Inc., West Virginia
• Aaron Mendoza, FedEx Freight, Illinois
• Donald Michael, Werner Enterprises, Louisiana
• George Moore, United Parcel Service, Florida
• Charles Pearson, ABF Freight Systems Inc. Georgia
• Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana
• Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island
• Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
• Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
• Robert Roth, FedEx Freight, Missouri
• Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida
• Gary Schmidt, Jacobson Transport, Minnesota
• Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
• Omar Stebbin, XPO, Florida
• David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
• Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems Inc., Iowa
• Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
• Darius Uible, United Parcel Service, Ohio
• Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, California

These drivers exemplify the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and industry knowledge, making them standout ambassadors for trucking on America’s highways.

Source: The Trucker

Image: ATA

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The TCA Fleet Safety Awards are officially open for entries, inviting carriers of all sizes to show how their teams go above and beyond to maintain exceptional safety records and strong safety cultures.

The TCA Fleet Safety Awards is a program that recognizes fleets with superior safety records and exceptional company safety cultures, the association said. “If your safety team has raised the bar, now is the time to get them the recognition they’ve earned all year long.”

This annual competition is open to all TCA carrier members. Awards are given for first, second, and third place across six mileage-based divisions, ensuring fleets are judged fairly against others running similar miles. Winners from each division will then compete for the Grand Prize in both Large and Small Carrier categories, a top honor in the industry that highlights a company’s commitment to driver safety and operational excellence.

Award recipients will be recognized at TCA’s 2026 Annual Convention in Orlando, happening February 28 through March 3. The event will also feature keynote speaker NFL legend Jimmy Johnson, making the celebration one that is both professional and memorable.

TCA expressed appreciation for the companies helping make the program possible. “TCA would like to thank our presenting sponsors, Great West Casualty Company and Arthur J Gallagher,” the organization said. “Thank you for helping the association celebrate the best in safety.”

Truck drivers and fleet safety teams who have made safety their top priority throughout the year are encouraged to get involved and showcase their results. Recognition from this program not only celebrates your achievements but can also help strengthen your fleet’s reputation with shippers, drivers, and industry partners.

For more information or to submit an entry, click here, or contact Hailey Betham with TCA’s safety and policy team at hbetham@truckload.org.

Image Source: TCA
Source: The Trucker

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After serving in the U.S. Air Force from 1978 to 1984, Carter started his post-military career working at a box plant for furniture. He quickly realized that factory work was not for him.

“I got tired of looking at four walls all of the time,” Carter said.

The solution was to carry on a family legacy.

“My dad was a truck driver, and he suggested that I give it a shot,” Carter said.

The first step was to go to trucking school, he said, adding that he was trained at Isothermal Community College in Forest City, North Carolina, which was affiliated with New Jersey-based Coretta Trucking.

“They had a satellite terminal right across the street from the terminal, and that’s where my dad worked, at Coretta Trucking,” Carter said.

Once he completed training, he drove the team with his dad for about eight months, allowing the two to spend time together while Carter gained real-world experience.

“Then Dad had to do something else — and my wife didn’t like for me to be gone three weeks out of the month,” he said. The search was on for a job that would allow him to drive and still spend quality time with his family.

“Sometimes you’ve got to get a little experience so you can move on to something else,” Carter said. “I had to find my way until I found the right trucking company for me, which was Cargo Transporters.”

Twenty-four years later, he’s still driving for the same company — and working to make the trucking industry better.

“I’m out for a week. I’m home every weekend,” he said. “I can count on one hand the times I’ve been out on a weekend. That’s good. Not a lot of companies try to make that a priority.”

Carter counts being able to see new places and travel around the country as his favorite part of being a trucker.

“It’s never the same scenery. That’s what I like about it,” he explained. “You get to meet all kinds of people from all over the country. I always say I have an office with a view.

“If you’re not learning something every day in truck driving, there’s something wrong,” he continued.

Of the many challenges faced by professional drivers, Carter says a shortage of safe truck parking and traffic congestion are the ones that affect him the most, particularly in larger metropolitan areas.

“If I take my time in the big cities and just mind the space around my truck, before you know it — 10, 15 minutes, maybe 20 minutes — I’m through it without any kind of hassle,” he said of urban traffic.

“But you’re always keeping your head on a swivel around you with the traffic around the big trucks. It’s just that the general public doesn’t realize what it takes for a truck to maneuver in traffic,” he continued. “They’re trying to get from Point A to Point B, just like we are, and they don’t want to be behind the truck. That’s why they’re always zooming around.”

A consummate professional both on and off the road, Carter has been recognized with several accolades, including being named a 2025 Professional Driver of the Year by the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), a 2024-2025 Road Team for the American Trucking Associations (ATA), and Cargo Transporters’ November 2024 Driver of the Month.

Most recently, Carter was honored as the 2025 DMC Insurance Driver of the Year. He is the only Cargo Transport driver to win both the TCA and DMC awards.

“Perry exemplifies what it means to be a professional driver, a servant leader, and an industry ambassador,” said Matthew Sheffield, marketing and public relations coordinator at Cargo Transporters. “He has the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and community service, and is a powerful voice for veteran causes and a dedicated advocate within the trucking community.”

According to TCA, with 2.8 million accident-free miles and decades of experience, Carter sets the standard for safety, humility, and service.

Carter is humble when speaking about all that he has achieved in his career, but all the same, he is very aware of the honors he’s earned, particularly the TCA driver of the year award and being named a captain for ATA’s road team.

“I was driving through Tennessee one morning and listening to the Dave Nemo Show, and they announced my name over the radio,” he recalled. “I thought, ‘Man, that was awesome!’” Carter said.

For Carter, earning all the accolades he has received has been both exciting and overwhelming. He credits his family, mentors, and his faith in helping him achieve his dreams. Outside of work, Carter enjoys taking his wife Carolyn out to dinner and playing golf.

“Perry is deeply committed to supporting fellow veterans through efforts like Wreaths Across America and organizations such as Purple Heart Homes and American Warriors of Liberty,” a statement from TCA reads.

“He proudly represented Cargo Transporters as a Ride of Pride driver in both 2018 and 2023. Beyond his professional achievements, Perry also demonstrates remarkable devotion to his family,” the statement continues. “He has rearranged his work schedule to be there for his wife, Carolyn, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and cares for his disabled brother who lives with them.”

Through his service, advocacy, and compassion, Perry Carter continues to inspire others.

This story originally appeared in the September/October 2025 edition of Truckload Authority, the official publication of the Truckload Carriers Association.

Source: The Trucker

Image Source: Cargo Transporters

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“Recognition of safe driving is a reflection of where culture is shifting,” said Avneesh Agrawal, CEO of Netradyne. “It shows us that safety isn’t just managed from the top down—the drivers themselves own it. And that changes everything.”

A Fresh Approach to Safety

Rather than spotlighting negative events or violations, DriverStar rewards positive driving behavior as it happens. Integrated into Netradyne’s Driver•i safety system, it uses edge computing and real-time analysis to identify and affirm responsible driving—helping fleets build a culture centered on accountability and continuous growth.

Common DriverStar triggers include:

• Creating Space: Awarded when a driver increases following distance or maneuvers to avoid hazards
• Streaks: Granted for completing consecutive days or miles without incidents—covering safe habits like speed control, alertness, and signal compliance

These aren’t just trophies; real data show that fleets with active DriverStar programs log fewer risky maneuvers and experience lower accident rates.

Why It Works

Netradyne observes that by shining a spotlight on what’s going right, fleets see better outcomes:

• Higher driver engagement and morale
• Improved retention among top-performing drivers
• A shift toward proactive safety and positive reinforcement

“This innovation reinforces the company’s belief that building safer fleets starts by recognizing what’s going right, not just what’s going wrong,” the company said.

Industry Voices on DriverStars

• Michael Lasko, VP of Safety & Quality at Boyle Transportation and Skelton Truck Lines:

“I believe wholeheartedly in Netradyne’s DriverStar Streaks… The GreenZone Score is an excellent indicator of risk. Netradyne does an outstanding job of identifying risky behaviors that we previously weren’t identifying… It was all negative.”

• Erin Mitchell, COO of Kutzler Express:

“They think it’s an exciting technology. It is fun for them to earn DriverStars and be in the Green Zone… The drivers love the competition, and they love knowing how they’re performing.”

• Kendra Payette, Senior Safety & Training Manager at Halvor Lines:

“With Netradyne’s DriverStar program, our drivers aren’t just monitored—they’re recognized for their skill and decision-making… It’s more than technology – it’s a tool that empowers our people.”

• Mike Purdun, Commercial Fleet Driver at Halvor:

“Getting DriverStars feels like someone’s finally noticing the things we do right… It’s a good feeling to be recognized, not just called out when something goes wrong.”

A Vision for Safer Roads

With nearly a decade of innovation and patents behind it, Netradyne is at the forefront of a shift in fleet safety—from punitive monitoring to empowerment through acknowledgment. By celebrating positive driving in real time, DriverStar champions a culture where good decisions are noticed, praised, and repeated.

Image Source: Netradyne Via YouTube, The Trucker
Source: The Trucker

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The highly anticipated All-Star Truck Giveaway is a signature event for Landstar, exclusively honoring its Million Mile Safe Drivers and Roadstar recipients. These designations recognize drivers who exemplify exceptional safety records, productivity, and outstanding customer service.

To qualify for this prestigious honor, drivers must achieve at least one million consecutive accident-free miles with Landstar. This year’s giveaway marked the 51st truck awarded in Landstar’s history and the 14th specifically presented to a Million Mile Safe Driver or Roadstar honoree.

A Night to Remember
The 2026 Freightliner Cascadia, co-sponsored by Comdata, came with all registration fees and taxes fully covered by Landstar. The giveaway was the highlight of the evening, but for Eason, the night was doubly special. Earlier in the event, he was officially inducted as a Landstar Million Mile Safe Driver.

Eason’s journey to winning the truck involved a bit of suspense. He was one of four finalists randomly selected from a pool of eligible Landstar owner-operators. On stage, each finalist chose one of four boxes, only one of which contained the key to the new Cascadia. When Eason opened his box and found the winning key, his life changed in an instant.

This annual celebration not only rewards excellence but also underscores Landstar’s commitment to safety and its appreciation for the dedication of its drivers.

Image Source: Landstar
Source: Truckers News

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The announcement was shared via a media release on Monday, highlighting the importance of the Trainer of the Year program.

“Since 2019, Maverick’s Trainer of the Year program has recognized outstanding driver trainers who continually go above and beyond to mentor and develop the next generation of professional Maverick drivers,” the release stated. “These finalists and winners are chosen based on their exceptional performance, strict compliance to safety standards, professionalism, and a continuous commitment to The Maverick Way.”

Vice President of Operations John Coppens praised Shunkey’s accomplishments and dedication, saying, “Kurt has excelled as both a road trainer and driver, with over 4 years as a road trainer and 7 years as a driver. He was named Trainer of the Year for 2025, Driver of the Month in 2022, earned a 5-year safe driving ring, and achieved ACE status three times since 2022. Drivers trained by Kurt consistently praise his commitment and professionalism. Congratulations, Kurt!”

When asked about his reaction to receiving the accolade, Shunkey expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am surprised! It makes me feel very honored that Maverick thinks I am worthy enough to be named Trainer of the Year.”

Shunkey’s dedication to safety, professionalism, and mentorship exemplifies The Maverick Way, solidifying his well-deserved recognition as 2025 Trainer of the Year.

Image Source: Maverick Transportation
Source: The Trucker

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“For nearly four decades, America’s Road Team has set the gold standard in promoting safety and professionalism on our highways,” said Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA. “As we begin the process of selecting a new class of captains, we’re looking for drivers who not only demonstrate excellence behind the wheel but also have a passion for telling our industry’s story and inspiring the next generation of trucking professionals.”

Representing the Best in Trucking

Established in 1986, America’s Road Team brings together drivers with exceptional safety records and a passion for the industry. These captains aren’t just skilled behind the wheel — they also serve as public ambassadors, helping tell the trucking story across the country.

Backed by their employers, captains spend their term traveling in the ATA’s custom Volvo VNL 860 — also known as the Interstate One Image Truck. It’s more than just a truck. Inside, it’s outfitted with a mobile classroom and a simulator designed to give people a deeper look at what driving a truck is really like.

During their time as captains, drivers attend school visits, community events, policy meetings, and industry gatherings to talk about trucking’s impact on daily life and the economy.

Application Details

ATA will select the 2026–2027 captains following in-person evaluations in Washington, D.C., scheduled for January 18–24, 2026.

A panel of industry leaders will review each applicant based on their safety history, communicati.on skills, and industry insight — all key to representing trucking in public spaces.

Drivers interested in applying should go through their carrier. Application materials and eligibility info are available now on ATA’s website.

Strong Support from the Industry

“Volvo Trucks is proud to continue our support of this extraordinary program,” said Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America. “America’s Road Team captains are powerful voices for the industry, and we look forward to meeting the next group of leaders who will help us continue advocating for safety, professionalism, and opportunity in trucking.”

The most recent team, chosen in early 2024, includes drivers from 14 carriers and together, they’ve logged over 61 million accident-free miles. That group will keep traveling and sharing their experiences through 2025, as the next round of applications gets underway.

“America’s Road Team captains are the face of our industry,” said Nikki Thomas, ATA’s vice president of industry affairs. “They exemplify the best of what trucking has to offer and play a vital role in shifting public perception and inspiring future drivers.”

Stay updated on the America’s Road Team and their events by following ATA’s Facebook page.

Image Source: ATA
Source: The Trucker

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According to the FTA, “More than 370 of the top professional commercial motor vehicle drivers in the state will compete, showcasing their safe driving skills and knowledge of the industry.” These skilled professionals collectively boast over 535 million miles of accident-free driving, underscoring their dedication to roadway safety.

The event is family-friendly, free, and open to the public, making it a must-see for anyone curious about the trucking industry or those simply looking for unique entertainment this weekend.

Featuring Florida’s Top Drivers

The annual Florida Truck Driving Championships (TDC) draws elite drivers selected from leading companies across the state, including UPS, FedEx, Amazon, Publix Super Markets, Walmart, Trans-Phos, Oakley, and Florida Rock & Tank Lines.

The FTA adds, “Qualified drivers have remained accident-free and represent the top drivers statewide for their companies. With a combined total of more than 535,000,000 miles of safe, accident-free driving, these dedicated professionals have a proven commitment to roadway safety. As a comparison, a driver would have to drive 65 mph non-stop for 940 years without any violations or accidents.”

Event Details

• Dates: June 13-14, 2025
• Location: Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, Fla.
• Admission: Free and open to the public

For competition times and event activities, visit FTA’s website. To arrange interviews or on-site tours, contact Alix Miller, FTA President and CEO, at 850-868-1050 or alix@floridatrucking.org. Don’t miss this celebration of professionalism, skill, and safety in the trucking industry!

Image Source: FTA
Source: The Trucker

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This annual recognition spotlights drivers who go above and beyond, exemplifying exceptional safety practices, professionalism, and integrity. Both Melvin and Thomas serve as ambassadors for the Maverick fleet, setting a high standard for the trucking community.

Celebrating Justin Melvin’s Achievements

Justin Melvin, who has served Maverick Transportation for 18 years, was recognized for his unwavering dedication to safety and his exceptional skills as a road trainer. John Coppens, Maverick’s Vice President of Operations, highlighted Melvin’s contributions, stating, “We couldn’t be prouder of Justin. He has earned the respect of his students and peers, and his vast knowledge and incredible work ethic will allow him to make a difference on our driver advisory councils.”

Melvin has accumulated an impressive 1.9 million safe driving miles and has trained 66 drivers during his time with Maverick. Commenting on his achievement, Melvin shared, “I never thought it would happen, and I am still in shock about it. I have a lot to live up to, and it will probably take a while to sink in.”

He also offered insight into his driving philosophy, referencing advice he received early in his career. “A tenured driver told me to drive my truck and secure it every day like my family was on either side of me. That made me think about how I was doing things. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I want to make sure they are trained right,” Melvin explained.

Honoring Kenneth Thomas for Excellence

Kenneth Thomas, selected as Maverick’s 2024 Dedicated Driver of the Year, has been an integral part of the company for over 13 years. Known for his integrity and reliability, Thomas has consistently delivered on time, claim-free, and with unwavering commitment.

Justin Brown, Vice President of Dedicated Operations, praised Thomas, saying, “Ken embodies the Maverick way. He has performed his job with integrity, respect, and commitment, always delivering on time and claim-free. His dedication has allowed us to grow with our customers, creating additional jobs for other drivers. Thank you, Ken. We appreciate you.”

Upon receiving the award, Thomas shared his surprise, “I was completely shocked. As I was walking back to the table, I didn’t even hear my name get called for Driver of the Year. When I realized, I was just overwhelmed with honor.” He also emphasized what sets Maverick apart, stating, “What sets Maverick apart is our attention to detail and doing everything The Maverick Way®.”

About Maverick Transportation

Founded in 1980 and headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, Maverick Transportation operates more than 1,600 units. The company provides over-the-road and dedicated transportation services, specializing in the flatbed, glass, and specialized freight markets across North America.

Source: Truckers News
Image Source: Maverick Transportation

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National Carriers Inc. (NCI), based in Irving, Texas, is shining the spotlight on four exceptional drivers who have been named the first finalists for the 2025 Driver of the Year. These finalists exemplify outstanding customer service, a commitment to safety, and a positive attitude, setting an industry gold standard.

Monthly Honors Lead to Prestigious Recognition

“Each month, National Carriers selects an outstanding driver to recognize for their continued contributions to our company’s success,” said Ed Kentner, NCI spokesman. “When making each selection, we consider service, safety, attitude, and appearance. These driving professionals transcend the requirements for superior performance and are the elite of the “Elite” fleet.”

The 2025 monthly honorees, now finalists for Driver of the Year, are Bradley Rickman, Ty Gurr, Ronald Hotchkiss, and Ken Bohn. Each has received a $1,000 recognition bonus and a shot at the coveted Driver of the Year award, which includes a $10,000 prize.

Meet the Finalists

Bradley Rickman

Named January 2025 Driver of the Month, Bradley Rickman has been an NCI “Elite” fleet driver since 2017. Based in northwest Oklahoma, Rickman specializes in transporting cattle hides from National Beef Packing Company’s facilities in Kansas to Missouri. With over one million accident-free miles under his belt, Rickman is a pillar of safety and professionalism.

Ty Gurr

Ty Gurr, a Florida resident from Ocala, earned the February Driver of the Month title. Joining NCI in 2021 as a company driver for refrigerated freight, Gurr operates across the lower 48 states. His dedication to safety and exceptional customer service has quickly elevated his status within the “Elite” fleet.

Ronald Hotchkiss

March’s Driver of the Month, Ronald Hotchkiss, an owner-operator who has worked with NCI for 12 years. A veteran of the U.S. Army, Hotchkiss focuses on serving Midwest customers and is well-known for his professional demeanor and polished appearance.

Ken Bohn

Representing April 2025, Ken Bohn is a U.S. Army veteran who joined NCI in 2019. Operating within the 48-state refrigerated lease division, Bohn’s commitment to safety and customer service sets him apart. His willingness to go above and beyond has made him a standout member of the NCI team.

A Commitment to Excellence

NCI’s Driver of the Year program represents their ongoing dedication to recognizing and rewarding exemplary performance within the trucking industry. With these Driver of the Month honorees now vying for the annual title, the competition highlights the exceptional contributions made by NCI drivers across the country.

Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2025 Driver of the Year, as NCI continues to celebrate excellence within its “Elite” fleet while fostering a culture of safety, service, and professionalism.

Source: The Trucker
Image Source: NCI

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