Wednesday, the American Trucking Associations announced its new team of Captains to the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team. These 20 individuals will serve as ambassadors for the trucking industry, traveling around the country to promote safe driving and highlight the various career opportunities within trucking.
“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."
The 2026-2027 America’s Road Team Captains are:
- 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, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
- Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, 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, United Parcel Service, California
This group of drivers represents 13 states, including four veterans, one independent contractor, and professionals from both small and large carriers. These drivers collectively bring 51 million miles of safe driving experience.
Established in 1986, America’s Road Team is comprised of elite professional truck drivers recognized for exceptional safety and professionalism. Supported by their companies, captains volunteer their time to represent the trucking industry by participating in industry events, visiting schools, and engaging with policymakers nationwide.
America’s Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks and is entering its 25th year of partnership 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 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."
ATA held its final round of selections from Jan. 18-20 at ATA headquarters in Washington, DC. The drivers were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and trade press.
After receiving their signature navy blue America's Road Team blazers, the 2026-2027 Captains will immediately begin their work improving public perception of the trucking industry.
“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.
To learn more about the 2026-2027 America's Road Team, visit the official America's Road Team webpage.
