American Trucking Associations Announces Finalists for America’s Road Team

WASHINGTON — The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has unveiled the names of 31 professional truck drivers who have been selected as finalists for the 2026-2027 America’s Road Team.

Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO, stated, “These individuals have been chosen as finalists because of their exceptional safe driving records, enthusiasm for the trucking industry, and their role as inspirations among peers. They are proud representatives of ATA and showcase the finest professional drivers on the road today. Their commitment and professionalism motivate the entire sector.”

About America’s Road Team

Established in 1986 and sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America, America’s Road Team consists of professional truck drivers with exemplary safety records. With the backing of their employers, these Captains dedicate part of their month to participating in industry events, presenting at schools, and engaging with policymakers on behalf of the trucking community.

Selection Process for Finalists

The 31 finalists will proceed to the final round of selection scheduled for January in Washington. A panel of judges from various industry sectors will assess the candidates based on their trucking industry knowledge, commitment to safety, ability to convey industry messages, and overall safe driving history. The finalists collectively boast 57 million safe-driving miles and 737 years of professional experience, demonstrating their passion for highway safety as they seek to share their insights with the public.

Announcement of the New Road Team

The 2026-2027 America’s Road Team will be revealed on Tuesday, January 20, during a ceremony at ATA Headquarters in Washington. After receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazer, the new captains will start working to promote the industry’s messages surrounding safety, essentiality, and sustainability to the public, media, business and community groups, and officials across the country.

Legacy of Previous Captains

Former Captains continue their role as industry ambassadors and are frequently called to attend safety events, deliver speeches, and participate in industry conferences.

Celebrating the Finalists

Dan Horvath, ATA COO, expressed, “Being named a finalist for America’s Road Team is a remarkable honor for professional truck drivers, and ATA commends each of them for this achievement. These drivers represent the pinnacle of the industry, sharing their expertise and commitment to safety while informing the public about the critical role trucking serves in our economy.”

List of Finalists

This year’s finalists come from 19 different states, transporting a wide variety of products and ranging from short-haul to long-haul operations across the lower 48 states. The finalists are:

• 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.