TORONTO, Ont. – The Ontario Trucking Association has named nine members to its 2005-2006 OTA Road Knights Team.

This is the sixth team the OTA has assembled since the program’s launch back in 1995.

To date, 65 professional truck drivers have participated in the program.

“The truck drivers selected are a cross section of the top-notch individuals on the road today,” said OTA president David Bradley.

“Each of these professional drivers has an exemplary attitude towards his job, the industry and road safety. We look forward to their joining the Road Knights who have been raising community awareness of safe road sharing and the essential service the trucking industry provides.”

The 2005-2006 OTA Road Knights are:

* Joseph (Rob) Bedard, TST Overland Express

* Martin Dej, Kriska Holdings Limited

* Mathieu (Matt) Graveline, McArthur Express Inc.

* Alvin Kane, Kriska Holdings Limited

* Angus MacCormac, Bison Transport

* John McDowell, Trimac Transportation Services Inc.

* Robert (Bob) Morley, TKO Transportation Inc.

* Trevor Weir, Thomson Terminals Limited

* Edward (Ted) Wheeler, TST Overland Express, Owner/Operator

Over the next two years, the Road Knights will spread a positive message about the trucking industry, present important road sharing tips to the motoring public and represent the trucking industry at community events, business club meetings, driver education classes, public schools, truck driving schools and to the media.

Collectively, previous Road Knight teams have appeared on hundreds of local, national and international news programs and met with hundreds of thousands of community residents to educate them about trucking issues.

This team of Road Knights was selected by a panel of judges representing many disciplines.

The panel included Truck News Executive Editor Ingrid Phaneuf and representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, the Ontario Provincial Police, 680 News Radio, the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario, the 2003 – 2004 Road Knights Team and the Ontario Trucking Association.

Each of the 15 candidates who were short listed for the program were required to: Deliver a well-organized and clearly presented speech before the panel of judges; undergo a screening of their safety records; submit a detailed application outlining why they want to become a team member and then participate in a rigorous interview by the seven member selection panel.

The Road Knights have been formally prepared for their new role as industry spokespersons by undergoing media relations and public speaking training.

They have also been outfitted in suits bearing the Road Knights crest, which they will wear to speaking engagements.