ATA names 2026-27 America’s Road Team Captains
The American Trucking Associations has named the 20 professional drivers who will serve as Captains for the 2026–27 America’s Road Team, a national outreach program promoting safe driving and trucking careers.
The selected Captains will immediately begin their two-year term and will serve as industry ambassadors, traveling across the United States to participate in industry events, school visits, and meetings with policymakers.
Collectively, the group represents 13 states and brings more than 51 million miles of accident-free driving experience. The class includes four military veterans and one independent contractor, and drivers represent both small and large fleets.
“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, in a news release. “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.”
Established in 1986, America’s Road Team recognizes elite drivers for exceptional safety records, professionalism, and communication skills, ATA said in the release.
The program is sponsored by Volvo Trucks, which marks 25 years as America’s Road Team sponsor in 2026. The new Captains will tour the country in ATA’s Interstate One image truck, a Volvo VNL 860 pulling a trailer equipped with a mobile classroom and truck driving simulator.
The 2026-27 America’s Road Team Captains are:
Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Miss.
Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Fla.
Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Fla.
Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kan.
Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Ark.
Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Mo.
Izet Kantarevic, Werner Enterprises, Mo.
Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, Calif.
Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, W.Va.
Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Ind.
Selvin Ramirez, XPO, R.I.
Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Miss.
Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, N.M.
Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Fla.
Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minn.
Omar Stebbins, XPO, Fla.
David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Fla.
Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Ky.
Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, Calif.
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