TORONTO — One woman and seven men have been named to 2009-2010 OTA Road Knights Team.

All truckers in the eight-driver team have first-class driving records, exceptional communication skills and a strong desire to share information about the trucking industry, say OTA.

The 2009 Road Knights are:

Anne Finley, Tandet Dedicated Inc.; Roger Douthwaite, Altanic Transportation; Paul Martin, MacKinnon Transport; Bob Duncan, Kriska Holdings; Geoff Edwards, Werner Enterprises Canada; Guy Broderick, Apps Transport Group; Todd Badour, Trimac Transportation Services; and Brian Panchuk, Bison Transport.

"In these tough economic times it is more important than ever that awareness be maintained about the essential service the trucking industry provides," said Rebecka Torn, OTA’s Communications Director. "The truck drivers selected are a cross section of first-class drivers on the road."

Over the next two years, the Road Knights will present important road sharing tips to motorists, raise awareness of the vital role trucking plays in the economy, talk to young people about careers in the trucking industry and represent the trucking industry at community events, business club meetings, driver education classes, public schools, truck driving schools and to the media.

To date, a total of 83 professional truck drivers have participated in the program.