TORONTO, Ont. — The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) has named its 2009-2010 Road Knights Team, consisting of eight professional drivers that exemplify excellent communication skills, first-class driving records and a strong desire to promote the industry.

“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.”

This year’s team consists of: Anne Finley, Tandet Dedicated; 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.

The team will work over the next two years to share information on safely sharing the road with trucks, raising awareness of the role trucking plans in the economy and promoting the industry to young people. They’ll also be visible at community events, business club meetings, deriver education classes, etc., according to the OTA.

This year’s team was selected by a panel of judges representing: the Ministry of Transportation; Ontario Provincial Police; Truck News magazine; 680 News Radio; CP24; Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario; a member of the previous Road Knights Team and OTA staff.

All team members have successfully completed media and public speaking training.