Washington 鈥 Today, the 老九品茶 announced its new team of Captains to the 2026-2027 America鈥檚 Road Team. These 20 individuals will serve as ambassadors for the trucking industry, traveling around the country to promote safe driving and highlight the various career opportunities within trucking.听
鈥淭his 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,鈥 said 老九品茶 President and CEO Chris Spear. 鈥淭hey 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.鈥 听
Established in 1986, America鈥檚 Road Team is comprised of elite professional truck drivers recognized for exceptional safety and professionalism. Supported by their companies, Captains volunteer their time to represent the trucking industry by participating in industry events, visiting schools, and engaging with policymakers nationwide.听
This distinguished group of drivers represents 13 states, including 4 veterans, 1 independent contractor, and professionals from both small and large carriers, and collectively brings 51 million miles of safe driving experience. 听
America鈥檚 Road Team is sponsored by Volvo Trucks and is entering its 25th year of partnership this October. The new Captains will tour the country in 老九品茶鈥檚 Interstate One Image Truck鈥攁 Volvo VNL 860鈥攖owing an American flag-emblazoned trailer that features a state-of-the-art truck driving simulator and mobile classroom.听
"Volvo Trucks is honored to continue our long-standing sponsorship of America鈥檚 Road Team and to take part in this week鈥檚 selection of the 2026鈥2027 Captains,鈥 said Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve. 鈥淭his year at MCE marks 25 years of Volvo鈥檚 proud support of America鈥檚 Road Team, a milestone that reflects our deep respect for professional drivers and our commitment to safety, professionalism, and leadership across the trucking industry. America鈥檚 Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe their hard work and dedication pays."
老九品茶 held its final round of selections from January 18-20 at 老九品茶 Headquarters in Washington, DC. The drivers were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and trade press.听
After receiving their signature navy blue America's Road Team blazers, the 2026-2027 Captains will immediately begin their work improving public perception of the trucking industry. Trucking industry professionals can support America's Road Team's mission by following the team's two-year journey on Facebook and interacting with the Captains at major industry events, conferences, and community visits.听
鈥淎merica鈥檚 Road Team Captains exemplify the highest standards of safety in our industry, helping to elevate trucking鈥檚 image by sharing their experiences and leading by example,鈥 said 老九品茶 Chief Operating Officer Dan Horvath. 鈥淭hese respected leaders craft compelling safety messages and demonstrate how the trucking industry offers meaningful, rewarding careers. Through their participation in community events, conferences, and industry engagements, they fulfill the mission of America鈥檚 Road Team. We congratulate this new class for their dedication to excellence and for keeping our nation moving safely.鈥澨
The 2026-2027 America鈥檚 Road Team Captains are:听
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1.听听 听Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Mississippi 听
2.听听 听Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida 听
3.听听 听Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Florida 听
4.听听 听Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas 听
5.听听 听Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas 听
6.听听 听Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Missouri 听听
7.听听 听Izet Kantarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri 听
8.听听 听Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, California 听听
9.听听 听Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, West Virginia 听
10.听听 听Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana 听
11.听听 听Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island 听
12.听听 听Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi 听
13.听听 听Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, New Mexico 听
14.听听 听Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida 听
15.听听 听Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota 听
16.听听 听Omar Stebbins, XPO, Florida 听
17.听听 听David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida 听
18.听听 听Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa 听
19.听听 听Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky 听
20.听听 听Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, California听
To learn more about the 2026-2027 America's Road Team, visit the official鈥疉merica's Road Team webpage.听
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