professional truck driver Tom Warters is one of 36 finalists for the (ATA) . PJ Singh is nearing completion of his two-year team representing America’s Road Team, a group of professional truck drivers with superior safety records, was created in 1986 to represent the trucking industry.
Chris Spear, ATA president and CEO explained in a news release: “These men and women were selected as finalists for America’s Road Team because they have outstanding safe driving records, share a passion for the trucking industry and are role models among their peers.”
Captains, with support from their companies, dedicate a few days each month to attending industry events, speaking at schools, or meeting policymakers on behalf of the trucking industry.
The finalists now advance to the final round of the selection process, which will be held this January in Washington, D.C.
A panel of evaluators, including industry officials and trucking news media representatives, will judge the contenders on their knowledge of the trucking industry, dedication to safety, ability to communicate the industry’s messages and overall safe driving record.
Warters works in Ocala, Florida, servicing a customer in the building products sector. He has been a driver for the last two decades and has amassed two million-plus accident-free miles. He is a U.S. Navy veteran who served our country as a supply officer.
“I feel honored to be selected as a finalist,” Warters noted. “I must admit that seeing my name on the finalist list was an emotional moment. If I am chosen to be a Captain, I have two topics that mean a lot to me: The importance of the truck driver in today’s economy, and the importance of safe driving, for both cars and trucks. This honor is not just mine – there are many people that have contributed to my success.”
The 2024-2025 America’s Road Team will be announced on Jan. 16, 2024.
Captains from previous teams continue to serve as ambassadors to the industry and are called upon frequently to participate in safety events, speaking appearances and industry conferences.
Jeff Jackson, Penske Logistics executive vice president : “It is great to have Tom chosen as a finalist. I am confident he will continue our company’s proud tradition of having a Penske professional truck driver on each of the last several ATA Road Teams.”
By “Move Ahead” Staff
Penske Logistics truck driver James Clark is a finalist to be a Road Team Captain for the American Trucking Associations.
Penske Logistics truck driver James Clark is a lifelong farmer and is seen here working on the family's 600-acre Michigan farm.
In a story published on the , ATA President Chris Spear stated: “ATA is proud to select these respected drivers as the newest America’s Road Team captains, and we are thankful that they will continue to tell their important stories throughout the country. Their companies, friends and families should all be incredibly proud of these drivers for dedicating themselves to spreading a positive message about trucking.”
Penske Logistics truck driver Neil Kirk preaches driver safety to Minnesota high school students.
The popular phrase “third time’s the charm” doesn’t apply to truck driver Neil Kirk after he was named a captain of the 2015-2016 America’s Road Team on his second attempt. The announcement was made last night at a Capitol Hill event in Washington, D.C.
Kirk has three main goals: show the level of professionalism in driving, explain the need for safety and illustrate how important trucking is within the fabric of our economy.
Neil Kirk will be the first to say you can’t keep a good man down for too long. For the second time in his career, the experienced semi-truck driver is one of 32 finalists for the America’s Road Team, which is a national outreach program consisting of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills and safety records. Kirk was a bit overwhelmed with the vetting process the first time through two years ago but he is making certain it won’t happen again.
To aid his candidacy, Kirk has submitted a professional video and is fine-tuning his presentation skills for his in-person meetings with ATA judges in Arlington, Virginia. He will present 3-5 minutes on a subject in trucking in January, followed by a Q&A.