Penske Logistics professional truck driver Tom Warters is one of 36 finalists for the American Trucking Associations (ATA) America’s Road Team. PJ Singh is nearing completion of his two-year team representing Penske. 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 dedicated contract carriage: “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