Old Dominion Freight Line received some uplifting news when the American Trucking Associations (ATA) named driver Glen Kirk a Road Team Captain.
Kirk, an Indiana-based CDL holder for Old Dominion, will enjoy an ambassadorship that runs through 2023. He is tasked with promoting safe driving skills and truck driving career opportunities. The honor comes at a time when the country needs upwards of 81,000 truck drivers to meet transportation demands.
“We are extremely proud of Glen, and we know that he will be a great representative for our industry and Old Dominion Freight Line during his time as a Road Team Captain. This is a well-deserved recognition,” Old Dominion vice president Steven Garrish reportedly said. “This last year, in particular, has been taxing on the industry and these drivers have shown perseverance and dedication through it all, while underscoring the importance of safety on the road.”
Working out of Indianapolis, Kirk is approaching 1.6 million safe driving miles since joining Old Dominion in 2010. He reportedly earned a spot in the 2017, 2018, and 2019 National Truck Driving Championships, finishing first in the three-axle class in 2017. The CDL professional also earned the John Himmel High Point Award. The award is given to the champion trucker posting the highest score in Indiana.
“This industry, like our country, is diverse, hard-working, and patriotic, and this new class of America’s Road Team Captains reflects all of that,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear reportedly said. “I’m proud that they will be representing the industry and ATA as our newest and best ambassadors — educating the country about trucking’s essential role in keeping America moving safely and efficiently.”
Kirk continues a safe driving tradition at Old Dominion, following the example set linehaul driver Rhonda Hartman, who served on the 2017-2018 America’s Road Team, and Bill Goins, who served as a Road Team Captain in 2019-2020.
The 22 newly-minted Road Team Captains are expected to tour the nation in ATA’s Interstate One Image Truck, showcasing an American flag emblazoned on a 2021 Volvo VNL 760. The tractor includes a truck driving simulator and mobile classroom.
“America’s Road Team is one of the most visible groups of professional truck drivers in the country, and we believe that their hard work to promote the profession and safety pays dividends for our industry,” Volvo Trucks North America President Peter Voorhoeve reportedly said. “We thank the Captains for their strong engagement and being passionate ambassadors of this great profession. We congratulate the new class of America’s Road Team Captains and wish them the best of success as they carry out their mission over the next two years.”
Road Team Captains were selected from 13 organizations in 17 states. The class possesses 564 years of combined experience and logged 45.8 million safe miles. Other America’s Road Team Captains include Bob Bramwell of ABF Freight System; Michael Buck of Yellow; Teddy Butler of ABF Freight System; Kevin Byrnes of UPS Inc; Jesus Davila of Werner Enterprises; Ken Duncan of Walmart Transportation; James Ellis of Grammer Logistics; Lalo Fernandez of FedEx Freight; Richard Frazer of Yellow; Charlie Fuller of FedEx Freight; Ritch Fundell of FedEx Freight; Salvador Gonzalez of TForce Freight; Darrien Henderson of J&M Tank Lines Inc; Gina Jones of Werner Enterprises; Dean Key of Ruan Transportation Management Systems; Jeff Rose, of Yellow; Ron Round of Pottle’s Transportation; David Schroeder of FedEx Freight; Eric Stein, Werner Enterprises Inc; PJ Singh of Penske Logistics; and Derrick Thorpe of TForce Freight.
Sources: businesswire.com, fleetowner.com
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