Volvo Trucks recently honored the newly appointed captains on American Trucking Associations’ 2024-25 America’s Road Team.
“In their role as captains, these men and women represent the driving force behind our nation’s economy,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said in a news release. “We commend their unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism, and they serve as exemplary role models within the trucking industry. With the ongoing challenges in the global supply chain and the continued growth of e-commerce, society is beginning to understand and appreciate the critical role that the trucking industry and safe, experienced drivers play in advancing the movement of essential goods and services.”
According to ATA, the 24 2024-25 captains represent 14 motor carriers and 14 states, and boast a combined 61.6 million accident-free driving miles. Their selection was based on their industry knowledge, effective communication skills regarding safety and transportation, and an exemplary safe-driving record.
See also: Groendyke driver among new Road Team captains
In support of this year’s America’s Road Team campaign, Volvo Trucks donated a fully loaded VNL 760 long-haul tractor that will tow ATA’s Interstate One mobile classroom—a 53-foot trailer equipped with a truck driving simulator, seven presentation screens, educational displays, and a conference room—to cities across the nation. The mobile classroom will serve as a platform for interactive trucking demonstrations, exhibitions, and displays, emphasizing advanced safety measures as the trucking ambassadors engage with diverse stakeholders, including students, lawmakers, community groups, and government officials.
Powered by Volvo Trucks’ enhanced D13 Turbo Compound engine with Dynamic Torque, the VNL 760 features a 13-speed Volvo I-Shift automated manual transmission that enables optimum fuel efficiency without impacting performance. Safety and productivity technologies such as the Volvo Dynamic Steering (VDS) system, Position Perfect steering configuration, Remote Diagnostics and Remote Programming services, and Volvo Active Driver Assist (VADA) safety system enhance the overall driving experience.
The new captains, appointed to serve for a two-year term, will be among the first to drive the all-new Volvo VNL, which is scheduled to enter production later this year, the manufacturer said. They also were the first drivers to see the all-new VNL at the Volvo Customer Center in Dublin, Virginia.
“As the first drivers to lay eyes on the all-new Volvo VNL, the professional drivers comprising America’s Road Team stand as the elite in their profession,” Voorhoeve said. “We value their feedback as we embark on this new era for Volvo Trucks, our customers, and their drivers. The new Volvo VNL is designed to change everything and crafted to meet the demands of the North American market, promising a transformative driving experience, and we look forward to hearing the feedback from this distinguished group of drivers.”