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
Penske Logistics truck driver James Clark is a lifelong farmer and is seen here working on the family's 600-acre Michigan farm.
Penske Logistics truck driver Earl Taylor (standing) speaks during a visit to the White House as President Donald Trump (seated center) listens.
In a story published on the 
The next step for Taylor is to visit ATA’s headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, in January to make his case before a panel of industry experts.
Neil Kirk, 
Ron Schwartz, director of staffing services who works in Penske’s Reading, Pennsylvania, headquarters, stated that adding technicians is one of the top hiring needs in 2016 and beyond.
Millennials value being developed and seeing a career path laid out before them. Penske offers the opportunity for techs to increase their skillsets and feature multiple levels based on ability and experience. About 42 percent of the company’s starting level technicians are 30 and younger.
“They’re joining a company with the depth and resources to help them build a successful career,” Mangione explained on a recent Friday afternoon from his office. “We’re the kind of company that trains you for success in your job and will train you to take on a leadership role if that is what you’re interested in. Many of our maintenance leaders began as technicians in our company.”
Mangione is referring to the Penske Technician Certification Program. TCP is recognized by the Automotive Training Managers Council as an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Continuing Automotive Service Education (CASE) training program.
For the third straight year 
These are a few of the ways that Penske promoted the SmartWay Transport Partnership:
The popular phrase “third time’s the charm” doesn’t apply to 
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 
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.
“We are truly honored to be a repeat winner of the SmartWay Affiliate Challenge Award,” stated Drew Cullen, Penske vice president of fuels and environmental Affairs. “It is in our company DNA to not only be good environmental stewards ourselves, but to also aid our customers in identifying, quantifying and implementing sustainable transportation solutions.”
“I commend Penske for its level of commitment, enthusiasm, and creativity in promoting EPA’s SmartWay program, and sustainable transportation,” said Chris Grundler, director of EPA’s office of transportation and air quality. “Penske’s work in this arena brings us all closer to achieving the shared goals of clean freight and clean air.”
ATA is encouraging drivers and carriers to invite the local media, elected officials or community leaders to tour their terminals or get up in the cab and ride along with a professional driver during the week. It’s a great way to educate people about the essentials of the trucking industry as well as tout the impressive safety record of the drivers behind the wheel. 
The availability of qualified truck drivers is always a long-term industry concern, but rebounding freight volumes in 2010 have brought the driver shortage issue back to the forefront and numbers continue to rise. 
NPTC reported that private fleet owners report retention and turnover rates that are better than their for-hire peers. NPTC members report turnover of 10.6 percent, which is up slightly from the 10 percent reported last year.