Five Good Things: Celebrating fleet wins, driver heroism, and industry achievements
Volvo Trucks extends sponsorship of America’s Road Team through 2026
Volvo Trucks North America recently announced its continued sponsorship of the American Trucking Associations’ America’s Road Team for 2026, marking the company’s 24th consecutive year as this program’s sponsor. The announcement was made during the ATA Management Conference & Exhibition held in San Diego, California.
Every two years, a new class of Captains is selected for their safety records and commitment to the industry. These Captains collectively log millions of accident-free miles and serve as ambassadors for the values that define the trucking profession. America’s Road Team Captains attend a wide range of events, including visits to the White House, state capitals, motorcycle rallies, career fairs, schools, and educational conferences. They also host ride-alongs with policymakers and members of the media to demonstrate firsthand what it takes to operate safely and professionally on the nation’s highways.
“America’s Road Team Captains play an essential role in advancing safety and professionalism across the industry,” Peter Voorhoeve, president of Volvo Trucks North America, said. “Through their ongoing work in communities, classrooms, and legislative halls, they help bridge understanding between truck drivers and the communities they serve, inspiring respect for the work that keeps our economy moving. We are honored to have them driving the all-new Volvo VNL, our safest, most connected, and most fuel-efficient Class 8 truck, as safety remains the top priority in our industry.”
In support of the program, Volvo Trucks provided America’s Road Team with a fully equipped, all-new Volvo VNL 860 to transport the ATA Interstate One mobile classroom to events and communities nationwide.
Kenworth T680 will transport U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington, D.C., for 12th year
Kenworth recently announced it will provide a T680, sporting a newly installed graphics wrap, to transport the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada to Washington, D.C. The truck’s design celebrates the “Spirit of the Silver State” with a background of the sunset overlooking Nevada’s National Forest.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour will begin on November 1 with the Nevada Day Parade in Carson City. The tour will conclude on November 20 when it is delivered to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol Building.
The truck pulling this year’s tree is a decaled Kenworth T680 equipped with a 76-inch sleeper and the Paccar Powertrain featuring the Paccar MX-13, Paccar TX-12 automated transmission, and Paccar DX-40 tandem rear axles. The Kenworth T680 features a Diamond VIT interior in slate gray with madrona accents and includes the latest in driver amenities. Both the driver and passenger seats are GT703 Ultraleather seats that are fully heated and cooled. The 76-inch sleeper includes space for a microwave and TV, a factory-installed fridge, and a rotating work table. The T680 also includes the latest in driver assistance systems, including Kenworth's DigitalVision Mirrors, Bendix Fusion Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) Stop and Auto Go, and Lane Keeping Assist with Torque Assisted Steering.
For the second year, real-time GPS location tracking of the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will be provided by Kenworth’s TruckTech+ connected truck technology. Starting November 1, the tree’s journey can be tracked via an interactive map on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree website.
Knight-Swift was chosen as the hauler for this year’s tree at the recommendation of Kenworth Truck. This year’s driver, Michael Porter, based at Swift Transportation’s Phoenix, Arizona, Terminal, brings an enthusiasm for driving and a reputation for professionalism and service. Knight-Swift will haul the tree, while Southwest Airlines will help transport thousands of handmade ornaments created by Nevadans.
The Women In Trucking Association names the 2025 Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation
The Women In Trucking Association (WIT) recently announced the recipients of the 2025 “Top Companies for Women to Work in Transportation.”
There are a number of characteristics that distinguish the companies recognized on this list, according to Brian Everett, publisher of Redefining the Road. These characteristics include corporate cultures that champion the employment and advancement of women in trucking; competitive compensation and benefits; flexible hours and work requirements; professional development opportunities; and career advancement opportunities.
The list is comprised of a range of company types in the trucking marketplace, including motor carriers, third-party logistics companies, and original equipment manufacturers. These companies will be recognized at the upcoming WIT Accelerate! Conference & Expo November 9-12 in Dallas, Texas.
“Earning a place on this distinguished list requires companies to embody the values and actions that define true commitment to attracting, retaining, and engaging more skilled, qualified women as a core business strategy,” Everett said. “The qualification process to this list is rigorous: First, each nomination is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets a minimum threshold of qualifications, and then industry professionals cast their votes to determine the final honorees. Now in its eighth year, this recognition program generated more than 21,000 votes, underscoring the depth of engagement and industry-wide support to advancing women in the trucking industry.
Truck driver named TCA Highway Angel for quick thinking during vehicle crash
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) recently named professional truck driver John Bradley a TCA Highway Angel for his quick thinking and action during a roadside emergency. Bradley drives for James River Carriers out of Richmond, Virginia.
On the morning of September 15, while on-site at a customer location in Richmond, Bradley noticed another company’s driver mistakenly hooking up to the wrong trailer. After helping the driver correct the mistake, Bradley realized the driver had not fully secured the air lines and was preparing to pull away. Moments later, he observed the driver slumped over the steering wheel as the truck slowly rolled forward.
“I called 911,” Bradley said. “I couldn’t leave him because I knew something was wrong.”
Bradley ran toward the truck, blocked traffic to prevent a potential collision, and climbed inside to bring the vehicle to a stop. He then ensured the driver received medical assistance. Bradley learned that the driver had suffered a medical emergency; as it turned out, the driver’s blood sugar was out of balance that day.
“I’m glad he was alright,” Bradley said. “I stayed with him until the ambulance came.”
Penske Logistics welcomes new Driver Wall of Fame inductees
Penske Logistics has inducted its 2024 and 2025 Driver Wall of Fame classes by recognizing the company's elite professional truck drivers. These men and women are being celebrated for the achievement of 20 years of consecutive safe driving.
The Penske Logistics Driver Recognition Program features multiple levels that honor consecutive safe driving without any preventable injuries or incidents: Diamond (20 years), Platinum (15 years), Gold (10 years), and Silver (5 years).
Here is the 2024 Penske Logistics Diamond Class:
- Tim Cote, Michigan
- Susan Fabian, Georgia
- Darrall Headrick, Texas
- Mike Larmeu, Louisiana
This is the 2025 Penske Logistics Diamond Class:
- Delio Garcia, Ontario, Canada
- Will Lawrie, Arizona
- Juan Sixtos, California
- Tom Spence, Delaware
- Keith Tyler, Michigan
The company's Driver Wall of Fame, located at its Reading, Pennsylvania, headquarters, now displays 85 all-time recipients.
"It is with tremendous honor and respect that we induct these Driver Wall of Fame classes," Jeff Jackson, Penske Logistics president, said. "Our professional drivers are paramount to our company's success. They serve as the industry's gold standard for safety."
About the Author
Jenna Hume
Digital Editor
Digital Editor Jenna Hume joined FleetOwner in November of 2023 and previously worked as a writer in the gaming industry. She has a bachelor of fine arts degree in creative writing from Truman State University and a master of fine arts degree in writing from Lindenwood University. She is currently based in Missouri.