Rhode Islander Selected as Prestigious American Trucking Association’s Road Captain

Rhode Island’s Selvin Ramirez has been selected as an American Trucking Associations (ATA) Road Captain. Ramirez, of Providence, is a 22-year veteran truck driver with XPO operating out of their Western Cranston Service Center.  He is the first Rhode Islander to be selected for this prestigious honor.

Established in 1986, America’s Road Team is comprised of elite professional truck drivers recognized for exceptional safety and professionalism. Supported by their companies, Captains volunteer their time to represent the trucking industry by participating in industry events, visiting schools, and engaging with policymakers nationwide

ATA held its final round of selections from January 18-20 at ATA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The drivers were judged on their ability to express their knowledge of the industry, their skills in effective communication about safety and transportation, and their overall safe driving record. The panel of judges included trucking executives and trade press.

“This group of professional drivers have earned their place at the top through years of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to safety on the road,†said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear. “They represent a vital segment of the American workforce, one whose impact is felt by nearly every person in the country. As these Captains take to the road with a new mission and an important message, we are incredibly proud of their achievements and confident the nation will gain valuable insights from their leadership and the example they set for our industry.â€

After receiving their signature navy blue America’s Road Team blazers, the 2026-2027 Captains will immediately begin their work improving public perception of the trucking industry. Trucking industry professionals can support America’s Road Team’s mission by following the team’s two-year journey on Facebook and interacting with the Captains at major industry events, conferences, and community visits.

“ATA Road Captains are the ‘Blue Angels’ of the highway and Selvin represents the perfection of skill and caliber of character that is representative of our country’s and our state’s professional truck drivers who move America.â€

The 2026-2027 America’s Road Team Captains are: 

1. Cardell Benfield Jr., Titan Transfer, Mississippi
2. Victor Blackburn, Prime Inc., Florida
3. Antonio Cruz, Groendyke Transport, Florida
4. Jason Damron, Convoy Systems, Kansas
5. Nathan Evans, Tyson Foods, Arkansas
6. Bruce Hoyes, ABF Freight Systems, Missouri
7. Izet Kanarevic, Werner Enterprises, Missouri
8. Matthew McKnew, ABF Freight Systems, California
9. Matt Meadows, ABF Freight Systems, West Virginia
10. Myles Piotrowski, FedEx Freight, Indiana
11. Selvin Ramirez, XPO, Rhode Island
12. Jackie Reed, FedEx Freight, Mississippi
13. Jeffrey Reed, United Parcel Service, New Mexico
14. Miguel Sanchez, United Parcel Service, Florida
15. Matthew Simon, FedEx Freight, Minnesota
16. Omar Stebbin, XPO, Florida
17. David Swierenga, FedEx Freight, Florida
18. Dave Thomas, ABF Freight Systems, Iowa
19. Kenneth Tolliver, Hoffman Transportation, Kentucky
20. Ryan Ybarra, United Parcel Service, California