ABF drivers to represent the industry nationally as ATA Captains
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced its 2026-2027 America’s Road Team on January 20 in Washington D.C. ABF drivers Bruce Hoyes, Dave Thomas, Matt McKnew and Matt Meadows were selected as Captains and will represent the trucking industry over a two-year term. As part of an elite group of 20 drivers, they’ll serve as ambassadors, traveling the country to promote safe driving, highlight career opportunities in trucking and engage with the public, media, elected officials and fellow drivers.
“I’m incredibly proud of the ABF drivers chosen as ATA Road Team Captains,” said Matt Godfrey, ABF Freight president. “Between them, they bring more than 100 years of professional driving experience to the Captain role, and they’ve built their careers on safety, leadership and doing things the right way. I look forward to watching them represent ABF and our industry on a national level.”
ATA Road Team selection process
America’s Road Team Captains are selected through a rigorous nomination and screening process based on experience and safety records. From there, finalists head to Washington, D.C., for a week of interviews, speeches and mock media sessions. Judges consist of trucking executives and trade press who score drivers on their industry knowledge, communication skills and expertise.
Meet ABF’s newest ATA Captains
ABF drivers have proudly served on America’s Road Team every year since 1991. Get to know ABF’s newest Captains and see their outstanding records:
Bruce Hoyes
A city driver out of Olathe, Kansas, Bruce has spent 23 years as a professional driver, including 12 with ABF. He has achieved over 600,000 accident-free miles and in his free time enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with family.
Awards and Recognitions:
ABF Bronze Award (15,000 consecutive hours driving accident free)
ABF 9 Year Safe Driving Certificate
ABF Road Team member (2025-2026)
“Being a professional driver is a responsibility I’ve taken seriously every day for 23 years. I’m proud to uphold safety as a mindset and show the public that truck drivers are committed to delivering goods safely and efficiently. Now, as an America’s Road Team Captain, I plan to use this platform to educate others about trucking’s vital role and promote safety across our highways.” – Bruce Hoyes
Matt McKnew
Matt has been a professional driver for more than 20 years, 12 of those as a city driver for ABF out of Sacramento, California. Throughout his career, he has reached 1 million accident-free miles. When he’s not driving, Matt likes being outdoors, traveling and cooking.
Awards and Recognitions:
ABF Bronze Award (15,000 consecutive hours driving accident free)
ABF 10 Year Safe Driving Certificate
ABF Road Team member (2025-2026)
“Becoming a truck driver changed my life. What started as a part-time job became a 21-year career built on safety, service and leadership. I’ve driven over two million miles, including one million accident-free, and now as an America’s Road Team Captain, I’m committed to educating others about trucking’s vital role and why safety matters every mile.” – Matt McKnew
Matt Meadows
Based out of our Nitro, West Virginia, service center Matt has been a professional driver for 30 years, including the last 25 as a city driver with ABF. In that time, he has reached 1.5 million accident-free miles. Outside of work, Matt spends time hunting, fishing and welding.
Awards and Recognitions:
ABF Bronze Award (15,000 consecutive hours driving accident free)
ABF 20 Year Safety Performance Award
ABF 15 year Safe Driving Certificate
ABF 12 Year Outstanding Driving Award
ABF Road Team member (2018-2019, 2020-2022, 2025-2026)
America’s Road Team Finalist (2019-2020, 2021-2022)
“Trucking touches nearly every part of life, and after 30 years on the road, I’m proud to represent this industry as an America’s Road Team Captain. My goal is to promote safety, build understanding and encourage the next generation to join this essential profession.” – Matt Meadows
Dave Thomas
Dave is an over-the-road driver based out of Omaha, Nebraska. After 19 years with ABF, and 33 total, he has 2.5 million accident-free miles. Dave spends time exercising, hunting and hanging out with his wife when he’s not behind the wheel.
Awards and Recognitions:
ABF 2 Million Mile Safety award
ABF 19 Years Safe Driving Certificate
ABF Road Team member (2025-2026)
“After serving in the U.S. Army, I wanted a career where I could carry the same sense of purpose and discipline — trucking was a natural fit. Over two million safe miles later, I’m proud to represent an industry built on reliability, responsibility and respect. As an America’s Road Team Captain, I see this as another way to serve by promoting safety and educating others about the vital role trucking plays in everyday life.” – Dave Thomas
About American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team
The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of 50 affiliated state trucking associations and industry-related conferences and councils, ATA is the voice of the industry America depends on most to move our nation’s freight. America’s Road Team is a national public outreach program led by a small group of professional truck drivers who share superior driving skills, remarkable safety records, and a strong desire to spread the word about safety on the highway.
