Three ABF Drivers Earn a Spot On America’s Road Team
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) announced the 2024-2025 America’s Road Team Captains on January 16, following two final days of rigorous and challenging competitions at the ATA headquarters in Washington, DC. Three ABF drivers — Ben Atkinson, Terry Bennett and Dave Hedicker — were selected to serve as ambassadors for the trucking industry, traveling across the nation to spread the message of safe driving and promote a positive image for the profession. At least one or more of our ABF drivers have been selected to serve on America’s Road Team since 1991, demonstrating our drivers’ commitment to safety and excellence.
"I want to congratulate Ben, Terry and Dave on this incredible, career-high achievement. From safely and expertly navigating roadways to delivering our customers’ freight on time and without damage, these drivers are as elite as they come,” said Seth Runser, ABF Freight president. “For 40 years, our Quality Process has equipped our drivers with the skills and knowledge they need to drive safely and serve customers with excellence. As a result, ABF has some of the industry’s best and most experienced drivers who have been called to serve as America’s Road Team members. I have no doubt that our new Captains will represent our company and industry with professionalism and positivity as they educate the public on the importance of trucking and road safety.”
A panel of trucking executives and trade press judged each of the 36 finalists on their knowledge of the industry, ability to communicate about safety and transportation, and their overall safe driving record. The drivers selected for the 2024-2025 team are from 14 states, represent 14 motor carriers and have a total of 61.6 million accident-free miles.
Get to Know ABF’s America’s Road Team Captains
The ABF drivers chosen as America’s Road Team Captains have a combined 113 years of professional trucking experience and over 10 million miles of safe driving. Learn more about these drivers and their superior records:
Ben Atkinson
As a city driver from Jacksonville, Florida, Ben Atkinson has been a professional truck driver for 36 years (20 with ABF), achieving an outstanding record of 3 million safe miles. He delivers a variety of freight, including hazardous materials, and is committed to helping keep industries afloat by delivering the products they need to operate and serve their customers. Outside of being a professional driver, Ben is an avid outdoorsman, spending countless hours fishing and hiking.
“I have spent 36 years in the trucking industry, starting from knowing nothing about driving a forklift. Even after all these years spent on the road, this career still excites me, and I feel incredibly fortunate to drive for ABF Freight. As an America’s Road Team Captain, I want to mentor new drivers and encourage them to serve their company and customers well, prioritize safety and enjoy their professional truck driving career.” –Ben Atkinson
Ben’s Awards and Recognitions:
- ABF Freight silver award (30,000 consecutive hours driving without an accident)
- ABF Freight 20-year safe driving certificate
- ABF Freight 20-year safety performance driving award
- ABF Freight Road Team member (2023-2024)
Terry Bennett
Terry Bennett, a city driver from Ocala, Florida, has been a professional truck driver for nearly 40 years (20 with ABF), driving over 3 million accident-free miles. Throughout his career, Terry has been dedicated to teaching the public about blind spots, what to look for when driving near big trucks and the differences between driving a personal vehicle vs. a semi. When he isn’t driving, Terry enjoys riding motorcycles, hunting, fishing and perfecting his skills for trucking competitions.
"After 39 years behind the wheel, I've seen first-hand the positive impact that educating both truck drivers and the public can have as they learn to share the road. I'm eager to serve at the forefront of this industry as part of America's Road Team and am committed to helping educate even more people." — Terry Bennett
Terry’s Awards and Recognitions:
- ABF Freight silver award (30,000 consecutive hours driving without an accident)
- ABF Freight 20-year safe driving certificate
- ABF Freight 20-year safety performance award
- ABF Freight Road Team member (2020-2022, 2023-2024)
Dave Hedicker
Dave Hedicker is an over-the-road driver in Dayton, Ohio, with 39 years of experience (29 with ABF) and over 4 million accident-free miles. He is passionate about educating as many people as possible about driving safely due to a personal experience of unsafe driving that cost his son his life in December 2020. Since then, Dave has shared his story and knowledge with many, helping people learn how quickly distracted driving can compromise the safety of others and claim lives.
"Safety is the most critical responsibility of any driver, and it only takes a moment to impact people’s lives. Through the unimaginable experience of losing my son, I will use my platform as an America’s Road Team Captain to continue spreading awareness about the importance of safety and how trucking plays a critical role in our daily lives.” –Dave Hedicker
Dave’s Awards and Recognitions:
- ABF Freight 3-million-mile safe driving award
- ABF Freight 25-year safety performance driving award
- ABF Freight Road Team member (2023-2024)
About American Trucking Associations and America’s Road Team
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.