Holland professional driver Russell Simpson has been selected to serve as a 2015-2016 America’s Road Team Captain by the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Simpson is one of just 19 professional truck drivers who have been chosen nation-wide. Stated ATA President and CEO Bill Graves, “America’s Road Team represents the best of what trucking can be: dedication to safety, professionalism and pride in an industry that delivers life’s essentials every day. These 19 outstanding professionals join a select fraternity. Since 1986, America’s Road Team has delivered the message of safety to millions, and I’m proud that these individuals will now be representing our industry.”
This elite group of professional drivers travels the country promoting highway safety and the trucking industry while maintaining their jobs as full-time professional drivers. Road Team Captains seek to educate the community on safety and transportation, serving as “ambassadors of the industry.”
Holland professional driver Russ Simpson has been driving for over 28 years and has spent almost 22 of those years with Holland. Simpson operates as a city driver out of the Holland Columbus, Ohio terminal and has driven more than 2.5 million accident-free miles. He has taken part in state and national truck driving competitions since 2008 securing three trophies and placing in the top three during all the other years.
In 2008, Simpson took top honors in the 5-axle category at the Ohio Truck Driving Championships, was awarded the Off-Course Scoring Award for the highest score on Pre-Trip and Written Test and was named the 2008 Rookie of the Year. In 2012 and 2014 he secured the second place trophy in the 5-axle category in Ohio, and in 2013 he once again won first place in the 5-axle category at the Ohio Truck Driving Championships.
“We are extremely proud of Russ for this achievement, as well as for his many other safety achievements,” said Scott Ware, president of Holland. “Russ, a third generation truck driver, is on our Safety Committee and was our first New Hire Mentor to train new drivers at our Columbus, Ohio terminal. For almost 22 years with Holland, Russ has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to safety and professionalism. He has led many efforts to improve safety in Holland. He approaches each day with enthusiasm. We are thankful to have drivers like Russ in the cabs of our fleet. Their skill and dedication provide our customers with the safest, most reliable service possible, year round.”
The ATA established the America’s Road Team in 1986. The group has been sponsored by Volvo Trucks since 2002.
