James Clark, a Penske Logistics truck driver in Otter Lake, Michigan, is one of 34 finalists vying for placement on the 2019-2020 America’s Road Team, as announced by the American Trucking Associations. Clark is seeking to be the company’s third consecutive Road Team Captain.
<p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="0aca36ca711fc2cd919f17bfe0c563b8" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="08d3f" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyODY0Ny9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1OTM4ODkwN30.FIml-16kllBemyNb7xbpVWqVyLYYdnWp3eeHXM-Z1y0/img.jpg?width=980"/><small class="image-media media-caption">Penske Logistics truck driver James Clark is a finalist to be a Road Team Captain for the American Trucking Associations.</small></p><p><a href="https://www.trucking.org/" rel="noopener">ATA</a> Road Team Captains serve as transportation ambassadors by attending industry events, speaking at schools and meeting policymakers, while maintaining full-time status with their respective companies.</p><p>"ATA believes the men and women who work safely day after day to deliver our goods – truck drivers – are the best representatives of the trucking industry and we are inspired by the finalists for the upcoming class of America's Road Team," said ATA President and CEO Chris Spear in a news release issued on Monday.</p><p>"Throughout the evaluation process, we read and heard stories from truck drivers about pride, courage, and selflessness – the kinds of stories we are excited to share with the public, media and elected officials," he added.</p><p>The final round takes place in January 2019 in Arlington, Virginia. A panel of transportation experts will judge Clark and the other finalists. The next two-year class of Road Team Captains will be unveiled to the public on January 30, 2019, in Washington, D.C.</p><p>“I believe that my experience and training as a truck driver for 34 years makes me a good candidate to be a Road Team Captain,” Clark explained in his submission video.</p><p>Safety is important to Clark, who noted, “At Penske we are constantly being trained.” A Smith System trainer for the last 12 years, he sees tremendous value in the daily pre-trip inspection, stating that by immediately fixing smaller problems, it can prevent larger ones from taking place.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="951306bed24ab2ca2624ee7486a4cc9e" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="3018a" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyODY0OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTYxOTg3Njg1M30.X1ILYsnXBrI8xrXJwFv4ZQjJBUpIgp08IBiv6S_zGYI/img.jpg?width=980"/><small class="image-media media-caption">Penske Logistics truck driver James Clark is a lifelong farmer and is seen here working on the family's 600-acre Michigan farm.</small></p><p>A lifelong farmer, Clark raises cattle and produces hay on the family’s 600-acre farm.</p><p><a href="https://blog.gopenske.com/?s=Earl+Taylor" rel="noopener">Earl Taylor</a>, a Penske truck driver in Orlando, Florida, is wrapping up his two-year term as a Road Team Captain. <a href="https://blog.gopenske.com/?s=Neil+Kirk" rel="noopener">Neil Kirk</a>, who is based outside New York City, made company history by being named Penske’s first-ever ATA Road Team Captain in 2015.</p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p></div>
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Penske Logistics professional truck driver Earl Taylor (pictured above and below) has been named to the American Trucking Associations 2017-2018 America’s Road Team. Taylor, based in Orlando, Florida, is the second associate in company history to become a Road Team Captain. He succeeds Neil Kirk, a team member from 2015-2016.
<p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="ea5a19561576729922e992a5da288417" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="074aa" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyODEyMi9vcmlnaW4ucG5nIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0NjY4MTc1OX0.EFm4oxUb5OtkPneNWuoFIvArM3iZ9E1_2AuGcB37oX4/img.png?width=980"/>In a story published on the <a href="http://www.ttnews.com/articles/basetemplate.aspx?storyid=44483&t=ATA-Announces-20-Road-Team-Captains-for-2017-2018">Transport Topics website</a>, ATA President Chris Spear stated: “ATA is proud to select these respected drivers as the newest America’s Road Team captains, and we are thankful that they will continue to tell their important stories throughout the country. Their companies, friends and families should all be incredibly proud of these drivers for dedicating themselves to spreading a positive message about trucking.”</p><p>Taylor will be one of 20 “trucking industry ambassadors,” a term the trade association commonly uses. He will continue working full-time for Penske while traveling the country for ATA and speaking to various groups and attending transportation conferences.</p><p>Taylor said: "I'm very excited to be named a Road Team Captain. I can't wait to get started and share my experiences."</p><p><em>By “Move Ahead” Staff</em></p></div>
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While attending the Mid-America Trucking Show, Penske's Neil Kirk (left) met F. Scott Darling, acting administrator for the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
<p><a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/?s=Neil+Kirk">Neil Kirk</a> knew that the climates are vastly different in Minnesota and Louisiana. What he didn’t know was that he would experience its extremes on the<em> same</em> road trip. While on his latest goodwill tour as an <a href="http://www.trucking.org/article.aspx?uid=d03b92f7-bdbe-43a3-992f-d45eb4f135c9">America’s Road Team Captain</a> for the American Trucking Associations, the <a href="http://www.PenskeLogistics.com">Penske Logistics</a> truck driver was asked to drive the <a href="http://www.trucking.org/Share_the_Road.aspx">Share the Road</a> tractor solo from Minneapolis to New Orleans.</p><p>When he arrived in Minneapolis from the New York metro area via airplane in April, the thermometer read 5 degrees. “It was snowing and I didn’t pack enough warm clothes,” recalled Kirk. Previously, he had driven a truck east-west across the United States. This would be his first time traversing the country north-south.</p><p>He knew he was leaving the cold weather because Kirk saw trees that started to fill out while driving. “In New Orleans, it was 80 degrees and people were wearing flip-flops and shorts.”</p><p>In just a span of three days, Kirk picked up an amazing 75 degrees heading south.</p><p>This was Kirk’s first visit to New Orleans. Among the highlights:</p><ul class="ee-ul"> <li>A lover of jazz music, he saw the best live band of his life</li> <li>Kirk tried both alligator (“thought it was good, tasted like chicken, but a little more gamey,”) and crawfish (“seemed like a lot of work to me,”) for the first time</li> <li>He enjoyed his “best-ever” catfish, Cajun style of course</li> <li>Set his personal benchmark for high-quality jambalaya, and was not deterred by spiciness</li></ul><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="73a6dd79191ebefb6e81dcd767009334" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="507d1" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzk3OS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY2MDA3NDA2NH0.Pu9rtn8VMMmvBRtR22-Obat5DPVs4q_2B-R5UMYf5dA/img.jpg?width=980"/><small class="image-media media-caption">Penske Logistics truck driver Neil Kirk preaches driver safety to Minnesota high school students.</small></p><p>While in Minnesota he spoke at three high schools. “The Share the Road events are the best things I’ve ever done,” Kirk stated. “I talk to the kids about distracted driving and blind spots. They aren’t driving yet so they don’t have bad habits.</p><p>“Distracted driving is so much more than people being on their phones,” he continued. “It’s using the radio, putting on makeup and parents talking to kids in the backseat. It is all the things that cause the driver to take their eyes off the road for a second.”</p><p>Prior to making his most recent journey, Kirk attended the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisville, Kentucky. He spent time in the ATA booth, talking up the industry to attendees, and also meeting <a href="https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/mission/leadership/acting-administrator">F. Scott Darling, acting administrator</a> for the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).</p><p>These public appearances continue to enhance Kirk’s speaking ability and if given a choice, he has derived more enjoyment speaking to the youth. Kirk kiddingly points out that online, he continues to “be the face of trucking,” for family and friends.</p><p>It is easy to see why Kirk is a Road Team Captain and an ambassador for the transportation industry.</p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p></div>
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Penske Logistics’ Neil Kirk Named ATA America’s Road Team Captain
January 14, 2015
“I’m really thrilled and humbled,” said Kirk, who spent his first day attending educational sessions and onboarding meetings. “It’s not just my win – it’s a company win. My friends and family supported me.
<p>“I was glad that the company supported me and I feel good about my performance,” he explained. “I enjoyed meeting the other captains. I met some really good guys. I look forward to going back home and sharing this with the guys.”</p><p>“We are extremely proud to have Neil represent our company and our industry,” stated Jeff Stoicheff, Penske senior vice president of human resources, who was in attendance Tuesday evening.</p><p>“He was a winner from the start after being selected to represent Penske from the ranks of more than 3,000 PL drivers," he continued. “It was a great night for Neil, a great night for all of our drivers and a great night for Penske!”</p><p>Paul Emmert, Penske Logistics operations manager stated: “He worked extremely hard and learned a lot from the experience the last time. He really shined this time around.”</p><p>In a news release, Bill Graves, ATA president and CEO stated: “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.”</p><p>According to the ATA, Road Team Captains will begin appearing as industry ambassadors. They will travel the country and preach safety to fellow drivers, make community appearances and interact with public officials at the local, state and national levels. They will continue work as full-time drivers.</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="1385c8988f9c3fe554fa1b6c94a55a23" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="dadc6" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzUwMy9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY1MTY3MTEwOH0.LXDD3_vYlNgkjlLvY-PuO3mxvsxmh65T1Mu6-Wco75A/img.jpg?width=980"/>Kirk has three main goals: show the level of professionalism in driving, explain the need for safety and illustrate how important trucking is within the fabric of our economy.</p><p>He has accrued in excess of 2.5 million accident-free miles during his career. Working from a Penske location in Montgomery, New York, he delivers vital medical supplies in Manhattan to hospitals, doctor’s offices and medical centers for a Fortune 500 customer.</p><p>“I enjoy being out on the open road and being responsible for my own work,” Kirk said.</p><p>As a Smith System trainer for Penske, he works with fellow drivers to ensure they drive professionally each and every day.</p><p>His safe driving philosophy is rooted in common sense: be aware of what other vehicles are doing, anticipate their next moves and be in position to avert possible danger. “Well-trained drivers can mitigate those risks,” Kirk pointed out.</p><p>“I am proud to be a truck driver,” he said. “I have a lot of heart and pride as a driver. Once it’s in your blood as a career it stays in your blood.”</p><p>Kirk (who drives a Volvo tractor) is looking forward to touring a Volvo plant tomorrow in Roanoke, Virginia.</p><p>America’s Road Team was formed in 1986 and has been sponsored by Volvo Trucks since 2002. The ATA noted there are 3.2 million professional drivers in the United States.</p><p><a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/?s=Neil+Kirk">Click here</a> to view past “Move Ahead” articles featuring Kirk.</p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p><p><em>Photo identification of Penske Logistics associates, from left: Jeff Stoicheff, senior vice president of human resources; Shane Keller, manager of organizational development; Neil Kirk, ATA America’s Road Team captain and truck driver; and Paul Emmert, operations manager.</em></p></div>
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Neil Kirk Readies for ATA America’s Road Team Nomination Process
November 03, 2014
“I've been looking forward to this opportunity for two years,” said Kirk, a truck driver in the New York City metro area, who became a Penske Logistics associate in 2008. “I’m better prepared this time around. Last time, I walked away bruised. I won’t be nervous or intimidated now.”
<p>Kirk is always up for a challenge. He skillfully navigates his rig through traffic-congested New York City and delivers medical supplies to hospitals down the city’s narrow alleys and tight loading docks on a daily basis.</p><p><img class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="63bfb9f89433e38571d00cfc86aea7d2" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="13247" type="lazy-image" data-runner-src="https://assets.rebelmouse.io/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJpbWFnZSI6Imh0dHBzOi8vYXNzZXRzLnJibC5tcy8xOTEyNzQ3MS9vcmlnaW4uanBnIiwiZXhwaXJlc19hdCI6MTY0MzQyNDc1N30.fhh1ArJOhcMwr8aAgmaJ7CcfxhslNWaO0ppHJu3ayyc/img.jpg?width=980"/>To aid his candidacy, Kirk has submitted a professional video and is fine-tuning his presentation skills for his in-person meetings with ATA judges in Arlington, Virginia. He will present 3-5 minutes on a subject in trucking in January, followed by a Q&A.</p><p>“I have the benefit of that first experience and I have grown personally from it," Kirk noted. "Now I can better articulate my positions in the industry.”</p><p>Kirk went on to explain the experiences of U.S. senator Cory Booker and how he learned from losing his first mayoral race in Newark, New Jersey. “Booker doubled down and worked harder after his loss,” Kirk said. Booker enjoyed success as Newark’s mayor before being elected to the senate last year.</p><p>Kirk wanted to be more impactful in the industry so he has taken a part-time job as a truck driver instructor. “While the driving school teaches new recruits what is needed to pass the driving test, I talk to them about the industry, safety and the important role that trucking plays in our everyday lives,” he detailed.</p><p>“I share with them how being a professional truck driver has changed my life for the better.”</p><p>Kirk will no doubt be a strong candidate for America’s Road Team this time around.</p><p><em>By Alen Beljin</em></p><p><em>Read more about <a href="http://blog.gopenske.com/?s=Neil+Kirk">Kirk here</a>. </em></p></div>
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