Driver Stats:   Name: Wayne Crowder   Home: Lanesville, Ind.   Route: Louisville, Ky. to Hebron, Ind.   Type of Truck: Volvo day cab – pulling doubles   Family: Married with three children Hobbies: Competing in the Truck Driving Championships, fishing, line dancing, and learning about policy issues for the trucking industry

Wayne Crowder, a relay driver for FedEx Freight, has been a professional truck driver for 25 years and has accumulated 1.3 million accident-free miles. We’re climbing inside Wayne’s cab to learn a little more about what makes him such an exceptional driver.

Wayne spends a few days a month talking to fellow drivers about the importance of image and safety for the industry, and educating the motoring public about safe driving practices and the importance the trucking industry.

Recently, Wayne was in New Orleans for the 2008 Legislative Summit for the National Conference of State Legislatures, talking to legislators about the trucking industry’s professionalism and essentiality.

Wayne has also been spreading the safety message to riders on two-wheels recently. Last month, Wayne traveled to Americade in Lake George, N.Y. to speak to motorcyclists about the special techniques they should employ to stay safe on the road. Wayne had the opportunity to show 80,000 riders what it is like to drive a big-rig and shared his experience as a professional driver. Wayne heads to the Gold Wing Road Riders Association Rally in Somerset, Ky. next week to talk to motorcycle riders about highway safety

“It’s an honor serving as an America’s Road Team Captain,” said Captain Wayne Crowder. “I’ve been able to travel around the country sharing my knowledge of safety with the motoring public. I know we’re making a difference and I am proud to represent the trucking industry.”

Wayne has a stellar record competing in ATA’s Truck Driving Championships. He has taken home honors as Rookie of the Year at both the state and national level and won first place in his division at the Kentucky State Truck Driving Championships in 2004 and 2005. Wayne was the best truck driver in the nation in 2004, earning the title of National Grand Champion at the National Truck Driving Championships. He was also named Kentucky Driver of the Year in 2007.

Wayne also participates in the Mid-Atlantic Charity Fun Drive to help raise money for the Make-a-Wish Foundation.

*High-resolution photos of Wayne are available

The America's Road Team, sponsored by Volvo Trucks North America, 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. www.americasroadteam.com. 

The American Trucking Associations is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry. Through a federation of other trucking groups, industry-related conferences, and its 50 affiliated state trucking associations, ATA represents more than 37,000 members covering every type of motor carrier in the United States. www.truckline.com

Previously Featured Captains