The Michigan Trucking Association’s (MTA) Road Team showcases Michigan’s finest truck drivers.

The Road Team travels the state as goodwill ambassadors for the trucking industry, speaking before educational groups on truck related safety issues. Whether it’s addressing driver’s education classes, attending career days as part our Educational Outreach Program or letting students sit behind the wheel of a big rig, Road Team members serve as liaisons between the public and the trucking industry.

Each driver on the Team exemplifies the trucking industry at its best - articulate, knowledgeable and dedicated. Their combined qualifications and years of safe driving experience offer students, teachers and parents alike unique insights into an often misunderstood industry.

What Topics Will the Speaker Discuss?

The mission of the Road Team is to foster safety on Michigan’s highways and to explain the responsibilities of car drivers with respect to large trucks. The Road Team member selected to speak to your school will discuss with you your audience and expectations. Based on your request, the presentation will be comprised of any or all of three major focuses:

Safety-- The media often reports the negative aspects of the trucking industry but neglects the extensive vehicle regulations and personal training professional drivers undertake to ensure public safety. The Road Team member will bring his or her tractor-trailer, if available, to allow the students to explore the vehicle while explaining various part’s functions and safeguards. The students can even take turns sitting behind the wheel!

Career--Trucking now employs one in eleven Michigan residents. A Road Team member can not only give your students first-hand information about truck driving as a career but can also explain other truck-related jobs such as dispatcher, safety supervisor, etc. A career as a professional truck driver can be a lucrative and rewarding lifestyle.

"No Zones"-- Do your students, teachers and parents know where the danger areas are around trucks where crashes are more likely to occur? The Road Team driver will demonstrate how your car "disappears" from view of the truck driver when riding in specific zones around the truck. Learn how your driving behavior contributes to highway safety.

Who Can Request Road Team Speakers?

The Michigan Trucking Association invites all school districts and other educational groups to take advantage of its transportation expertise. Plan your agenda to include a Road Team speaking engagement for a Career Day, Driver’s Education class, safety seminar or other event.

The Road Team’s Educational Outreach Program is supported by the member companies of the Michigan Trucking Association and by a grant from the Michigan Truck Safety Commission.

There is no charge for the services of the MTA Road Team!

To find out more about the Road Team or to schedule an appearance, please contact Karen McCumber at kmccumber@mitrucking.org or 517-321-1951, extension 14.