FTA’s 2022 Fall Round-Up

By FTA Staff

FTA’s 2022 Fall Round-Up in Lake Mary started earlier than usual, as veteran and potentially new Florida Road Team members were able to reconnect during the selection process. The group started on Monday afternoon at a local high school for a Share the Road presentation, and then were able to get to know one another during dinner at Tin & Taco.

The next morning started bright and early for presentations and a regulatory interview with FDOT’s Paul Clark and FHP’s Captain Amos Santiago The finalists were an impressive bunch—both in personality and commitment to safety. Just minutes after the final interview, managers and drivers were contacted to announce that all six finalists were invited to be a part of the 2022-2025 Florida Road Team. (Their names and bios are below.)

As members started to arrive for Fall RoundUp, the new 2.0 Leadership Class gathered together under the helm of co-chairs Lori Ann Chaussinand of Pilot and Mike Wojcik of Oakley Transport. The record number of emerging leaders are an impressive and energetic group: Byron Hamilton (Pilot), Jennifer Levesque (Quality Carriers), Savanah Campioni (Florida East Coast Railway/Raven), Liliana Baquero Calvera (Quality Carriers), Bryan Nelson (Taylor Johnson PL), Caitlyn Salters (Exxact Transport), Josh Campbell (Ajax Paving), Joshua Schleicher (Walmart), Jessica Minaya (C.H. Robinson), Ryan Parker (Whitney Logistics), and Samantha Hauser (Quality Carriers). Wednesday morning started with a hearty Southern breakfast, before Road Team members took part in an orientation and media training class. Meanwhile, attendees participated in both general and breakout sessions: Market Insights: Considerations and

Strategies for Today’s Market, Michael Moyski C.H. Robinson

Improving Your Security an Protection with Transportation Security, Inspectors, Department of Homeland Security Strategies and Best Practices for DataQs, Jay Whealton Exxact Transport

The Future of Florida: Truck Parking and Data Collection, Paul Clark FDOT

FMCSA Q+A: Mickey Davis FMCSA

Fuel Briefing: Diesel and Alternative Fuels, Joe Butler Pilot Company Tort Reform Update, Alix Miller FTA President and CEO

FTA Preferred Partners presentation: AmFed and FleetForce Truck Driving School

Optimizing Replacement Cycles for Fleets, Brian McMahon Fleet Advantage

Wrapping up the event was a luncheon with a keynote address from state Representative David Smith (R-28). Before members departed, FTA honored the Florida Road Team members who are “retiring” from active duty, new members introduced, and the 2.0 Leadership Class was presented to membership.

The 2022-2025 Florida Road Team members:

• Michael Cherry with Walmart Transportation. Michael has driven 724,707 safe miles in his 9-year career with Walmart Transportation and has been a professional truck driver for a total of 28 years. He has served on the Accident Review Committee, and as a Driver Mentor for Walmart Transportation. Congratulations Michael.

• Sheldon Brown with FedEx Freight. Sheldon has been driving for FedEx Freight for 22 years and has been a professional truck driver for 33 years total. Sheldon finished first place in the 2022 Florida TDC Tank Truck class. Congratulations Sheldon.

• Chevelle Walker with Werner Enterprises. Chevelle has been a professional truck driver for over 20 years and has driven 1.4 million accident-free miles. Chevelle recently served as a Werner Enterprises Road Team Captain and Co-Leader of the Werner Advisory Committee. Congratulations Chevelle.

• Omar Stebbins with XPO Logistics. Omar has been driving for XPO Logistics for 18 years and has been a professional truck driver for 21 years total. Omar recently received the XPO Quarterly

Leadership Award and serves as a mentor for newly hired drivers. Congratulations Omar.

• Anthony Tirone with Walmart Transportation. Anthony has been driving for Walmart Transportation for 7 years and has been a professional truck driver for 25 years total. Anthony finished first place in the 2022 Florida TDC Sleeper class and first place in the Pre-Trip competition. Congratulations Anthony.

• Mihaly Ramirez with FedEx Freight. Mihaly has been driving for FedEx Freight for 24 years and has been a professional truck driver for 29 years total. Mihaly has received an Army Bronze Star, Army Commendation Medal, and an Army Achievement Medal. Mihaly also serves as a mentor for newly hired drivers. Congratulations Mihaly.