Rhode Island Trucking Association

10/23/2026

By sponsoring a wreath, you become part of a broader movement that unites communities across Connecticut in honoring those who served and sacrificed for our freedoms.

Every sponsored wreath is a symbol of appreciation and respect. It represents a shared promise—made by families, neighbors, and citizens across Connecticut—that we will continue to remember the men and women who gave so much for this nation.

https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/175436/Overview/?relatedId=175208

10/23/2026

The RITA Board and leadership are honored to welcome Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Administrator Derek Barrs as the keynote speaker of the association’s 95th Annual Dinner at Bally’s Twin River.

The RITA Annual Dinner, the Association’s marquee event, brings together nearly 400 members and guests for an evening of networking, recognition and celebration of the trucking industry.

RITA members and friends interested in attending or getting more information are invited to contact us.

10/14/2026

Community College of Rhode Island, in partnership with Workforce Solutions of Providence/Cranston and the City of Providence, is offering free ESL Classes to Providence CDL holders.

More information at this link:

https://www.ccri.edu/workforce/adulted/cl_training.html

09/14/2026

John Anderson described his biggest challenge as “taking over as RITA Chair at a time when it was facing financial burdens from an internal health care program and the simultaneous need to recruit a new president and an entire staff.” His proudest achievement followed directly from that challenge: hiring Chris Maxwell as RITA President and CEO and working “to stabilize RITA financially for future generations.”

Among John’s most meaningful memories is the effort to guide the association’s new health care program. He also reflected on RITA’s evolution, noting the organization’s growth from its rented basement office in Rumford to its own facility in Pawtucket, and eventually to its current headquarters.

With more than four decades in the trucking industry, John offered both experience and steady leadership to RITA and at Anderson Motors where he served as a second-generation truck dealer. Today, he continues as Dealer Principal at Anderson Motors while remaining actively involved with RITA as a member of both its board of directors and executive board.

“RITA remains vital as the primary legislative voice, safety advocate, and business resource for Rhode Island’s trucking industry,” John said. “It continues to provide essential advocacy, training, and workforce development that sustain the sector’s impact.”

John Anderson, Chairman of RITA, 2011-2014, in the current issue of Rhode Warrior magazine. Thank you for your leadership during a critical time, John.

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

09/14/2026

THANK YOU to America’s truck drivers on this National Truck Driver Appreciation Week.

Celebrating the millions of professional truck drivers who deliver Rhode Island and America’s freight safely and securely every day.

Nothing Without Trucking. Nothing Without Truck Drivers.

09/08/2026

Paul Overton faced one of the most challenging economic periods in recent history as RITA Chair. “It was a very turbulent time marked by a stock market decline, soaring unemployment, and widespread financial instability,” he said. “Faced with these pressures, we had to make difficult decisions to ensure the organization’s survival. With innovative approaches to retain and attract members and cost cutting measures, we stayed afloat.”

Despite the hardships, Paul’s most meaningful memory centers on collaboration. He recalls “working with the board and members of RITA and their willingness to get the job done,” highlighting the collective resilience of the organization.

Today, Paul remains active in the industry as a truck salesman at NE Truck Solutions. His career spans leasing, branch management, OEM representation as a District Sales Manager across New England and New York, and more than two decades in retail truck sales.

Paul views RITA as an essential advocate. “The association is the voice of reason for the trucking industry in Rhode Island,” he said. “By serving as a conduit between government and industry, RITA plays a critical role in helping policymakers understand the needs of trucking businesses.”

[Paul Overton reflecting on his tenure as Chairman of RITA, 2007-2008, and the importance of the association. In the latest issue of Rhode Warrior magazine.]

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

09/01/2026

Thank you to Volvo Trucks North America for their support as a 2026 Annual Sponsor.

For almost 100 years, one of the leading heavy truck and engine manufacturers in the world.

Offering a broad line of on-highway and vocational Class 8 vehicles: Long haul, regional haul, heavy haul, heavy duty dump trucks and car haulers. New and Volvo Certified used.

Scheduled and preventative service. Inquire about their Volvo Blue and FleetPREFERRED Service Contracts.

Volvo supports truck customers across North America with a network of sales, manufacturing and parts distribution centers in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

We’re one of the leading heavy-duty truck manufacturers in North America. Welcome to Volvo Trucks North America!

08/31/2026

Edward Lanfredi said one of the most significant achievements during his time as RITA Chair was helping implement the Highway Watch program, a post-9/11 initiative developed in response to national security needs. As he recalled, the goal was to position truck drivers as “eyes and ears” on the road to enhance safety awareness.

At the same time, Edward emphasized RITA’s core mission of working closely with the Rhode Island General Assembly on legislation affecting the industry and developing educational seminars on safety and regulatory updates.

The retired president of JF Moran Trucking with decades of logistics experience, Edward’s career began in 1974 with a customs brokerage business, JF Moran Co., Inc. To this day, his fondest memories of his involvement in RITA stem less from specific initiatives and more from people. “I always valued the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues who owned and operated trucking and allied businesses and to learn from their deep experience,” he said.

Edward believes RITA’s enduring value lies in its ability to keep members informed and supported. “By sharing knowledge about what’s happening nationally and locally and offering resources, the association provides critical guidance,” he said. “Its affiliation with the American Trucking Associations further strengthens its advocacy, ensuring that even a small state’s industry voice is heard.”

Edward Lanfredi, Chairman of RITA 2005–2006, in the latest Rhode Warrio magazine.

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association

08/28/2026

Daniel Bell brought leadership skills and deep institutional knowledge to his tenure as RITA Chair. “The biggest challenge was to engage membership and adjust staff roles to streamline RITA operations as the organization navigated financial pressures,” he said. “During this period, we were able stabilize the association and refocus its mission.”

Among Daniel’s fondest memories is the sense of camaraderie at RITA. For example, he pointed to holding an overnight conference, the association’s first group retreat in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

“That gathering helped members and define where we were and what we needed to do,” he said.

Daniel’s industry career is equally distinguished. He founded Ocean State Oil in 1980, growing it over four decades before its eventual sale in 2012. Now retired, he is enjoying time with his grandchildren while he remains actively engaged with the industry and the association. Over the years, Daniel become a trusted advisor and go to expert for countless fleets.

For Daniel, his enduring belief in RITA is personal. “RITA was instrumental to my success and led to relationships with fellow trucking business owners who made me feel that I wasn’t navigating the industry alone,” he said. “That collaborative spirit is RITA’s greatest strength and remains essential to Rhode Island’s trucking sector.”

Daniel Bell, Chairman of RITA, 2003-2004, reflecting on his tenure as chair and the impact of the association. In the latest issue of Rhode Warrior magazine:

The Official Magazine of the Rhode Island Trucking Association