The Truckload Carriers Assn. has revealed the finalists for the Independent Contractor of the Year and Company Equipment Driver of the Year contests.

The thirty-two finalists were chosen on the basis of accident-free miles as well as a review of their driving records, moving, and hours of service violations. The contest is open to all members of the trucking industry; mileage and driving records are verified to ensure only the best of the best are selected. As a whole, the group has logged over 98.5 million safe miles and 982 accident-free years on the road.
These drivers will complete in the second part of the application (due December 17, 2004) and official judges will choose the top five winners in each contest. The top three prizewinners for both contests will be announced at the TCA 2005 Annual Convention at the Bellagio Resort and Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 6-9, 2005.
Independent Contractor of the Year Contest Finalists are:
Daniel Beber, Warren Transport Inc.
Albert Beck, Dart Transit Company
Constance and Lanny Beyer, Midwest Coast Transport
Donal Choulward, Pottle's Transportation Inc.
Earl Faro, Sammons Trucking
Jerry Johnson, O & S Trucking Inc.
Debra and Robert Jurashen, Lanstar Ranger
Robert McCray, Warren Transport Inc.
Roy McKenzie, Epes Transport
Jimmy McSwain, Sunco Carriers Inc.
Steven Recker, Warren Transport Inc.
Larry Severson, Dart Transit Company
Dennis Siler, Dart Transit Company
James Thompson, Swift Transportation
Charles Valentine, Epes Transport
Ronald Warner, Davis Transport
Michael Wiest, FedEx Ground
Company Equipment Driver of the Year Contest Finalists
Douglas Berg, Sammons Trucking
James Daniel, Pottle's Transportation Inc.
Richard Downin, D.M. Bowman Inc.
Rocky Elslwick, Swift Transportation
Albert Golden, Pottle's Transportation Inc.
Robert Hagen, Challenger Motor Freight Inc.
Darrell Hand, O&S Trucking Inc.
Alex Kibodeaux, Epes Transport
Brian O'Leary, Western Distributing Trans. Corp.
Ruppert Stevens, Epes Transport
Jerry Waddoups, Central Refrigeration - Dick Simon Trucking
Robert White, Hogan Transports Inc.
Loyd Widener, Celadon Group Inc.
John "Mike" Wissinger, Coastal Transport
Cornell Sowell, Arnold Transportation Services
TCA's Driver of the Year Contests are made possible by industry sponsors. Once again this year the grand prize winner of the Independent Contractor of the Year Contest will receive a brand new fully-loaded International tractor. The top five winners in both contests will receive prizes including cash, savings bonds, trucking supplies and gift cards donated by supplier companies.