TCA Honors 2004 Independent Contractors of the Year

Las Vegas, NV:

In the 18th Annual “Independent Contractor of the Year” contest sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, International Truck and Engine Corporation and Overdrive Magazine, five independent contractors were honored as the nation’s best. The awards, presented March 8th during TCA’s Annual Convention at the Bellagio Resort, were based on the drivers’ excellent safety records, unblemished work history, and involvement in the community and industry. The top five winners and their prizes are:

Grand Prize Winner, Jerry Johnson

Congratulations to Jerry Johnson of O & S Trucking, Inc., Springfield, Missouri. Winning the Independent Contractor of the Year Grand Prize is the culmination of Jerry’s efforts to be a successful businessman and driver. Jerry has been contracted to O & S Trucking since 1987 and has a 100% on-time rate. He has driven over 4 million miles in his 40 years on the road. Jerry is thankful to the trucking industry for allowing him and his wife to put their children through school, and to purchase their home and work their farm on 200 acres in Southern Missouri. When he is not driving Jerry enjoys watching his grandchildren play, participating in church activities and hunting. Jerry and his wife, Patricia live in West Plains, Missouri.

Mr. Johnson is the proud winner of a new International® 9000 tractor. He has selected an International 9900ix Eagle® with SkyRise sleeper and optional double bunk. This grand prize includes:

• International® Ride-Optimized Suspension (IROS) system which delivers excellent stability and handling, less road noise and a smoother ride
• Ultra-rigid cab floor offers a smoother, more comfortable and quiet ride
• Eagle interior trim
• Cummins Signature ISX 565 HP

Additional items from International partners include:

• An Eaton transmission of Mr. Johnson’s choice donated by Roadranger – Eaton and Dana Corporation
• 10 G300 series radial truck tires donated by The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company
• A pair of National Premium Cloth Seats donated by National Seating Company
• An Aero Bell TriPod Mirror Head and Bracket Kit donated by Velvac, Inc.

In addition to the fully loaded tractor, Mr. Johnson will also receive:

• $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond, personalized jacket and recognition plaque donated by Overdrive Magazine – Randall Trucking Media Group
• $1,500 Rewards Card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
• $1,000 in Frequent Fueler gift certificates donated by Flying J
• $1,000 U. S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
• $1,000 cash donated by Mack Trucks
• $1,000 IRA Account established with Putnam Funds donated by Marsh USA, Inc.
• $1,000 in gift certificates donated by Pilot Corporation
• $500 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
• $500 cash donated by TravelCenters of America
• A 2005 Platinum Bookkeeping and Tax Return Plan from The Alliance
• A Credit Service Package one-year subscription to Gold Book of Transportation Brokers Online, plus 12 credit reports donated by CompuNet Credit Services.
• A DA 34100 Purest Air Dryer from Haldex Commercial Vehicle Systems
• A Dieselmatic NVT Kit with Cylinder donated by KBI/Kold Ban International
• A set of Steering Tires donated by Michelin North America
• 40 TripPak Overnight envelopes donated by Truckload Management, Inc.
• The XM Roady2 XM Pro, plus XM Radio satellite service for one year donated by XM Satellite Radio Inc., Pana-Pacific and Delphi

Second Place Winner, Dennis Siler

For Dennis Siler everyday on the road with his own truck is a dream come true. After growing up on a farm and idolizing his Uncle Roy, a truck driver, Dennis began his career as an independent contractor with Dart in 1985. Today his career spans 29 years and 3.5 million accident free miles. Being on the highways everyday gives Dennis a unique perspective on life and how much responsibility we all have for one another. He appreciates the opportunity to travel to interesting places and be his own boss and he respects the role of truck drivers to transport the goods that keep factories running and citizens working. Dennis and Sandy Siler live in Okeechobee, Florida.

Mr. Siler will receive the following prizes:

• $1,000 in Frequent Fueler Gift Certificates donated by Flying J
• $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
• $1,000 Rewards Card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
• $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and recognition plaque donated by Overdrive Magazine – Randall Trucking Media Group
• $1,000 in gift certificates donated by Pilot Corporation
• $375 in cash donated by TravelCenters of America
• $250 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
• $250 cash donated by Mack Trucks
• An Aero Bell TriPod Mirror Head and Bracket Kit donated by Velvac, Inc.

Third Place Winner, Jimmy McSwain

One of the first things other drivers and coworkers notice about Jimmy McSwain is his immaculate equipment. Maintaining his truck to maximize performance and keeping detailed financial records have allowed him to consistently operate at a profit. These business skills allow him to provide a comfortable life for his family and himself, which, to Jimmy, is the truest form of success. Jimmy has spent more than 25 years as an independent contractor, the past 12 with Sunco Carriers, and has logged over 2.8 million accident free miles. He extends a polite and courteous attitude all those he comes in contact with especially general public since he understands the importance of presenting the trucking industry in a professional light. Jimmy lives in Lakeland, Florida.

Jimmy will receive the following prizes:

• $1,000 in Frequent Fueler gift certificates donated by Flying J
• $1,000 U. S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
• $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and recognition plaque donated by Overdrive Magazine – Randall Trucking Media Group
• $1,000 in gift certificates donated by Pilot Corporation
• $500 Rewards Card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
• $375 in cash donated by TravelCenters of America
• $250 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
• $250 in cash donated by Mack Trucks

Fourth Place Winner, Debra and Robert Jurashen

The husband and wife team of Debra and Robert Jurashen have the unique experience of getting to work together and share their life on the road. They are proud of the life they have created as independent contractors and of the freedom and financial success that truck driving has given them. The Jurashens strive everyday to do the best job possible and treat people as they would like to be treated, their number one goal is safety at all times. The Jurashens hope to drive as a husband and wife team for a long time to come. They want their son and two granddaughters to know they have done the best job they could. Debra and Robert Jurashen live in Bedford, Indiana.

Fifth Place Winner, Robert McCray

Robert McCray puts customers first and often takes load other drivers decline. He began driving at age 16, has operated as an independent contractor since 1982, and has been leased to Warren Transport since 1991. Bob has driven over two and a half million accident free miles and spends almost 300 days a year on the road. When he is home he enjoys fishing, visiting with friends and family, horseracing, and cooking. He has two daughters and two grandchildren and travels the country with his dog, Kricket, a Yorkshire terrier. Bob and his wife Donna live in Chatham, Illinois.

The Jurashens and Mr. McCray will receive:

• $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond donated by Great Dane Trailers, Inc.
• $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond and recognition plaque Overdrive Magazine – Randall Trucking Media Group
• $375 in cash donated by TravelCenters of America
• $250 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
• $250 in cash donated by Mack Trucks, Inc.