TCA Honors 2005 Independent Contractors of the Year

05/05/2006

Orlando, FL:

In the 19th Annual “Independent Contractor of the Year” contest sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, International Truck and Engine and Overdrive Magazine, five independent contractors were honored as the nation’s best. The awards, presented March 14th during TCA’s Annual Convention at the Gaylord Palms 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, Henry Shriver

Congratulations to Henry Shriver of Smithway Motor Xpress, Fort Dodge, Iowa, TCA’s 2005 Independent Contractor of the Year. Henry began driving on his father’s farm and then went to work for a small trucking company owned by a farm colleague of his father’s. The company owner saw his ambitions and encouraged him to go to work for Umthun Trucking, even cosigning the note for Henry to buy his first tractor. His trust was repaid as Henry has gone on to drive 2.8 million miles accident and violation free. In 2002 he begin driving for Smithway Motor Xpress where he is known as a safety advocate and efficient businessman. He and his wife Ann are involved in numerous community activities in their town of Eagle Grove, Iowa.

Mr. Shriver is the proud winner of a new International 9000i Model tractor donated by International Truck and Engine Corporation (who will also cover the Federal Excise Tax) and powered by a Signature ISX 500 HP engine donated by Cummins Engine Company and equipped with the following items:

An Eaton transmission of Mr. Shriver’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
A Pair of Aero Bell TriPod Hood Mounted Mirrors donated by Velvac, Inc.

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

$2,000 U.S. Savings Bond, personalized jacket and recognition plaque donated by Overdrive Magazine – Randall-Reilly Trucking Media Group
$1,500 Rewards Card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
$1,000 Frequent Fueler Mastercard Debit Card 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 gift card donated by Pilot Corporation
$500 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
$500 Amazon.com gift card donated by QUALCOMM
$500 TA gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America
$200 cash donated by Specialty Risk, Inc.
$100 Petro Cash Card and Petro leather duffle donated by Petro Stopping Centers
A 2006 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 First Advantage Transportation 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 TripPak Services, Inc.
A Delphi XM Satellite Radio Roady XT, plus XM Radio satellite service for one year donated by XM Satellite Radio Inc. and Delphi

Second Place Winner, Daniel Beber

Daniel Beber has spent his life on the road logging over 4 million miles in the past 45 years. He takes great pride in his responsibility and reliability and actively works to give back to the industry. He has served on Iowa’s Road team, judged the Iowa Truck Driving Championships, and assisted Camp Courageous, a program and facility for disabled individuals. Dan is most proud of his family and thanks them for their love and support. He and his wife Marilyn live in Polk, Nebraska

Mr. Beber will receive the following prizes:

$1,000 Frequent Fueler Mastercard Debit Card 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-Reilly Trucking Media Group
$1,000 in gift certificates donated by Pilot Corporation
$375 TA gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America
$250 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
$250 cash donated by Mack Trucks
$200 cash donated by Specialty Risk, Inc.
A Pair of Aero Bell TriPod Hood Mounted Mirrors donated by Velvac, Inc.

Third Place Winner, Artie Reid

Artie Reid knew at a very young age that he had a future in truck driving. He idolized his Uncle Eddy and got a thrill from riding in his cattle truck. His career was jumpstarted even faster when he began riding with his father, a road cutter for the state, at age two. At a young age he saw how important trucking was to the community and he continues to strive to meet the challenge. He has covered 4.5 million miles in his 38 years on the road without an accident or moving violation and driving still excites him the way it did when he was a boy. Artie and his wife Jeanette reside in Breckenridge, Texas.

Artie will receive the following prizes:

$1,000 Frequent Fueler Mastercard Debit Card 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-Reilly Trucking Media Group
$1,000 in gift certificates donated by Pilot Corporation
$500 Rewards Card donated by Love’s Travel Stops
$375 TA gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America
$250 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
$250 in cash donated by Mack Trucks
$200 cash donated by Specialty Risk, Inc.

Fourth Place Winner, Ronald Warner

Ronald Warner is proud of his track record and accomplishments as a professional driver. He has driven more than 3.5 million miles in over 38 years without a moving violation, out of service violation, or preventable accident. Ronald has driven through all 48 contiguous states and most Canadian provinces in every type of weather. Integrity, honesty, and professionalism have been the guiding truths of his career. Ronald is a Vietnam Veteran, having served in the United States Army, and lives in Missoula, Montana.

Fifth Place Winner, Lanny and Connie Beyer

Lanny and Connie Beyer, Midwest Coast Transport, have been married for 33 years and spent 28 of them on the road. Their goal has been to balance their time successfully between their business and personal life. They credit their supportive family with helping them, especially early in their career when they traveled for long periods. Lanny and Connie joined the Trucker Buddy program in 1996 and appreciate being able to give back to the community from the cab of their truck. They also give back to local 4th graders by traveling with their “Flat Stanley” character and documenting their travels. Lanny and Connie reside in Hancock, Minnesota.

Mr. Warner and The Beyers 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-Reilly Trucking Media Group
$375 TA gift certificate donated by TravelCenters of America
$250 cash donated by ArvinMeritor, Inc.
$250 in cash donated by Mack Trucks, Inc.
$200 cash donated by Specialty Risk, Inc.