KONA, HI— The 15th annual “Company Equipment Driver of the Year” contest honored five Truckload Carriers Assn. (TCA)- member company drivers during the TCA’s Annual Convention. The awards are based on driver safety records, work history and involvement with the industry.
The first place honors went to Ronald A. Johnson of Witte Bros. Exchange, Troy, MO. Johnson began his career in the trucking industry in 1972 and has logged over 3.5 million miles ever since. In 2001 he was named Missouri Motor Carrier Driver of the Year.
Other winners include:
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Second place— David H. Garrelts of Sherman Bros., Harrisburg, OR
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Third place— Robert Salmi of American Eagle Lines, Lancaster, TX
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Fourth place— Gerald Billing of MacKinnon Transport, Guelph, ONT
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Fifth place— Paul J. Nesslerodt of D.M. Bowman Inc., Williamsport, MD
In addition, five independent contractors were honored in the 17th annual “Independent Contractor of the Year” contest.
Ezra Carroll Benn of Dart Transit, Eagan, MN was awarded first place. Since his contract with Dart Transit in 1986, he has driven over 3 million accident free miles. Benn began his driving career when he was 18 with a local millwork company delivering doors. In 1983 he bought his own truck and three years later contracted with Dart. He has been driving for over 35 years and won numerous awards from dart and was featured in full-page story concerning safe driving at his local paper.
Other winners include:
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Second place— Bruce Barnes of Witte Bros. Exchange, Troy, MO
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Third place— Charles Maly of Shaffer Trucking, York, NE
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Fourth place— Jerry Johnson of O&S Trucking Inc., Springfield, MS
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Fifth place— Dennis Siler of Dart Transit Co., Lancaster, TX
