Life on the Road

TCA Names Contractor of the Year

After 40 years and 4 million miles out on the road, there’s no doubt that Jerry Johnson has given plenty to the trucking industry. By the same token, Johnson thanks the industry for allowing him and his wife to put their children through school, and to purchase their home and farm in Southern Missouri.

Now Johnson has another reason to thank the industry. The Truckload Carriers Association re-cently named Johnson its 2004 In-dependent Contractor of the Year. Along with the coveted title, John-son will receive a custom-built, fully loaded International 9000 tractor.

Johnson was one of five independent contractors honored as the nation’s best in the TCA’s 18th annual Independent Con-tractor of the Year contest. The awards were based on the drivers’ excellent safety re-cords, unblemished work history, and in-volvement in the community and industry.

Johnson, who has been contracted to O & S Trucking since 1987, boasts a 100 percent on-time rate to go along with those 40 years and 4 million miles. When he is not driving Johnson enjoys watching his grandchildren play, participating in church activities and hunting. Johnson and his wife, Patricia, live in West Plains, MO.

As the grand prize winner, Johnson will receive a raft of prizes donated by various contest sponsors to go along with the new International, including $3,500 in gift certificates, $3,000 in U.S. savings bonds, $2,000 in cash and a $1,000 IRA account.

For second-place winner Dennis Siler, every day on the road is a dream come true. After growing up on a farm and idolizing his Uncle Roy, a truck driver, Siler began his career as an independent contractor with Dart in 1985. His career spans 29 years and 3.5 million-accident free miles. Siler and his wife, Sandy, live in Okeechobee, FL.

One of the first things you’d notice about third-place winner Jimmy McSwain of Lakeland, FL is his immaculate equipment. Maintaining his truck and keeping detailed records have allowed him to consistently earn a profit. McSawin 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.

The fourth-place winners—Debra and Robert Jurashen of Bedford, IN—have the unique experience of getting to 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.

Fifth-place winner Robert McCray began driving at age 16, has run as an independent contractor since 1982, and has been leased to Warren Transport since 1991.McCray has run over 2.5 million accident-free miles. When he’s home, he enjoys visiting with friends and family. McCray and his wife, Donna, live in Chatham, IL.

All of the finalists received several thousand dollars through a combination of cash, savings bonds, gift certificates and other prizes.