Henry Shriver of Fort Dodge, Iowa-based Smithway Motor Xpress and recipient of the 19th annual “Independent Contractor of the Year” award, recently received his grand prize of an International 9900ix tractor at an award ceremony at the Eagle Grove Country Club in Eagle Grove, Iowa. The contest is sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, International Truck and Engine Corp. and CCJ‘s sister publication, Overdrive magazine.
“It was well worth the wait,” says Shriver, who has entered the competition since 1992. “I’m already a proud owner of a 2000 International 9400, so I know I’m getting a great truck that delivers great value, easy maintenance and all that comes from a quality truck.”
The International 9900ix that Shriver selected is powered by a 530 HP Cummins ISX engine and equipped with an Eaton 18-speed transmission, 10 Goodyear G300 series radial truck tires and a pair of National premium cloth seats. In addition, Shriver selected the 72-inch high-rise sleeper with Eagle black tuck-and-roll leather interior, full chrome package including bright finish exhaust, polished stainless steel air cleaners, bright polished fuel tanks, polished aluminum wheels and a premium sound package with satellite radio. Finally, the truck was spec’d with a power inverter with shore power, refrigerator and full gauge package.
Shriver received the truck keys from Tom Lerch, regional vice president of International Truck and Engine. “Just as Henry takes a great deal of care to maintain his safety and on-time delivery record, International has taken a great deal of care in spec’ing out this truck,” Lerch says. “He exemplifies the quality men and women we have come to rely on in this industry, and it has been an honor being here today to share in his success and celebrate with his loved ones.”
Among Shriver’s accomplishments are the 2005 Outstanding Professional Driver of the Iowa Motor Truck Association; first and second place in the Iowa State Truck Driving Championships in 1999, 2004 and 2005, respectively; “Trucker of the Month” by Overdrive magazine; and several Driver of the Month awards and Driver of the Year in 1997 at Umthun Trucking Co. He also participated in the Iowa Highway Patrol ride-share program, is a member of the Million Mile Safety Team and has been commended on numerous occasions for stopping to assist stranded motorists.
