In the 20th 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 during TCA’s recent Annual Convention at the Bellagio Resort in Las Vegas, Nev. — 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, Charles Maly
Charles Maly of Shaffer Trucking, based in York, Neb., grew up on a farm and learned to drive a truck at age 14. It was in that environment that he acquired his father’s value for establishing relationships of mutual trust and respect – a trait he has brought into his business relationships as well as into his community service. Throughout his career, Maly has made safety his paramount objective, and he has received numerous accolades from the carrier, state and trucking associations. He is known for his flawless, 25-year driving and service record and his commitment to balancing his responsibilities to his family and community. Maly and his wife, Joy, live on a 320-acre farm in Davey, Neb.
Maly is the proud winner of a new International 9000i Model tractor donated by International Truck and Engine Corp. (who also will cover the Federal excise tax) and powered by a Signature ISX 500 HP engine donated by Cummins Engine Co. and equipped with the following items:
In addition to the fully loaded tractor, Maly will receive: