Charles Maly, an independent contractor affiliated with Shaffer Trucking of York, Neb., won the 20th annual Truckload Carriers Association Independent Contractor of the Year grand prize — an International tractor. Donated by International Truck and Engine Corp., who also will cover the Federal Excise Tax, Maly selected the International 9900ix as his prize.
“I was glad I won a brand new truck because International gave me the freedom to select the model and spec the truck however I wanted without any restrictions,” Maly says. “This is very important to me because it allowed me to personalize the truck.” In 1982, he bought a 1979 International TranStar that he had for more than eight years and says “International as a product is very driver and owner-operator friendly.”
The International 9900ix is powered by a 500 hp Cummins ISX engine and equipped with an Eaton transmission, 10 Goodyear G300 series radial truck tires, a pair of National premium cloth seats and a pair of Velvac aero bell tripod hood mounted mirrors.
“We’re happy that Mr. Maly selected an International 9900ix as his prize,” says Debbie Shust, marketing director for International’s Heavy Vehicle Center. “He exemplifies the qualities a TCA Contractor of the Year stands for, and International is proud to support him and the TCA.”
Among Maly’s accomplishments are third place in the 2003 Truckload Carrier Association, 2003 driver of the month and the year for Nebraska, and being part of the President Safe Driving Club for more than 22 years. To be a part of the President Safe Driving Club, one must obtain a perfect driving record in both their personal and trucking life for more than three years to join, and must keep a perfect driving record each year to maintain membership.
Independent Contractor of the Year is sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, International Truck and Engine Corp. and Overdrive magazine. Ceremonies were held today, Aug. 23, at the Great American Trucking Show in Dallas. Five independent contractor drivers/teams were honored for their excellent safety records, unblemished work history and selfless involvement in the community and industry.
For more information on GATS — which is being held today, Aug. 23-Saturday, Aug. 25 at the Dallas Convention Complex — go to www.gatsonline.com.
