Owner-Operator of the Year entry deadline nearing

Time is running out to enter the Overdrive/Truckload Carriers Association Owner-Operator of the Year contest, which pays $25,000 to the winner.

Applications to enter the contest are being accepted through Monday, Oct. 25. Owner-operators and small fleet owners with no more than five trucks, where the owner still drives, are eligible to enter.

Eligible owner-operators must have five years of job history as a commercial truck driver with the last three years as an owner-operator. Owner-ops can enter the contest on his or her own behalf, be nominated by his or her spouse, or be nominated by a motor carrier with which he or she has been under a long-term contract continuously for three years or more.

The competition is intended to recognize those with strong safety records who’ve also improved the image of trucking and served their communities. The owner-operator award also recognizes best business practices.

The Owner-Operator of the Year contest is accompanied by a Company Driver of the Year contest open to company drivers with at least one million consecutive, accident-free miles.

Thanks to Driver of the Year program sponsors Cummins and Love’s Travel Stops, the Owner-Operator of the Year winner will receive $25,000, while the two runners-up will receive $2,500 each.The Owner-Operator of the Year Contest is produced by TCA and Overdrive. TCA and Truckers News produce the Company Driver of the Year Contest.

Owner-operator Bryan Smith was named the 2020 Owner-Operator of the Year at the end of September. Company driver Betty Aragon with Wilson Logistics was the Company Driver of the Year winner.