Top three contenders for the 2011 Owner-Operator of the Year award are Kirby Killgore of O & S Trucking Inc., Larry Severson of Dart Transit Co. and Bryan Smith of Art Pape Transfer Inc.

The contest is sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association and Overdrive. The grand prizewinner will be announced at TCA’s annual convention March 4-7, at the Gaylord Palms in Kissimmee, Fla.

Top three contenders for 2011 Company Driver of the Year award are James Coles of MacKinnon Transport Inc., John Moeller of Roehl Transport Inc. and Ronald Round of Pottle’s Transportation Inc. The contest is sponsored by Truckers News and TCA.

“We are excited about partnering with TCA on this important program and are pleased to be able to honor these exemplary truckers in the pages of Overdrive and Truckers News,” said Jeff Mason, Randall-Reilly senior vice president, trucking. “And thanks to the generosity of our sponsors—Cummins and Dodge—each winner will receive a Cummins-powered Dodge pickup truck.”

The top three in each category are selected based on their ability to operate safely, efforts to enhance the trucking industry image and positive contributions to their communities.

To be eligible for the contests, driver applicants had to meet certain minimum criteria, such as having driven one million consecutive, accident-free miles. The contest judges examined each applicant’s operating information, work history and safety record. For owner operators, the judges reviewed equipment specifications, business plans and financial statements.