Overdrive's 2023 Trucker of the Year Jay Hosty was recognized Friday at the Mid-America Trucking Show, where he received a custom-made replica model of his 2006 Western Star 4900EX and more.
The Diamondhead, Mississippi-based owner-operator, leased to Landstar for the last two decades, has been trucking as an owner-operator for more than 40 years, since he was 19 years old and bought his first truck to haul intermodal containers in New Orleans. He's long relied on lessons learned early, from a magazine article about cost per mile, to guide his operation.
43 years later, Hosty now maintains a keen focus on costs, coupled with being “born with the gift of being frugal,” he says, and a willingness to think outside the box, pushing the envelope to see just what's possible. All of it's led to a long-successful career.
Friday, March 22 at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Hosty was publicly recognized as Overdrive's 2023 Trucker of the Year.
Overdrive's Trucker of the Year Jay Hosty received the replica model of his 2006 Western Star 4900EX on Friday at the Mid-America Trucking Show. Overdrive Editor Todd Dills presented the model to him on the stage (shown) ahead of the Partners in Business session.
During Friday's presentation to Hosty, he offered a bit of advice to owner-operators in the audience.
"It's a tough road if you're an owner-operator," he said. "For me it's about knowing your costs. It costs money to run a truck, and you have to know where you are. You can't fly by the seat of your pants."
Commercial Vehicle Group and its Bostrom Seating brand, sponsor of the 2024 Trucker of the Year award, surprised Hosty, too, with a significant prize.
Rick Gragg, senior national account manager with Overdrive parent company Fusable, presented Hosty with a check worth a free Bostrom seat Friday at MATS.
Overdrive's 2024 Trucker of the Year program, sponsored by Commercial Vehicle Group and its Bostrom Seating brand, recognizes clear business acumen and unique or time-honored recipes for success among owner-operators. Through October, we're naming Truckers of the Month to contend for this year's Trucker of the Year honor. Finalists will be named in December, and a winner crowned early next year. Nominations continue to be sought for exceptional owner-operators, whether leased or independent, throughout the year. Nominate your business or that of a fellow owner (up to three trucks) via this link, for a chance at the big win.
[Related: They said he'd fail, but he proved them wrong: Overdrive Trucker of the Year Jay Hosty]
