Carol Ann Schlussler, an owner-operator leased to Dart Transit, is all smiles in front of her new International tractor. Also shown is Dart Transit CEO Dan Oren.
Carol Ann Schlussler, an independent contractor affiliated with Dart Transit Co., received a new tractor as the grand prize winner in the 16th Annual Independent Contractor of the Year contest sponsored by the Truckload Carriers Association, International Truck and Engine and Overdrive magazine.
Runners-up were: Artie Reid, second; Henry E. Shriver, third; Charles V. Parrish, fourth; and Ray E. Wells, fifth.
The TCA Company Equipment Driver of the Year, George Dieu of Coquille, Ore., was featured in the April issue of Truckers News, which is a co-sponsor of the contest.
Schlussler has been contracted to Dart Transit since 1987 and has driven more than 2 million accident-free miles. She comes from a long line of professional truck drivers – her father, sister and several members of her extended family are professional truck drivers.
Schlussler participates in the Trucker Buddy program, corresponding through the mail with a class of 32 students in Alaska. She has also visited schools and Scout Troops to talk about highway safety. She has won all of Dart’s major awards and recently appeared in a television commercial for the company.
In addition to a 2003 International 9000i Series tractor donated by International Truck and Engine Corp. and powered by a Signature 15X 500 HP engine donated by Cummins Engine Co., Schlussler won the following to equip it:
Wheel donated by Fontaine International.
Schlussler will also receive a $2,000 U.S. Savings Bond, personalized jacket and recognition plaque donated by Overdrive magazine and Randall Trucking Media Group among numerous other prizes from various sponsors.
