Owner-Operator of the Year

Overdrive Radio
Owner-Op of the Year Bryan Smith's three-decade journey through trucking, family, more
In this edition of Overdrive Radio, walk-and-talk with trucker Bryan Smith through decades of business ownership, after operating heavy equipment in the Marine Corps during the Gulf War, and commitment to family and community.
January 21, 2022
overdrive radio collage
Owner-Operator of the Year
Top of his game: Owner-Operator of the Year Bryan Smith
With as close a handle on costs as it's possible to have, owner-op Bryan Smith did very well in 2021 despite significant cost inflation. His business acumen is built on an exemplary career with a work-life balance successfully struck.
January 13, 2022
Bryan smith with elementary students
Owner-Operator of the Year
Owner-Operator of the Year entry deadline nearing
The entry/nomination period for the Owner-Operator of the Year contest, which carries a $25,000 cash prize to the winner, closes Monday, Oct. 25. Owner-ops and small fleet owners with fewer than five trucks are eligible.
October 21, 2021
Owner-Operator Bryan Smith, who was recently named the 2020 Owner-Operator of the Year, is pictured here with (from left) Cummins Sales VP Amy Boerger (who announced Smith's win), Tucker Freight Lines' A.J. Tucker, and Randall-Reilly's Chip Magner.
Overdrive Radio
A window on a special program – hear the owner-ops of the year, in their own words
Hear the full program celebrating winners in Company Driver and Owner-Operator of the Year competitions with a gala capping TCA's conference last week. Also in this podcast: our Talent Search winners' performances, for Overdrive Radio listeners.
October 8, 2021
scenes from the 2021 TCA conference and overdrive radio's logo
Owner-Operator of the Year
Bryan Smith bags the big prize from TCA/Overdrive
The Owner-Operator of the Year was named Tuesday, September 28, at a gala banquet concluding the TCA's Truckload 2021 annual convention. Trucker Bryan Smith takes home $25K among other prizes with the competition.
September 29, 2021
Bryan Smith
Owner-Operator of the Year
Attention to heavy-haul detail helped in Owner-Operator of the Year finalist’s successful 45-year career
Owner-operator Doug Schildgen has been trucking since 1975 and has tallied more than 4.5 million safe driving miles. Learn more about him here on Overdrive.
December 31, 2020
Doug Schildgen
Owner-Operator of the Year
Safe driving, perfect on-time record drive three-time Owner-Operator of the Year finalist
Owner-operator Glen Horack has been trucking since 1984 and focuses on staying safe and keeping a perfect on-time record. Find out how he does it here.
December 30, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Following distance management, work-life balance key to safety, success of five-time Owner-Operator of the Year finalist
Bryan Smith attributes much of his owner-operator success to partnering with a good company and keeping up with his equipment. Learn more about him here.
December 29, 2020
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Business
Nomination period open for Owner-Operator of the Year Contest
The 2021 Owner-Operator of the Year winner will receive $25,000, and two finalists will receive $2,500 each. Also: Washington state lawmakers seek feedback on truck parking; recalls from Daimler Trucks, Utility Trailer.
September 20, 2021
Driver Of The Year Logo
Owner-Operator of the Year
Finalists compete for big cash prizes in annual owner-operator contest
The finalists for the 2020 Owner-Operator of the Year award compete for a $25,000 cash prize. Learn more about the award here on Overdrive.
November 23, 2020
TCA finalists-2020-11-23-08-11
Owner-Operator of the Year
Owner-Operator of the Year contest nominations open through Aug. 31
The 2020 Owner-Operator of the Year will win $25,000. Eligibility includes fleet operators who own no more than five power units and drive one of them full-time.
August 25, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Enter now to win $25,000 in Overdrive’s annual Owner-Operator of the Year contest
TCA's Driver of the Year Contest is accepting applications through Aug. 31, 2020. Two truck drivers will be selected to win $25,000 each. Details here.
August 3, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Safety on deck: Heavy-hauler and Owner-Operator of the Year Kevin Kocmich
Owner-Operator of the Year Kevin Kocmich, who has driven over 3.7 million safe miles, shares his trucking experiences. Details on Overdrive.
April 1, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Diamond’s Kevin Kocmich named top owner-operator, wins $25k
The Truckload Carriers Association named Kevin Kocmich the 2019 Owner-Operator of the Year along with a $25,000 prize. Details here on Overdrive.
March 4, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Temporary team plan turns long-term for Owner-Operator of the Year finalists
With six million safe miles under their belts, Robert and Tracy Roth have been team truck drivers for the past 26 years. More details here on Overdrive.
January 24, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Four-time Owner-Operator of the Year finalist not complacent with success
For the fourth year in a row, Kevin Kocmich is a finalist for the Owner-Operator of the Year award. Learn more about Kocmich and his career here on Overdrive.
January 22, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
No regrets for leaving the office behind for Owner-Operator of the Year finalist
Jesse Dennis got into trucking to have a career to support his family and to make his father proud. In his 20-plus years of driving, he’s achieved both goals.
January 20, 2020
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Owner-Operator of the Year
Owner-operators competing for $25,000 in TCA-Overdrive contest
Jesse Dennis, Kevin Kocmich and team drivers Robert and Tracy Roth are finalists for the 2019 Owner-Operator of the Year award. The winner, who will receive $25,000, will be announced March 3 at TCA’s annual meeting in Kissimmee, Florida.
January 8, 2020
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