Owner-Operator of the Year Bryan Smith (right) onstage at the Truckload Carriers Association's annual convention – here he's being congratulated immediately after announcement of his win by Tucker Freight Lines President A.J. Tucker. Smith hauls leased to the company, formerly Art Pape Transfer.
The Truckload Carriers Association and Overdrive announced owner-operator Bryan Smith of Iowa as the winner of the Owner-Operator of the Year competition. Smith, speaking from the stage at the Wynn Las Vegas resort, noted that though 2020 was certainly a shocker of a year, the experience clarified trucking for the owner-operator. It "helped me see things a lot more clearly," he said.
Smith's win was announced Tuesday, September 28, at a gala banquet concluding the Truckload Carriers Association's Truckload 2021 annual convention.
In a videotaped interview conducted on-site at the event prior to the unveiling of the winner, Smith elaborated on his experience of 2020, noting that "as an essential worker through COVID," he "didn’t slow down at all – I actually made more money in 2020 than I’ve ever made" in both gross revenue and net income.
Thanks to Driver of the Year program sponsors Cummins and Love’s Travel Stops, Smith received $25,000, while the two runners-up won $2,500.
Reflecting on the possibility that he might not be named the winner – this year marks his fifth finalist placement in the competition – he said, "I don’t mind not taking the top prize. They’ve got some excellent guys out here for this award. I wish them the best."
Smith was competing against fellow finalists Doug Schildgen and Glen Horack, both with millions of safe miles and plenty business success behind them.
