Each year, the operating companies of the Universal family select contractors from their fleets to enter in the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) Contractor of the Year competition. The rules and regulations are strict and honor those contractors that have proven themselves as the elite of the elite.

 

As outlined from the TCA, the goal in the selection process is clear.

 

• The overall goal of the contest is to recognize and pay tribute to the owner operators who provide reliable and safe truck transportation in moving the nation's goods. Several finalists will be chosen from which the grand prizewinner will be selected. The grand prizewinner will be recognized and honored as the outstanding owner operator for 2011 based on his/her ability to operate in a safe manner on the public highways, efforts to enhance the public image of the trucking industry, positive contributions to the community in which he/she lives, and ability to run a successful business.(from the TCA)

For the year of 2011, Universal am-Can Contractor Richard Channing was nominated and selected from the hundreds of candidates nationwide and from hundreds of other companies. This in and of itself is a high honor for his dedication and professionalism to his profession and UACL and the entire Universal family want to congratulate Richard on this great honor.

 

While the 2011 competition is coming to a close, the 2012 competition is just getting underway. And the Universal family had 4 of its contractors selected as part of the top 10 finalist which were just selected in late November, 2011. There process is just starting and over the next 14-16 months, they will go through the same process Richard has endured. Interviews, articles written about them, continual monitoring of their driving record, Business management skills reviewed, community service and public image are all being watched by the TCA over the coming months.

 

We want to congratulate and thank the following 2012 TCA selections and wish them well during this process and hope to see them on the podium at the 2013 TCA annual conference.

 

Louisiana Transportation, James Leatherwood, LTI contractor since 2003

 

Great American Lines, Mike McCoy, GAL contractor since 2002

 

The mason and Dixon Lines, Donnie Parsons, MADL contractor since 1986

 

Universal Am-Can, Gary McGinnis, UACL contractor since 2007

 

Please take the opportunity to congratulate these individuals for their dedication and professionalism to this wonderful industry. While only one can be the TCA contractor of the year, each of these gentlemen have earned our praise by just being nominated. Congratulations, we hope to see you at the 2013 TCA annual convention as the TCA winner. Good Luck.