Mar 23, 2004 1:15 PM, from staff and wire reports

At its annual convention in Hawaii recently, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) saluted five independent contractors as part of the group's 17th annual Independent Contractor of the Year contest. Awards were given for top driver safety records, work history, and involvement in community and industry. Winners are:

•First place: Ezra Carroll Benn of Eagan MN-based Dart Transit Co. He has logged more than 3 million miles accident-free.

•Second: Bruce Barnes of Troy MO-based Witte Brothers Exchange Inc. He has logged more than 2.6 million miles without a chargeable accident.

•Third: Charles Maly of York NE-based Shaffer Trucking. In 22 years as a driver, he has never had a late delivery. Maly was honored recently as the 2003 Nebraska Driver of the Year.

•Fourth: Jerry Johnson of Springfield MO-based O & S Trucking Inc. Johnson has logged more than 4 million miles in his career, and scored a first-place victory in the 2001 Missouri Truck Driving Championship.

•Fifth: Dennis Siler of Lancaster TX-based Dart Transit Co. He has driven more than 3 million lifetime miles.