Carroll Benn, an owner-operator from Center, MO, was named 2003 Independent Contractor of the Year earlier this month by the Truckload Carriers Association at the group’s awards banquet in Kona, HI.

With 35 years in the industry, Benn has logged more than 3 million accident-free miles. He has been contracted with Dart Transit Co. as an owner-operator for the past 18 years. He has won every safety award that Dart offers, and was honored as Dart Contractor of the Month in 1991 and Dart Contractor of the Year in 1997.

As TCA’s Independent Contractor of the Year for 2003, Benn will receive a new International tractor built to his specifications, as well as other prizes worth thousands of dollars.

Benn and his wife, Shirley, have been married 45 years.