Overdrive Magazine | Trucking Business News & Owner Operator Info
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/85445
engine, which he has done at a factory-owned shop. With a net income of approximately $38,000 in 2011, Stewart has found a rou- tine for handling his income, too. He uses Quicken software, where all of his expenses are broken down by category. A service called Nothing but Trucks does his taxes. Stewart reminds owner- operators to carefully research the carrier they are going to work for and talk to several of the company's drivers. "Some companies don't take care of their drivers or their trucks – you'll see rolling wrecks on the highway," Stewart says. It's important to find a niche and stick with it, he says, and to stay loyal to a company if possible. Stewart's high-value hauls have included varied prod- ucts, from the world's larg- est Gameboy to two Dale Chahouli glass chandeliers. He's worked with chari- ties, as well. He was one of the original Trucker Buddies and participates in the Washington Special Olympics convoy annually, to name a few. Parsons says Stewart is absolutely the mold of what a professional driver should be. "He goes above and beyond expecta- tions by taking care of customers, partici- pating in community service activities, and always bringing a great work ethic to the job," Parsons says. It took him quite a while to find the niche he wanted, but now that he has, the road runs pretty smoothly for him. SO WE ARE DRIVEN FOR HIM HE DRIVES FOR YOU, Besides spoiling grandkids when home, Stewart works on his burgundy 1965 Chevy shortbed stepside, with a 400-hp 350-cubic-inch engine. The hot rod has been a work in progress for 15 years. "She's a garage queen," Stewart says. for the 2012 Owner-Operator of the Year award, which is sponsored by Overdrive and the Truckload Carriers Association. The winner will be announced at TCA's annual convention, March 3-6, 2013, in Las Vegas. Bob Stewart is a finalist Freightliner Cascadia trucks will no longer have National Seating as the standard seat option. For 75 years, our research and development has produced seats that deliver the best comfort, health and performance for your drivers. Tell your dealer you want National Seating in your new trucks. American Pride since 1936 For the latest information and promotions visit MyTruckSeat.com September 2012 | Overdrive | 35 AMERICAN MADE Text INFO to 50298 or visit ovdinfo.com