Cover Story

Carter Williams - National Carriers, Inc.

In the early 1990s, Carter Williams was the owner of a car stereo shop in the upper Midwest. Devastating floods of the Mississippi River and the closing of a nearby military base took a toll on his business, and Carter was soon on the lookout for a new career. His search brought him to the trucking industry.

“After the local economy went sour, I was determined to find a career that I’d really enjoy,” says Carter. “I had served in the U.S. Army during my younger days, and I was comfortable around heavy equipment. I knew there was money to be made in the transportation industry, so I found a good trucking school and earned my CDL. I spent a few months learning the ropes, and I’ve been running as a lease-operator or owner-operator ever since.”

In 2001, Carter began shopping around for a high-paying lease purchase program, and he heard a lot of good buzz about Liberal, KS-based National Carriers, Inc. (NCI). “One of the things that impressed me right away was their waiting list of driver candidates,” says Carter. “NCI wanted more than warm bodies to fill their seats; in fact, they were only hiring one out of 10 applicants at the time. NCI offered me a better lease purchase plan than I found anywhere else, so I signed on.”

Carter immediately knew that he’d made the right decision. He was impressed with the small company atmosphere at NCI and the warm, friendly treatment he received from everyone on the team. “Some of the best people I’ve ever met are here at NCI,” says Carter. “They are first-rate. I can walk in and talk with anyone at any time, and I get the day-to-day support I need.”

Carter is obviously enthusiastic about the company he is leased on to, something that has not gone unnoticed by management. In fact, they have made Carter a driver recruiter, and he’s personally brought in 60 new hires over the years. He also works hard to help new lease- and owner-operators to maximize their success at NCI. One approach is his “Good to Great” seminar that teaches techniques proven to increase profitability and the efficient use of time.

In addition to system routes that run throughout the 48 contiguous states, NCI offers a regional program for drivers living in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska and Colorado that lets them spend their weekends at home while still earning a great income.

Carter is at the top of his game, and his quality service is receiving national attention. He is one of a select group of finalists in the TCA’s Independent Contractor of the Year contest, which is open to drivers who have logged more than a million miles while maintaining strict safety standards. The top three prize winners will be announced at the TCA 2006 Annual Convention at the Gaylord Palms Resort in March 2006.

When he’s not getting the job done for NCI, Carter enjoys customizing his tractor with plenty of lights and chrome. He also likes to bowl and fish.

The staff of Over the Road and Pro Trucker magazines would like to wish Carter continued success with National Carriers. For more information on lease purchase, owner-operator and company driver opportunities available at NCI, see their ad on pages 30–31of this issue.