Three GFL drivers celebrate special milestones 

September 10-16 is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. We celebrate all of GFL’s hard-working drivers and introduce you to three roll-off drivers at GFL’s Garner, NC, branch who recently celebrated impressive work anniversaries. Larry McKoy, Carl Brooks and Shawn Swafford have shown professionalism and dedication throughout their long careers in the waste industry. 

Larry McKoy 

McKoy has worked in the waste industry for over 35 years. He worked in the shop for two years before he became a driver. Over the course of his career McKoy has driven vehicles ranging from box trucks to tractor trailers and has serviced residential and commercial routes. Larry presently drives a commercial roll-off truck. 

“I’ve tried it all but roll-off is what I like best,” McKoy said. 

A typical day for Larry starts at 5:45am and ends at 4:30 or 5:00pm. 

“I drive my route and try to stay ahead of everything so customers have what they need,” McKoy said. 

McKoy enjoys driving and the people he works with. When asked what qualities he has that make him a good driver, McKoy responded in one word, “Patience.” 

When McKoy isn’t driving for GFL, he races and restores cars. He fully restored a 1968 Chevrolet Camaro and he drag races a 2000 Ford Mustang that he put a Chevrolet motor in. 

McKoy enjoys spending time with his kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. 

Carl Brooks 

Brooks has worked in the waste industry for 22 years.  

“I got my CDL and Waste Industries was the first company that called me,” Brooks said. “I was with them until they were acquired by GFL in 2018.” 

Brooks is also a commercial roll-off driver servicing construction sites, and like McKoy, it’s his favorite truck to drive. 

“I’ve driven almost all of the trucks over the years,” Brooks said. “If I had to choose, I’d choose what I’m driving right now – roll-off.” 

Brooks has lived in Garner for the past 35 years and is proud to serve his community. After doing the job for so long he feels comfortable with his day-to-day routine and likes knowing what to expect each day.  

In his spare time Brooks likes to ride his motorcycle, snowboard, watch sports, and spend time with his girlfriend and son. 

Shawn Swafford 

Swafford’s career in the waste industry spans over 23 years. He got his CDL in 2001, and like McKoy and Brooks, he had his tenure transferred to GFL when GFL acquired Waste Industries in 2018. In 2014 he was named Waste Industries’ Driver of the Year. 

Swafford also drives commercial roll-off, dropping off and picking up bins at construction sites. 

He is an avid participant in SWANA Road-E-Os, a competition put on by the Solid Waste Association of North America that gives operators of solid waste collection and landfill equipment a chance to showcase their skills. 

Swafford has traveled to Texas twice and to Colorado and Florida to compete at the international level. 

“I’ve been doing the SWANA Road-E-Os since 2009,” Swafford said. “I got two third-place wins in state, two second-place wins in state and two first-place wins in state. Winning first and second place qualifies you for the International Road-E-O. I actually won the International Road-E-O in 2013 in Texas.” 

A mechanic at heart, when he’s not driving, Swafford likes to work in the shop, cut grass and spend time with his wife and two sons. 

Congratulations, Larry, Carl and Shawn! 

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