TCA Rewards Fleets For Safety Achievements
The Truckload Carriers Assn. (TCA) announced the grand prize winners of its 2004 National Fleet Safety Awards: Marten Transport, Ltd., of Mondovi, Wis., won for companies operating more than 25 million miles annually, and Pottle's Transportation, Inc., of Bangor, Maine, won for companies operating under 25 million miles annually.
The two fleets were selected from among 18 division winners.
Marten
Marten has implemented a proactive safety training program, which includes providing quarterly safety training to its drivers and rewarding accident-free drivers with safety bonuses. Among its many safety-related practices, Marten gives its fleet managers primary responsibility for supervising the safety of their drivers, regularly schedules inspections of equipment, and celebrates the achievements of its drivers.
Annually, Marten Transport awards more than 60% of its total driver force for completing another year of safe driving. In 2004, Marten Transport won first place in both the Wisconsin and Georgia Motor Carriers Assn.s' fleet safety contests.
Pottle's
Safety-related practices at Pottle's include careful screening and qualifying of drivers, an open-door policy of communication with management, supplemental training to reinforce and expand drivers' skills, regular equipment inspection and maintenance, and extensive accident investigation and prevention procedures.
Pottle's also recognizes and invests in its drivers to promote their positive attitude and work ethic regarding safety and the transportation industry in general. As a result of its diligent efforts, the company significantly reduced the number of equipment and driver violations in 2004; fine amounts dropped by as much as 82%.
Recognizing that safety is the key to its success, Pottle's has focused its efforts on safety rather than growth, actually downsizing its fleet to make running a safe operation a priority over increasing profits.
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