The American Trucking Associations named three motor carriers as winners of its 2001 National Truck Safety Contest.

The companies -- representing large, mid-size, and small fleets -- are American Freightways of Harrison, Ark. (over 100 million miles annual operation); G&P Trucking of Gaston, S.C. (25 to 100 million miles); and Ace Doran Hauling and Rigging of Cincinnati, Ohio (up to 25 million miles).
All were judged to have the best overall safety programs and record of safety initiatives among contest entries, and were presented with the ATA President's Trophy Wednesday night at its 2001 Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council's Fall Conference in Nashville, Tenn.
American Freightways, an operating company of FedEx Freight, is honored for its extensive safety program that begins with the premise that "we have no right to jeopardize the safety of our associates or those with whom we share the highway." AF has a comprehensive education and training for all employees and drivers: active, inactive, and new. It includes updating and retraining in hazmat handling, antilock brake systems, defensive driving and more. The company constantly tests new products and technology that might improve workplace and highway safety. AF tractors and trailers feature at least 15 more safety-related accessories than required by federal regulators.
G&P Trucking, operating in the southeastern U.S., pledges in its formal safety policy statement to provide the safest conditions and equipment possible for all employees. "The safety of the employee, the public, and the operation is paramount," says G&P. Another G & P practice is that safety takes precedence over expediency or short cuts. The company says every employee is expected to demonstrate an attitude that reflects this policy. Open communications, comments, and criticisms on safety issues by G&P employees are encouraged, and where appropriate, melded into company safety policy.
Ace Doran Hauling and Rigging, a 100 percent owner-operator national flatbed carrier, is honored for its decision to raise the bar and put into place company safety requirements that go far and above federal requirements. Their plan included hiring quality safety management personnel, expanding the carrier's training regimen, improving written procedures, and an upgrading of physical equipment. Ace Doran devotes up to 90 percent of its company newsletter space to safety issues and promotes an open door policy which ensures drivers constant access to safety personnel. Its owner-operators often ask company personnel to perform vehicle inspections to confirm that motor vehicle enforcement officers aren't missing anything in their roadside inspections.
The ATA President's Trophy winners will also be honored Oct. 29 at ATA's 2001 Management Conference and Exhibition, also in Nashville.