The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) has named three motor carriers as winners of its 2002 National Truck Safety Contest,
according to William Canary, ATA president and CEO.
The companies--representing large, mid-size, and small fleets--are Con-Way Southern Express of Fort Worth, Texas (more than 100 million miles annual operation); GI Trucking Co., Brea, Calif. (25 to 100 million miles); and Usher Transport Inc., a Louisville, Ky. tank truck carrier (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 at the 2002 Safety & Loss Prevention Management Council's Fall Conference held in Sparks, Nev. this week.
"These companies go the extra mile to put safe drivers and safe trucks on our highways," Canary said "We're proud of the example they set for the trucking industry as we all work to make highway travel safe for everyone."
Con-Way Southern Express, which operated in 22 states during the contest year--using more than 1,400 line-haul and nearly 2,000 local drivers--produced a one-year drop in its preventable and non-preventable accident rate of 17%, with injuries dropping 16% over the same period. Also, Con-Way Southern's preventable line-haul accident frequency came in under goal for the first time in five years.
GI Trucking Co., with 1,600 employees working at 54 terminals in 13 states, is moving its 500 tractors and trailers more safely every day. The 2001 vehicle accident frequency rate dropped 48% from the previous year--this with a 23% increase in miles driven.
At Usher Transport Inc., with 220 tractors coming and going from terminals, only 100% involvement by terminal managers and supervisors is good enough for their safety program. As a result, while miles driven are up, accident frequency is down at Usher Transport.
Criteria for the President's Trophy include safety policy and organization, a positive vehicle and workplace safety record, safety training, employee selection and supervision, driver incentive and recognition programs and leadership in trucking industry safety activities.
The ATA President's Trophy winners will also be honored on Oct. 28 at ATA's 2002 Management Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla.