Two Canadian fleets, Bison Transport and Brian Kurtz Trucking, are the grand prize winners in the Truckload Carriers Association's 2012 National Fleet Safety Awards.

Brian Kurtz Trucking of Breslau, Ontario, won the award for truckload companies in the small carrier division (annual mileage of less than 25 million), while Bison Transport of Winnipeg, Manitoba, won for truckload companies in the large carrier division (annual mileage of 25 million or more).

Both carriers won their respective divisions in 2011, and both have won their divisions in other years as well.

The 37th annual awards, sponsored by Great West Casualty Company, were presented Tuesday, during TCA’s Annual Convention in Las Vegas.

“Safety doesn’t just happen by chance -- it takes a lot of hard work. It also requires a group effort,” said TCA President Chris Burruss. “From the senior leadership to the administrative support personnel, to the safety directors and the drivers themselves, the entire team from both Brian Kurtz Trucking and Bison Transport should be commended. You are the safest fleets in North America!”

Brian Kurtz Trucking is a family operation based on a blend of old-school values and modern technology. The owners and management are proud to have excellent rapport with fellow employees, customers, and the community. BKT was also recently named a TCA Best Fleet to Drive For, an honor that stems from driver nominations and general overall satisfaction with a carrier.

BKT’s safety management program creates responsibility for and involvement in safety initiatives at all levels, from the president to every employee. It only hires potential drivers who have two years of verifiable cross-border driving and can pass high-standard behavioral and situation-based interviews, among other criteria. Through a new online system, drivers receive customized training that addresses individual needs while allowing for self-paced learning.

Bison Transport runs a top-notch safety program with high standards. It provides a supportive and appropriate structure, while focusing on hazard awareness and the establishment of safe processes and actions. The company continually demonstrates impressive progress toward an ever-safer operating environment. For example, over the last three years, its total accidents per million miles has decreased 23%, while its overall accident, insurance, and claims cost has been reduced by more than $1.1 million.

Bison has created an enviable corporate culture that uses the mantra “You’re Safe With Me.” This highly successful brand reminds employees about the company’s safety values and raises awareness about the importance of their actions. Bison offers excellent compensation, training, and tools to foster a safe working environment. It also invests millions of dollars in new equipment and technology.