The Importance of Best-in-Class Safety Programs for Trucking Carriers
In recent years, the trucking industry has witnessed a troubling rise in “nuclear verdicts”—enormous jury awards resulting from accidents. This trend has led to increased insurance premiums, prompting carriers to reassess their safety strategies. For those committed to excellence, implementing a best-in-class safety program not only secures competitive insurance rates but also prioritizes driver well-being and fosters a safer industry overall.
Benefits of a Best-in-Class Safety Program
Carriers that adopt top-tier safety programs enjoy numerous advantages, including:
- Improved Safety Metrics: Enhanced safety measures lead to lower risk costs and improved profitability.
- Reduced Litigation Risks: Robust safety protocols help minimize the likelihood of excessive verdicts in post-crash litigation.
- Better Driver Retention: A strong safety culture attracts and retains top talent.
- Increased Customer Trust: Customers prefer to partner with carriers that prioritize safety.
Given these benefits, many carriers aspire to establish best-in-class safety programs. But how can they achieve this?
Steps to Create a Best-in-Class Safety Program
1. Leadership Commitment
For a safety culture to thrive, leadership must consistently prioritize safety as a core organizational value. According to the J. J. Keller Center for Market Insights, 51% of fleet managers believe that visible leadership commitment to safety is the most crucial element of an effective safety program. Moreover, 46% of fleet managers emphasize the importance of employees feeling valued and supported in their safety efforts. When leaders prioritize safety, they demonstrate a commitment to their drivers’ well-being, leading to greater organizational buy-in and satisfaction.
2. Exceed Regulatory Requirements
To prevent violations and accidents, carriers must establish and enforce safety policies that surpass minimum regulatory standards. Mark Schedler, senior transport editor at J. J. Keller, stresses the importance of exceeding these regulations for defensibility. Carriers should continuously educate themselves on evolving Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and develop stringent internal policies.
3. Implement a Corrective Action Training (CAT) Program
One effective way to improve safety culture is through a dash cam-enabled coaching and corrective action training program. According to Schedler, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and juries expect carriers to implement corrective actions for unsafe behavior. Installing road- and cab-facing cameras allows for comprehensive monitoring, while video review services can provide valuable insights into risky driving incidents.
Research from J. J. Keller indicates that using dash cams improved driver awareness of unsafe habits in 81% of cases and led to significant reductions in insurance claims and legal fees for many users. This tool provides a strong foundation for an effective CAT program.
4. Foster Driver Acceptance
For safety programs to be successful, driver acceptance is crucial, especially with the increased monitoring that dash cams entail. Carriers can enhance acceptance by:
- Clearly communicating the benefits of dash cams as tools for driver protection and improvement.
- Developing scorecards and recognition programs.
- Providing timely remedial training based on dash cam data.
- Ensuring drivers feel their privacy is respected through transparent policies.
When drivers view dash cams as instruments for growth rather than punishment, they are more likely to embrace their use. Video footage can facilitate more productive conversations about safety, allowing for accountability and improvement.
Conclusion
Developing a best-in-class safety program is a comprehensive process that requires commitment from all levels of the organization—executives, fleet managers, and drivers alike. By prioritizing safety, exceeding regulatory requirements, implementing corrective action programs, and fostering driver acceptance, carriers can significantly enhance their safety culture. J. J. Keller offers a range of safety and compliance tools to support carriers in this vital journey. As the industry continues to evolve, investing in safety will not only protect drivers but also strengthen the entire trucking community.
Cook Insurance Group: Your Partner in Trucking Insurance
With over 20 years of experience in the trucking insurance industry, Cook Insurance Group offers unparalleled service and expertise. Serving large fleets, small fleets, single-owner operators, tow trucking operations, and charter bus lines, we focus exclusively on the trucking industry to provide the best insurance solutions. Our friendly, bilingual staff is dedicated to helping you find the right insurance protection at the right cost.
At Cook Insurance Group, we tailor our services to meet the specific needs of both small and large fleet trucking companies. Our representatives manage every aspect of your insurance program, ensuring you have the best plan for your unique needs. We offer immediate certificate and ID card issuance, 24/7 certificate availability, and a client portal for easy access to certificates, claim status, and policy details.
Our prompt and reliable service includes 24-hour claims reporting for physical damage and motor truck cargo.We also provide educational seminars for management and drivers, licensed risk managers to assist with CSA scores and driver training, border risk coverage (NAFTA), and mid-year loss run reviews. Whether you are located in Texas, Arizona, or Arkansas, choose Cook Insurance Group for all your trucking insurance needs.
Choose Cook Insurance Group for all of your trucking insurance needs whether you are located in Texas, Arizona or Arkansas.
