I am often asked the following questions. I have placed those answers here to help you in your research. If you have a question you would like me to answer, please use the contact page to ask it, and if I can answer it to your satisfaction I will place it here so others can benefit.
If you work as part of a trucking business, you already know that there is plenty to keep you busy. Ensuring all of your drivers follow safety protocol and managing any accidents is an essential part of running a fleet of trucks and their associated drivers.
Putting together a thought-out communication and training plan, otherwise known as a Safety Program, is essential to every trucking operation. Below are some guidelines you may want to include in your company driver safety program:
During the onboarding of a new driver, there can be a lot to look at. When it comes to your safety program, be thorough so your driver can understand every detail. First, talk about your company fleet. With this information, your new hire should be aware of how many people work for the company. They should see how their position is part of a team and how their actions could impact the rest of the fleet. The review of your fleet should include:
New hires should have a well-rounded view of your company and drivers and goals for each. You should thoroughly cover all aspects of your company processes during orientation.
Thorough driver safety training involves different methods of learning. Methodologies include printed materials, meetings, presentations, and online activities. Recommended training focal points include:
Keep in mind that onboarding can be a process rather than a singular event. Regular meetings may be necessary to keep safety policies on everyone’s mind.
After your new hire has finished the training, have them sign paperwork stating that they understand the safety processes. This is also the time to reiterate what will happen if they fail to stay safe on the road.
It is highly recommended to mandate that new hires complete your training program, including information on proper safety standards before getting behind the wheel.
Note: One of the first steps to safely operating a truck may be looking into CDL training. At PDI, the Professional Driver Institute, students can study Class A CDL and Class B CDL programs before entering the trucking industry. Contact PDI to find out more or learn how to enroll.
Timothy Favreau
Timothy Favreau is a thirty-year trucking veteran and a graduate of Professional Driver Institute with well over a million miles logged on the road. Before being the Regional Director of Safety & Training for various customer locations, Tim spent over a decade on the road as an owner/operator of a long haul transportation company and previously managed drivers as a Driver Manager and Safety Director. He has achieved the level of Master Instructor and holds his certificates in Collision Avoidance; Accident Re-creation and is often sought as an industry expert to discuss practices within the field and testify in transportation and trucking matters.