Safety, HR Professionals Connect at ATA Conference
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PHOENIX — More than 450 safety, security and human resources professionals came together to share best practices, learn about industry trends and identify ways to improve the trucking industry at American Trucking Associations’ Safety, Security and Human Resources 2024 National Conference and Exhibition.
Andrew Boyle, co-president of Boyle Transportation and ATA chairman, welcomed attendees to the April 25-27 event and said the work they do is a noble undertaking.
“This particular conference is of significant importance,” Boyle said, adding that safety and security are not competitive issues. “Not only do we care about our co-workers who are over the road, but we have a higher standard because we’re interacting with the motoring public and families.” Trucking employs 8 million workers and invests $14 billion in safety a year. “We take pride in that,” Boyle said.
As part of the conference, the ATA Safety Management Council honored several fleets and industry leaders for their commitment to safety. “Safety is at the heart of our industry, and these carriers and professionals embody this principle consistently,” ATA President Chris Spear said.
Spear
Steven Garrish, vice president of safety and compliance for Old Dominion Freight Line, was honored as the 2023 ATA National Safety Director of the Year. The ATA President’s Trophy was awarded to three carriers: Pitt Ohio, TCW Inc. and J.W. Didado Electric.
David Wolford, a professional driver for Continental Express Inc., received the 2023 ATA National Driver of the Year award. The 2023 Excellence in Safety award was presented to the Arkansas Trucking Association.
ATA’s Transportation Security Council recognized fleets for their security and loss prevention efforts. ABF Freight Systems received the ATA Excellence in Security award. ODFL received the ATA Excellence in Claims and Loss Prevention award.
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Spear noted that truck drivers deliver 72% of all the freight moved in the United States, and motor carriers and their employees take great pride in getting these shipments where they need to be safely and on time.
“Unfortunately, the billions of tons of freight transported on the backs of trucks are a prime target for criminals, which is why security, including cargo theft and cybercrime, has now been added to ATA’s strategic priorities,” Spear said.
Conference attendees also took time to give back to the local community during the conference, packing 2,000 hygiene kits for St. Mary’s Food Bank.
