Viking, Pitt-Ohio Win Safety Awards

HOUSTON — The safest trucking operations seem to have intertwining dimensions of driver, machine and management, judging by the success of Viking Freight and Pitt-Ohio Express. The two fleets took this year’s top prizes awarded by the American Trucking Associations’ Safety Management Council.

Both companies received the ATA President’s Trophy in their respective mileage classes. Viking, San Jose, Calif., was presented with the prize for large fleets, running more than 20 million miles annually, and Pitt-Ohio won for small fleets, with fewer than 20 million miles.The President’s Trophy recognizes fleets with a low rate of accidents and the best safety programs in their class. The two carriers will also be honored in November at ATA’s Management Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, Fla.

Gary Richard, senior safety specialist at Pitt-Ohio, accepted the award for his company at an Oct. 13 banquet, marking the final day of the organization’s annual meeting. President Doug Duncan and Safety Director Scot Bishop took home the honor for Viking.

The safety program developed by Pitt-Ohio includes detailed manuals for drivers and freight handlers, a written test and a manual on handling hazardous materials. Its alcohol and drug policy exceeds federal requirements in several ways by applying to: all employees who operate any vehicle on company business; those returning to work after 30 days or more on medical leave; and those observed committing an unsafe practice.

For the full story, see the Oct. 18 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.