TEAM Safe Trucking (TST), a broad-based, non-profit volunteer group seeking to elevate the standard and performance of the American forest industry’s transportation sector, is moving ahead with its ambitious agenda, according to organizers, who met in early fall to review the progress of TST and to tweak its priorities.
The group launched a web site (teamsafetrucking.com) in October. The web site is being populated with information and tools designed to help TST reach its objective. Its emerging safety-focused program will embrace awareness and education; driver training, skillset improvement, motivation and recruitment; fleet best management practices; and public image enhancement.
The organization expects to expand its program nationwide as it secures additional funding through donations from stakeholders and through grants. At least 10 companies and associations have contributed funds to TST. As well, Virginia Tech University has committed funds and a graduate student to conduct log/chip truck accident research, which is just beginning. The study will help guide TST’s work going forward.
Organizers consist of logging companies, log trucking entities, wood fiber suppliers, paper/wood products manufacturers, insurance companies, and logging and forestry association representatives.
According to TST president Rick Quagliaroli, “Our objective is to help make the forest industry’s trucking segment safer, more accountable, more efficient, and more acceptable to the public. This will take some time. For the good of the industry as a whole, we’re asking for all connected parties to ‘buy in’ with their ideas, enthusiasm, and support.”
To learn more, visit teamsafetrucking.com, email Quaqliaroli at [email protected] or phone Jimmie Locklear at 910-733-3300.