THE RELATIONSHIP between shipper and carrier requires agreement on safety goals, particularly those involving driver training, said representatives of Dow Chemical Co and Air BP Aviation Services at the National Tank Truck Carriers Safety Seminar April 4-6 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
David Ware of Air BP and Lori Pavlish of Dow emphasized the importance of risk management to reduce product spills and cross-mixing, as well as vehicular accidents. They expressed particular concerns about rollovers and driver fatigue.
Pavlish urged carriers to train dispatchers to recognize symptoms of driver fatigue so they can intervene, and to report all accidents to their shippers, no matter how minor. Accident rates are reduced when all incidents are reported, she said.
She also pointed out that drivers with about 15 years of experience began to have more accidents, a situation that calls for retraining. “Behavioral issues are often the source of incidents,” she said.
Ware said that Air BP wants its core carriers to have the same safety goals as it has. The company emphasizes long-time relationships with its customers as well as with its carriers, and strives to work with them to achieve common goals.
Having a safe operation that protects its drivers also results in safety to the public, Pavlish said.
Both shippers have regular meetings with their core carriers to discuss and share information. They also make training programs available.
Dow's safety-based performance programs are intended to influence driver behavior in a positive way through observations, coaching, and communication, Pavlish said.
An effective program should include strong management commitment to safety, including programs resources, training for dispatchers and planners, the use of driver trainers, and record keeping that will be used in trend analysis, follow up, and corrective action.
Ware pointed out that in handling aviation products, there is no room for mistakes.
Air BP's training program includes incident management and accident preventability, managing and hiring drivers, how to conduct an effective safety meeting, federal regulations, and off-airport fuel deliveries and procedures. The company provides training to carriers whether they are operating with Air BP or not. More information about the program can be found on the company's Web site at http://training.epic-aviation.com.