Bulktransporter Com Sites Bulktransporter com Files Uploads 2013 12 Tidewater Transit2
Bulktransporter Com Sites Bulktransporter com Files Uploads 2013 12 Tidewater Transit2
Bulktransporter Com Sites Bulktransporter com Files Uploads 2013 12 Tidewater Transit2
Bulktransporter Com Sites Bulktransporter com Files Uploads 2013 12 Tidewater Transit2
Bulktransporter Com Sites Bulktransporter com Files Uploads 2013 12 Tidewater Transit2

Tidewater Transit, MCO Transport named 2013 Volvo Trucks Safety Award winners

Nov. 1, 2013
Top performers

Outstanding performance on the road and a focus on training with safety in mind earned Tidewater Transit Co Inc and MCO Transport Inc the 2013 Volvo Trucks Safety Award. The fleets were recognized this week during the American Trucking Associations Management Conference & Exhibition in Orlando FL and presented $25,000 to be used toward their safety-related activities.

Now in its fifth year, the annual Volvo Trucks Safety Award recognizes the outstanding safety achievements of North American fleets. Michelin America Truck Tires again joined Volvo Trucks as a supporting sponsor of the award.

“Tidewater Transit and MCO Transport have made safety a top priority, and their outstanding performance reflects that commitment,” said Göran Nyberg, president of Volvo Trucks North American Sales & Marketing. “Like Volvo, the winners of this year’s award understand the importance of integrating safety into every facet of their operations.”

Mike Cain, Michelin vice president of Original Equipment, said: “We’re proud to be part of an award that brings honor and recognition to the safest fleets in North America and increased attention to the issue of safety. Tidewater Transit and MCO Transport demonstrate the clear benefits of establishing a safety-first culture and providing drivers with the best training and equipment available.”

Tidewater Transit of Kinston NC won the Volvo Trucks Safety Award in the over 20 million miles category. Family-owned and operated since 1949, Tidewater Transit operates 360 trucks throughout the eastern seaboard and gulf areas. The company primarily hauls dry and liquid materials—everything from sulfuric acid to plastic pellets. In 2012, Tidewater Transit recorded an accident frequency rate of just .25 while logging 31,649,340 miles on the road.

Tidewater Transit puts its new drivers through a “Top Gun” program, which pairs new hires with a Top Gun trainer, a hand-picked driver who oversees the full training of the new driver and ensures they have the knowledge and skills needed to operate on the road. Additionally, Tidewater Transit recognizes safe drivers with a quarterly cash bonus program, which includes presentation of certificates and plaques during company events when families are in attendance.

MCO Transport of Wilmington NC received the Volvo Trucks Safety Award in the under 20 million miles category. MCO Transport was established in 1975 as a commodities carrier transporting containers to and from the local port. Today, they offer transportation and warehousing services for diverse local, regional and national clients. MCO Transport operates a fleet of 88 trucks and logged 5,976,962 miles last year with just one recordable accident, equating to an accident frequency rate of .167.

MCO Transport’s multifaceted approach to safety is built around clearly defined policies and procedures. They also hold mandatory quarterly safety meetings and utilize a recognition program for drivers who receive no violations during DOT roadside inspections.

All motor carriers in the United States and Canada with more than five Class 8 trucks are eligible to apply for the annual awards. Awards are given in two categories: one for fleets with less than 20 million miles of annual operation and the other for those with more than 20 million miles. Winning fleets are selected based on their accident frequency rates, using the Department of Transportation definition of a “recordable accident,” and their safety and accident prevention programs.  ♦