During the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) North American Annual Conference and Exhibition, Steve Niswander, Groendyke Transport Inc vice-president for safety policy and regulatory relations, was presented the President’s Award. This award honors affiliated (non-law enforcement) members of the CVSA for significant involvement in and contributions to the Alliance.
Niswander, who has been with Groendyke for more than 35 years, has been a member of CVSA for 30 years, and has been a member of the alliance’s Hazardous Material Committee, and is the past chairman of the Industry Advisory Committee.
Niswander, who joined CVSA during its infancy, has witnessed several milestones over the last 30 years. Most notably, the trucking industry forged a friendship and partnership with Industry, Enforcement, and Regulatory personnel between the North American countries, to reach a common goal of Safety and reciprocity in the North American Transportation Systems.
“I remember the all day and late night meetings discussing the Out of Service Criteria,” Niswander said. “I was proudest to know that it passed and was put into effect for the Safety of all. The inclusion of all industry partners was a huge step forward. In some of the early CVSA meetings, the industry sat at the rear of the room merely as a reference guide. Over the years, a partnership blossomed into a working relationship where all were represented at the table and have a vote.”
Niswander also serves on various committees for the American Trucking Association (ATA), including National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC), where he is currently in his 10th year of serving as the Chairman of the Cargo Tank Truck Rollover Committee.
CVSA is an international not-for-profit organization comprised of local, state, provincial, territorial and federal motor carrier safety officials and industry representatives from the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The alliance works to promote commercial motor vehicle safety and security by providing leadership to enforcement personnel and policy makers.