How an elite fleet approaches safety and work culture

There's not necessarily one set of rules to become a "best fleet." But there are principles that can help a trucking company achieve that kind of recognition. The Truckload Carriers Association launched an Elite Fleet certification program this summer to recognize North America’s top for-hire carriers that are setting the bar in driver satisfaction, safety and workplace culture. 

One of those elite fleets is Nussbaum Transportation. We spoke to its chief administrative officer, Jeremy Stickling, about his strategies to run a successful trucking business.

What do you think is the hardest part of managing/operating a trucking business today?

From my seat, the threat of nuclear, unreasonable verdicts, and how plaintiff bars across the country have convinced the public to look at truckers so negatively. I know so many across the industry who put incredible time and financial investment into preventing crashes. They care so much about safety! I'd love to see the investors who put money into plaintiff firms looking for the next big "financial win" to perhaps invest in further safety technology and research.

What's one strategy your fleet uses to build and enforce a culture of safety throughout the business?

We focus our measurements and incentives on behaviors, not results. Our driving professionals get regular feedback and can earn a significant bonus if they show a conservative and careful approach to their job. We'd rather change the behavior before the incident, as opposed to reacting to the citation or crash after the fact.

Nussbaum was recently recognized as a TCA Elite Fleet. What are you most proud of at your company that you believe helped win you this recognition?

Our survey results (both from the Elite Fleets program and from an internal survey that we run) have been extremely good. This is very rewarding, as the accolades come directly from our own fleet. However, strong survey results are never a sign that you've arrived. We choose to interpret them as a sign that we are on the right track and to double down on our efforts. Excellence in safety and culture is not a destination.

What's your No. 1 piece of advice to other carriers to create a better working environment for their drivers and staff?

It can be tempting to think that a fancy, sophisticated program, perk or benefit is the solution to better culture and engagement. You cannot create culture with a program. It is crucial to start with the right mindset and the right heart. Do you and your team truly care about people? Do you want others around you to truly succeed in work and in life? If you are not genuine, then even the best designed programs will not work. 

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The Inside Lane is curated and written by Shefali Kapadia and edited by Bianca Prieto.