August 8, 2024

CREATING A SAFETY CULTURE AT PGT

At PGT Trucking, we put our drivers’ safety at the forefront of our flatbed services within the transportation industry. Moving hefty loads on flatbed trailers can be risky, which is why safety and reliability are essential for the job. With more than 43 years of experience, PGT prioritizes safe operations to protect our drivers, property and the community. Safety is not only a requirement for our drivers, but a fundamental aspect of PGT’s company culture.

EXTENSIVE FLATBED TRAINING

At our Blairsville training center in PA, we focus on helping our drivers grow and succeed in the industry, with a strong emphasis on safety. Our experienced instructors provide thorough training to equip drivers with the necessary knowledge and skills for flatbed trucking, including loading, securing, tarping and unloading. These skills are important because any slip-up could create risky situations for both drivers and others on the road. It could also damage our customers’ valued cargo. PGT follows all Department of Transportation regulations and sets a PGT standard that requires an extra securement device above DOT requirements, or as we call it, “one for the family.” We ensure that our drivers are completely ready for flatbed trucking before their first solo day on the job.

In addition, we have skilled Certified PRO Trainers who play a key role in supporting our new student drivers. PGT Certified PRO Trainers are responsible for providing training and guidance to new apprentice drivers, assisting them to achieve successful trucking careers while fostering a safety culture at PGT. After new trainees finish their Orientation week, they are paired with a Certified PRO Trainer, where they will gain direct, on the job experience before moving on to driving solo. Our Certified PRO Trainers are exceptional drivers, and they help build the foundation of safety culture at PGT.

SAFETY COACHING BACKED BY AI

Safety is the top priority of PGT operations, which is why having AI-powered cameras in our equipment is an important tool. All PGT units have dashcams installed. These cameras allow PGT to monitor driving behavior and provide insight into real world driving experiences. We have a team of dedicated, CDL-holding driver coaches who review these camera systems and work with our drivers to encourage safer driving behavior. With this proactive approach, PGT can minimize the risk of an incident. This useful technology is revolutionizing fleet safety.

With this technology, our drivers can keep track of their camera scores, helping them focus on safe driving habits and improving their personal scores. Additionally, this motivates our drivers to achieve new personal goals and stay competitive within the fleet. PGT drivers can easily check their scores on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis, all within an app on their tablets. Additionally, PGT consistently recognizes drivers who maintain exceptional camera scores, displaying their commitment to safe driving.

SUPPORTING OUR DRIVERS

Each driver at PGT has a dedicated team of Operations and Safety personnel, including a Camera Coach, Safe Operations Manager, Fleet Manager and Terminal Manager. This support staff collaborates with our drivers to ensure efficient and safe flatbed trucking operations every day. By having multiple support personnel, drivers at PGT have round-the-clock assistance for their every need.

All PGT staff members go through Flatbed Fundamentals, a condensed training course for office personnel to gain an understanding of load securement and safety protocols. Each employee is provided with a load securement manual and participates in a classroom session that covers the essential aspects of flatbed trucking. These participants then work in our training bay to physically secure mock loads on the flatbed trailer. This training allows our staff to gain insight into our drivers’ perspective and understand the challenges they deal with when working on flatbed trailers. By ensuring that our staff gains a hands-on training experience, we are further strengthening our company’s safety culture.

Furthermore, we make it a point to introduce new PGT drivers during our company-wide Tuesday meetings to foster a sense of community across our company. During our Friday meetings, we recognize drivers for being true Proud Professionals, highlighting their punctuality, attention to personal appearance and dedication to their work. We take pride in appreciating our drivers for their hard work and loyalty to PGT. 

OUR APPROACH TO SAFETY CULTURE

PGT prioritizes the safe and timely delivery of loads by our drivers. In the transportation world, accidents are often caused by speeding, tailgating and distractions. Not only do these driving behaviors put truck drivers at risk, but they also endanger everyone else on the road. There are more than 160,000 trucking accidents per year. PGT uses a data driven and proactive approach to safety, focusing on the habits that are proven to minimize the risk of an incident. At PGT, we stress the importance of effective trip planning, staying organized and being patient to help prevent accidents within our fleet. With our committed staff and camera data, we work together to coach our drivers on safe driving practices and acknowledge those who follow them to maintain a safety culture at PGT.

CONSISTENCY IS KEY

At PGT, “Safety is Everyone’s Job – All the Time.” We are all about creating and maintaining a strong safety culture here. It is essential for our drivers to prioritize their own safety and comply with flatbed safety regulations. Our goal is for drivers to complete their run and return home safely every time. By consistently highlighting the importance of safety in the workplace and on the road, we aim to uphold a safety-conscious culture that keeps our drivers motivated and engaged. As a result of the dedication of our drivers, PGT has established a positive reputation for safety within the trucking industry.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN A FLATBED TRUCKING CAREER WITH PGT?

We have just the place for you! At PGT, we value our drivers’ safety and ensure that they receive the instruction they need to succeed in the transportation industry. With opportunities for company positions, lease purchase options and owner-operators, flatbed truck drivers can be safe and successful at PGT.

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