Safety First... We do mean Business
I just put the phone down from a conversation with a driver whose safety clearance was permanently suspended because of log violations. He had been counseled regarding 70 hour violations multiple times. Counseling sessions had taken place on the phone, in person in Gary, Indiana, and in person in St. Cloud, Minnesota. No change had taken place in how he was driving and logging, and we were finally forced to permanently suspend his safety clearance.

This particular driver acknowledged that he had been counseled and warned, but stated, “I didn’t understand that you meant business”. We do mean business. We have to. Safety keeps us in business or puts us out of business.(Black and Blue)

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed regulations regarding hours of service for drivers. These regulations are intended to make sure that there are safe, alert drivers on the road. The DOT wants to keep everyone traveling on our roadways safe and requires all drivers to stay in compliance with those regulations.

Our mission in the Safety Department goes beyond just staying in compliance with those regulations. Of course we want, and need, to stay in compliance. But beyond that, we want to make sure that our drivers on the road are alert and operating their truck safely with the best interest of our customer, the motoring public, the company and themselves in mind.

When something has been identified in a driver’s work performance that places that driver out of compliance or identifies him or her to be at risk for a safety related incident, that driver is contacted and counseled regarding the issue. When a driver is counseled regarding a safety issue it is because it is an item of high concern that needs attention. The approach we take is that of education, that will hopefully change that action in the future. This counseling should not be taken lightly or brushed off. If someone is contacting you regarding a safety issue, it is very important. Please listen and take action to correct it.

Safety counseling is always a matter of public or individual safety. Don’t take it lightly. Safety means business.

New Safety Program...PICKUP ON SAFETY
We're giving away this 2002 GMC Sierra 4x4. The truck can be seen in front of the ATS home office in St. Cloud, MN. Full time drivers meeting safety qualifications form May 1 through July 31, 2002, will receive one chance to win for every year of safe driving with ATS. For example, a qualified, full time driver with 5 years of safe driving at ATS would have 6 chances to win the truck (one chance for each full year, plus one chance for this qualifying quarter). Drivers who have been with ATS less than one year, but drove the full quarter safely, would have one chance to win. The drawing will be held in Gary, Indiana, at Driver Appreciation Days in August.

This will replace all other awards programs. Drivers meeting safety criteria for the full calendar year will also receive the ATA annual safety pin and patch. Drivers with one million ATS safe miles will receive a ATS Million Mile Ring in appreciation for their efforts and accomplishments

Midnight Cowboy Honors Million Mile Drivers
The Midnight Cowboy Radio Network and Petro have a contest for Million Mile Drivers from all across America. These drivers have driven over 1,000,000 miles without a chargeable safety violation. Congratulations to ATS Specialized driver, Dale Mahon #16037 who has been honored this month.

Dale will receive a denim embroidered coat, flashlight, key chain and membership card to the Million Mile Club. Only 104 drivers will be inducted each year, and only the safest drivers are considered for membership. Congratulations to these fine drivers.