Safer By Association

Association Participation Underscores Landstar’s Safety Culture

Landstar Executive Vice President Matt Miller and other members of the Florida Trucking Association at the Florida State Capitol in 2023

According to research conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) in August 2023, there is a correlation between association membership and safe driving. That is, truck drivers who are currently or were formerly part of a statewide or federal trucking association are statistically safer drivers than individuals who have never been part of those associations.

Landstar recognizes the significance of the connection to state and federal trucking associations and, on behalf of its business capacity owners (BCOs), participates in organizations such as the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), the Illinois Trucking Association (ITA), the California Trucking Association (CTA) and the Florida Trucking Association (FTA), to name a few.

“Through Landstar, our owner-operators reap the benefits of a membership association and its educational resources,” explains Landstar Vice President of Safety and Compliance Shelly Seaton.

Thus, by taking part in industry associations and organizations, Landstar is able to enhance its own safety culture by remaining up to date with a nationwide industry that is constantly changing. From there, corporate leaders coordinate the stream of information from these associations to BCOs to keep them informed of ongoing changes that impact their daily lives.

“If you have a question about anything safety-related, you can always find someone at Landstar to help you or find out the answer to safety aspects,” says BCO Susan Pardue, who has been leased with Landstar since 1993. “Plus, sometimes, you might need a refresher, because laws are constantly changing.”

“One of the main reasons I chose Landstar is that all of the drivers I spoke with told me just how seriously the company takes safety,” says Landstar BCO Christopher Chin. “That's the culture that Landstar has established, and everybody benefits.”

One of the reasons this kind of industry involvement is imperative is because safety isn’t just about what happens on the road but what it takes to help owner-operators feel safe in pursuing their careers overall, particularly with regard to legislation.

In Florida, for instance, the FTA teamed up with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) late last year to secure a $15 million grant that would allow the FTA to construct approximately 120 new parking spaces for truck drivers outside of Plant City. Parking has long been a source of pain for truck drivers, who often struggle to find a safe place to stop and rest.

Additionally, the ITA is currently advocating for an expansion of Scott’s Law, or the “Move Over Law.” This law requires motorists to slow down when passing a construction worker or police car on the side of the road but does not extend that protection to disabled passenger cars, let alone trucks.

“It’s about staying in touch with industry changes that are happening outside of Landstar’s network, sharing our expertise, sharing our expertise and keeping our finger on the pulse of potential legislation coming through,” explains Landstar Executive Vice President of Safety, Compliance, Trailer Management and Insurance Administration Matt Miller, who also serves on the board of the FTA says, “It's also about dialing into how we most effectively safeguard compliance and safety education here at Landstar.”

When all is said and done, safety is a far-reaching matter, and it takes many individuals to ensure that BCOs have what they need to remain as safe as possible.

“Landstar is a special place. The safety culture here is woven into the fabric of the company,” Miller affirms. “It’s not just a talking point; it’s a way of thinking and acting that’s pervasive throughout the company."