ABF Freight System Inc. has become a six-time winner of the transportation industry’s most prestigious safety award, the American Trucking Associations President’s Trophy. The award was presented during the ATA Safety Management Council’s Safety and Human Resources National Conference and Exhibition in Rogers, Ark., on Wednesday, Sept. 29.
“The ATA President’s Trophy is the highest safety award available to motor carriers in the United States,” says Susan Chandler, ATA executive director. “ABF has been judged most outstanding on the basis of its safety record, programs and community outreach activities.”
The President’s Trophy is awarded each year to carriers in three categories based on cumulative miles driven annually: Under 25 million miles; 25 million to 100 million miles; and more than 100 million miles. ABF now has earned recognition in the more than 100 million miles category in 1984, 1989, 1993, 1998, 2003 and 2010. This year, ABF also placed third in the less-than-truckload category for local carriers of general commodities, 50 million to 100 million miles.
“Naturally, ABF is proud to be recognized again with this prestigious honor,” says Wes Kemp, president and chief executive officer of Fort Smith, Ark.-based ABF Freight. “Our reputation is earned by the consistent performance of employees, who bring value to the supply chains of our customers. So it is particularly rewarding to see their efforts recognized as exceptional. Moreover, our customers will be pleased to learn that their supply chain partner has once again earned the admiration of its industry peers.”
The ATA President’s Trophy recognizes the three companies whose fleets have been judged to have the best overall safety programs from the Truck & Industrial Safety contests. These contests judge motor carrier from across the United States on their safety accomplishments and safety records relative to others within their operation type and size. The top three ATA President’s Trophy recipients are honored for their superior safety achievements, outstanding commitment to industrywide safety and extensive promotion of safety among all highway users.
• Large fleet winner (over 100 million miles annually: ABF Freight System, Fort Smith, Ark.
• Midsize fleet winner (between 25-100 million miles annually): Dupré Logistics, Lafayette, La.
• Small fleet winner (under 25 million miles annually): TCW / Tennessee Express, Nashville, Tenn.
The ATA National Driver of the Year, sponsored by Custard Insurance Adjusters, recognizes one professional truck driver for his/her exemplary accomplishments and excellent driving attributes, including the driver’s driving record, willingness to assist others on the highway and/or other community service and heroic deeds. This year’s recipient is Anthony “Tony” A. Jones of Central Freight Lines, based in Houston.
