The sun-drenched shores of Key Largo, Florida, provided the perfect backdrop for the 20th annual Commercial Carrier Journal (CCJ) Innovators Summit. The Summit offered a unique blend of insightful discussions, collaborative brainstorming, and valuable networking opportunities.
Chief Carriers, a Nebraska-based flatbed carrier with over 50 years of experience, was proud to be among the select group of trucking industry leaders invited to this exclusive event.
The Importance of the CCJ Innovators Summit
This wasn’t your typical conference. The CCJ Innovators Summit sets the stage for open and honest dialogue, creating an environment where fleet executives can comfortably share challenges and explore potential solutions.
The off-the-record nature of the presentations, combined with the relaxed tropical setting, encouraged a free flow of ideas. The CCJ editors skillfully moderated the sessions, making sure everyone had a chance to contribute to discussions.
Our General Manager, Andrew Winkler, and Tracy Winkler, Two Brothers Creative Marketing Strategist for Chief Carriers, were in attendance to represent Chief Carriers.
Recognizing Innovation in Our Industry
A particular highlight was the recognition of the 2024 CCJ Innovators. These are the companies that are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in trucking, and it was an honor that our company was named among them.
Chief Carriers Wins May 2024 Innovator Award for Groundbreaking Safety Programs
We are thrilled that our innovative safety programs, the “Red Hat Program” and “Safety 360,” earned us the May 2024 Innovator award at the 2025 CCJ Innovators Summit. These programs are not just about recognizing good work—they’re about fostering a culture of safety throughout our entire company.
Andrew Winkler accepted the award on behalf of the entire Chief Carriers family.
How the Red Hat Program Works
The Red Hat Program recognizes and celebrates drivers who exemplify our company’s core safety values. The program works by “catching” and rewarding drivers who practice safety.
Every driver starts with a white hard hat. If a driver is observed by anyone (other drivers, dispatchers, etc.) practicing safe behaviors (wearing safety gear, proper load securement, etc.) at a company yard or terminal, they earn a red hard hat.
In this video, Winkler shares how he was inspired to create the Chief Carriers’ Red Hat Program.
How the Safety 360 Program Works
The Safety 360 program incentivizes safe driving and work practices through financial rewards and specialized training. Drivers who already have a Red Hat and have been with the company for at least six months can qualify for the Safety 360 program.
Program participants can earn a raise of $0.05 per mile the first year in the program and an additional $0.03 per mile each year thereafter. Combined with quarterly safety incentives, top drivers in Safety 360 can see as much as a $0.09 per mile increase in their first year, potentially translating to an extra $10,000 annually.
Measurable Results in Safety Metrics
Since the launch of our Red Hat and Safety 360 programs, Chief Carriers has seen a significant improvement in our driver safety scores (currently 93/100) and a 52% decrease in safety incidents.
These programs are just two of several initiatives we have implemented to enhance safety. We’re also developing a new driver training program and investing in cutting-edge safety technology.
Chief Carriers is dedicated to being a leader in safety. We’re confident that programs like the Red Hat and Safety 360 will continue to yield positive results, making the trucking industry a safer place for everyone.
Building Connections in the Trucking Industry
Beyond the formal sessions, the Summit provided ample networking opportunities among the attendees. Building strong relationships with other executives is crucial in this industry, and the relaxed atmosphere of Key Largo made it easy to connect with people on a personal level.
These connections often lead to long-term partnerships and collaborative efforts that benefit the entire industry. Witnessing the level of innovation happening across the trucking landscape, from technological advancements to creative driver recruitment and retention strategies, is truly inspiring.
The Summit was an invaluable experience for Chief Carriers. We’re constantly striving to improve our operations, and the insights shared by other industry leaders were incredibly beneficial.
Looking to the Future (and Next Year’s Summit)
We left the CCJ Innovators Summit energized and inspired. The trucking industry faces significant challenges, but we can overcome them by working together and sharing ideas.
Chief Carriers is committed to innovation and continuous improvement. We’re eager to apply the insights we gained in Key Largo to serve our customers and drivers better. We’re already looking forward to next year’s event!
