How We’re Driving Forward with a Leading Safety Program

For professional truck drivers, especially in Nebraska, a robust safety program isn’t a perk – it’s an essential, systematic approach to identifying and controlling workplace hazards. Trucking safety programs are designed to prevent accidents, promote healthy driving, and ensure the well-being of everyone on the road.

As a leader in flatbed trucking, Chief Carriers prioritizes truck driving safety in Nebraska and throughout the US. Our comprehensive and proactive safety program is about more than just compliance; it’s about empowering our drivers to make the right choices in any situation. Chief Carriers’ focus on driver safety ultimately delivers a more secure and reliable experience for both our team and our customers. 

Safety is so huge in this industry… one little mishap and it’s public knowledge. …There’s a huge economic impact, as well as what it does to your career personally and the image of a company. So, safety needs to be at the forefront of what trucking companies are doing.

– Brett Kleier, Safety Manager of Chief Carriers

What is Chief Carriers’ Safety Program?

At Chief Carriers, we go beyond basic compliance with our comprehensive safety program, focusing on proactive measures, continuous improvement, and investing in our drivers’ well-being to enhance trucking safety. Our unique approach to Nebraska trucking safety integrates recognition, financial incentives, and continuous improvement. This multi-faceted safety program fosters a positive work environment, leading to higher morale, increased job satisfaction, and stronger driver loyalty.

The Red Hat Program

A key initiative is our “Red Hat Program,” which rewards drivers for consistently demonstrating core safety values. According to Chief Carriers’ Safety Manager, Brett Kleier, “The Red Hat program… came out of a conversation that 80 % of the fleet is probably doing things right, but not being recognized for it.”

Drivers we observe practicing safe behaviors, such as wearing safety gear or properly securing loads, earn a red hard hat. This symbolizes their commitment to trucking safety and their contribution to a safer work environment for everyone.

The Safety 360 Program

Our “Safety 360 Program” further incentivizes safe practices with financial rewards and specialized safety training. Andrew Winkler, General Manager of Chief Carriers, shares that “[Safety 360 is] about rewarding safe behavior, and it’s focused on the drivers that really do put an effort forward every day and focus on their safety.”

Qualifying drivers can receive significant per-mile raises and quarterly safety incentives, potentially adding thousands to their annual earnings. This direct link between safe performance and financial reward strongly motivates our drivers to maintain high driver safety standards.

Prioritizing Driver Safety Through Training, Technology, and Support

The safety program at Chief Carriers relies on continuous learning and strategic technology integration. We ensure top driver safety through ongoing, comprehensive safety training, equipping our drivers with essential road navigation skills.

Flatbed-Specific Safety

Our safety training is specifically designed for flatbed trucking challenges. This includes in-depth instruction on securement techniques, proper weight distribution, and rigorous pre-trip inspections, all critical for managing unsecured loads in flatbed trucking. Our training emphasizes practical application, ensuring our drivers are proficient in daily safe practices.

Advanced Safety Technology

Technology plays a prominent role in enhancing safety for our drivers. We utilize advanced safety technology, such as in-cab cameras for coaching, telematics systems for real-time performance monitoring, and stability control systems to improve vehicle handling and prevent rollovers. This technology provides an additional layer of protection, enhancing driver skills and awareness.

Driver Support

Beyond training and technology, Chief Carriers maintains a robust support system to promote driver well-being and reduce incidents. This system includes dedicated safety personnel for guidance and a culture of open communication, encouraging our drivers to report concerns and contribute ideas for safety improvements. This proactive approach ensures collective responsibility for trucking safety.

How Do Chief Carriers’ Safety Incentives Benefit Drivers?

Our driver safety program is built on the strategic use of safety incentives, recognizing that positive reinforcement motivates safe driving. This commitment is central to our overall trucking safety strategy.

We offer various safety incentives to encourage high driver safety standards. The “Safety 360 Program” directly links safe driving performance to financial rewards, including significant per-mile raises and quarterly safety incentives, adding thousands annually to our drivers’ earnings. This motivates our drivers to maintain high safety standards, as their practices directly impact their income.

These safety incentives significantly boost our drivers’ morale and retention. When our drivers feel valued and are financially rewarded for safety, it leads to increased job satisfaction and loyalty. This creates a positive cycle: motivated drivers lead to fewer incidents, enabling us to offer even more attractive safety incentives. This actively enhances overall Nebraska trucking safety, creating a safer environment for everyone.

The program’s effectiveness is evident in its measurable results. Since implementation, we have seen a notable 52% decrease in safety incidents and a significant improvement in the driver fleet score, currently at 93/100. These statistics highlight the success of our comprehensive safety program and impactful safety incentives.

Companies with elevated safety scores in Crash Indicator, HOS Compliance, or Unsafe Driving face more frequent pull-overs at weigh stations and increased inspections. In contrast, carriers with strong DOT and CSA scores, who publicly advocate for and live by their core safety values, tend to outperform others.

Specialized Safety for Flatbed Trucking

Flatbed trucking presents unique safety challenges due to open loads, requiring meticulous securement, load distribution, and pre-trip inspections. Chief Carriers’ safety program is specifically designed to address these, ensuring maximum safety for our drivers and their cargo.

Our flatbed safety program emphasizes comprehensive securement training where our drivers learn to properly secure various loads using straps, chains, and tarps to prevent shifting. Detailed instruction on load distribution maintains vehicle stability and prevents rollovers. Rigorous pre-trip inspections are also standard, ensuring all equipment is in optimal working condition.

Our safety program is designed to minimize flatbed freight risks by promoting vigilance and best practices. This includes regular audits to ensure compliance with securement regulations and ongoing refresher safety training for the latest techniques and regulations.

Specialized safety training is crucial for flatbed drivers, as standard truck driver safety training is insufficient. We invest heavily in specialized instruction directly addressing the unique hazards of hauling open loads, ensuring the highest level of trucking safety for the drivers we train.

Why is Chief Carriers a Leader in Nebraska Trucking Safety?

The strong safety program at Chief Carriers provides significant benefits for our drivers in Nebraska and elsewhere in the country, putting us on the leading edge of trucking safety.

• Improved Job Security and Reduced Accident Risk: Prioritizing safety leads to fewer incidents, citations, and lower insurance costs, resulting in a more stable career.
• Increased Earning Potential: Through the “Safety 360 Program,” drivers can earn substantial safety incentives and per-mile raises, potentially adding thousands annually. Reduced downtime from preventable incidents also means more earning opportunities.
• Healthier Work-Life Balance: A strong safety program reduces stress from potential hazards, leading to less anxiety, improved mental well-being, and a more enjoyable, sustainable career.

We’re ranked among the best companies for truck drivers seeking a safe and rewarding career. Our proactive approach to driver safety, innovative safety incentives, and specialized safety training for flatbed trucking distinguish us as leaders in the trucking industry.

When you’re applying for a job, that needs to be a two-way interview, right? The company’s interviewing you as a driver… But it also needs to go the other way, where you’re interviewing the company to make sure that’s somebody I want to be associated with.

– Andrew Winkler, General Manager of Chief Carriers

Our dedication to trucking safety and creating a thriving environment for drivers has earned prestigious recognition for our company, including:

• CCJ May 2024 Innovator Award for our “Red Hat Program” and “Safety 360”
• CarriersEdge 2025 Best Fleets to Drive For list (fifth year in a row)
• TCA Elite Fleet Certified Carrier for 2025

Our Commitment to Safety and Success

Our highly successful driver safety program is just one reason why Chief Carriers is a leader in the flatbed trucking industry. Our firm commitment to trucking safety and the well-being of our drivers nationwide is evident in all operations, from our “Red Hat Program” and “Safety 360 Program” to specialized flatbed trucking safety training and substantial safety incentives.

Chief Carriers’ dedication to a safe and rewarding work environment is a proven reality. The significant reduction in safety incidents and improved driver safety scores clearly demonstrate the success of our safety initiatives. By prioritizing trucking safety and investing in drivers, we’ve earned our reputation as a top company to drive for.

If you’re a Nebraska truck driver seeking a career with a company that values driver safety and offers opportunities for success and reward, contact us about careers at Chief Carriers. Learn how you can join a team where your safety is a top priority, and your dedication is recognized and rewarded.

And for more details about the culture of driver safety at Chief Carriers, listen to our Driven Too Far podcast episode, “Rewarding Safe Driving.”