Safety Management in Small Motor Carriers

Abstract

The goals of this synthesis were to identify (1) useful practices for safety management in small companies and (2) a logical and practical progression to more active and comprehensive safety management for small companies as they grow. The report explores small motor carrier strengths and weaknesses and identifies potentially effective safety practices. It found that each company’s safety outcomes are more reflective of its own safety practice and operating environment than whether it is large or small. The audience for this study includes small motor managers, as well as government and industry officials. This report reviewed research on motor carrier safety, safety management, and organizational management, in general. Literature review searches were performed using websites, academic databases, books, trade press publications, and articles. In addition, members and friends of TRB Truck and Bus Safety and Trucking Industry Research Committees, FMCSA Analysis Division, and the U.S.DOT Volpe National Transportation Systems Center provided materials. The project survey of five truck and bus industry trade associations’ members was a convenience sample of individuals judged qualitatively to best represent the target population and whose support was critical to the success and validity of the work. Organizations included the American Bus Association (ABA), Bus Industry Safety Council (BISC), National Association of Small Trucking Companies (NASTC), Owner–Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and the United Motorcoach Association (UMA). These survey respondent groups (112—79 truck and 33 bus) of interested, knowledgeable individuals provided indications of industry thinking from different perspectives. A select group of ten small motor carriers’ were interviewed for confidential case studies on safety management problems and practices. These ten provided substantial information on innovative small carrier safety practices.