Southeastern Freight Lines Achieves Best-Ever Safety Records
LEXINGTON, S.C. (Nov. 24, 2009) – Regional less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation services provider Southeastern Freight Lines announces its outstanding year-to-date safety records. Thanks to Southeastern’s associates, the “total accidents per million miles” frequency was 1.9 as of August, compared to 4.6 in the year 2000.
In addition, Southeastern Freight Lines has had only four injuries per 200,000 hours year-to-date, compared to 10.7 in the year 2000. These best-ever company results for preventable accidents and injuries can be attributed to intensive training and Southeastern’s Quality Improvement Process.
“We have strict hiring standards, and every driver – no matter how experienced – must pass a skills test for us before they’re allowed on the road,” said Bill Bennett, director of regulatory compliance at Southeastern. “Our associates are trained to be responsible and make the right decisions, and their commitment has enabled our company to achieve these safety results.”
Southeastern’s in-house trainers and safety managers offer less-experienced drivers a three-month training process that includes 100 hours behind the wheel before they become certified to drive alone. Annual skills tests reveal each driver’s weaknesses, which are addressed through ongoing custom training programs. Southeastern also teaches a defensive driving course to all drivers annually.
Every aspect of business at Southeastern is measured to produce data-driven decisions. The company’s formal Quality Improvement Process keeps associates aligned to achieve the company’s objectives each day. From training programs to quality improvement work groups for solving specific operational issues and strategic planning, the process teaches each person that they are responsible for safety. Southeastern executives recognize drivers’ safe driving records and years of service at annual Safety and Service meetings.
“We provide the training and resources for our associates to be successful and safe,” said Bennett. “We would like to extend our thanks to our truck drivers and also to mechanics, dock workers and many others who work behind the scenes to improve these metrics each year.”
About Southeastern Freight Lines
Southeastern Freight Lines, a privately-owned regional less-than-truckload transportation services provider founded in 1950, specializes in next-day service in the Southeast and Southwest and operates 76 service centers in 12 states and Puerto Rico. Southeastern has a network of service partners to ensure transportation services in the remaining 38 states, Canada, the Virgin Islands and Mexico. Southeastern Freight Lines provides more than 99.35% on-time service in next day lanes. A dedication to service quality and a continuous quality improvement process that began in 1985 has been recognized by more than 300 quality awards received from customers and associations. For more information, please visit www.sefl.com <http://www.sefl.com> .