Together for Safer Roads, NWRA name 10 new fleet safety training program participants

During WasteExpo 2024, Together for Safer Roads (TSR) and the National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) have named new independent small hauler fleets that will be participating in the FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training Program.

The FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training Program, TSR's workforce development safety program, helps independent fleet operators develop their safety culture with expertise and best practices drawn from TSR's group of fleet and technology companies. The FOCUS program is structured around training and development, safety leadership, and technology and includes coaching and before and after benchmarking. 

TSR, in collaboration with NWRA, expanded this training initiative to address the challenges and needs of independent haulers in the waste and recycling industry.

Additional program highlights include:

• Inclusive training: The program is designed for independent haulers, acknowledging their unique characteristics.
• Beyond compliance: Recognizing time and resource constraints faced by independent and midsize fleets, the program goes beyond compliance, offering practical insights and expertise to establish ideal fleet safety programs.
• Saving lives: With a focus on creating real and sustained changes, the program aims to not only enhance road safety but also to foster positive transformations within participating organizations.

Those fleets participating in the new FOCUS cohort include:

• Troiano Waste Services, Inc. in Portland, Maine
• Carolina Trash & Septic in Angier, North Carolina
• Walter's Recycling & Refuse Inc. in Blaine, Minnesota
• KAL Services, Inc. in Pella, Iowa
• Anchor Disposal in Clayton, North Carolina
• Rio Grande Waste Services, Inc. in El Paso, Texas
• Liberty Disposal, Inc. in Hampstead, North Carolina
• West Central Sanitation in Willmar, Minnesota
• Sanico, Inc. in Delaware, New Jersey
• Balcones Resources in Austin, Texas

"We recognize the essential role independent haulers play in ensuring safer roads, and we're dedicated to equipping this segment with the tools and resources they need for a safer waste and recycling industry," said Peter Goldwasser, executive director of Together for Safer Roads. "TSR is looking forward to working with these 10 new fleets across eight states through the FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training Program."

"Tailored for independent haulers, the FOCUS program prioritizes their distinct needs, equipping them with practical strategies to build top-tier fleet safety programs," said Kirk Sander, chief of staff and vice president of safety and standards for the National Waste & Recycling Association. "By transcending mere compliance, it empowers participants to enact lasting change, ensuring safer roads and transformative impacts within their organizations."

"Road and fleet safety isn't just about following the rules; I believe it's about keeping everyone safe and aware while out on the road," said Morgan Rutherford with Liberty Disposal in Hampstead, North Carolina. "That's where the ongoing education comes in. We have to stay on top of the latest techniques and technologies to make sure that we're compliant and doing things the correct way. Whether it's mastering new skills or keeping up with regulations, it's all about making sure we're doing our job safely and efficiently. Because at the end of the day, it's not about getting the job done; it's about making sure that our drivers go home safely every day."