Safety – A Top Priority At Swing Transport

Swing Transport employs a full-time Director of Safety to administer our safety program.  Our Director is certified thru The North American Transportation Management Institute( NATMI ) and Embrey-Riddle Aeronautical University.  He is also a past Chairman of the North Carolina Safety Council.  Most importantly, our Director is a long time employee who has worked his way through the ranks.  He can see things from a driver’s point of view.

We believe driver’s safety begins with the hiring process.  Drivers applicants are extensively screened and road tested during the hiring process with attention placed on MVR checks and accident history.  Two years of verifiable tractor-trailer experience is a must.  A Company Officer must review and ok to hire successful applicants.

New drivers will be assigned to a local Driver Trainer when hired.  The Driver Trainer will accompany the newly hired driver for a minimum of three days.  Trainers will recommend the driver for regular running in the fleet or recommend additional training.  In some cases, the Driver Trainer may request that our Safety Director ride with the newly hired driver before releasing him to regular duty.  Drivers will not be released for regular duty until the Driver Trainer recommends so.

The Director of Safety will ride with all new hires as soon as possible.  Our goal is within 30 days of hire date but no later than 90 days of hire date.

The Director of Safety and Driver Trainers will periodically ride with all drivers regardless of experience or accident record.  Special attention is placed on poor driving habits drivers may have developed.  Additional training is available when necessary.

Swing Transport has adopted a 6 point defensive driving system that we constantly stress.

• Always Wear Your Seat Belt.  Seat belts prevent you from being thrown from your vehicle.  You may regain control of your vehicle if you remain in the driver’s seat.  Seat belts reduce injuries and fatalities. 
• Expand Your Vision.  Know what’s happening a few seconds down the road.  This is where you will be, this is where potential problems develop.
• Know Your Position on the Highway.  Be aware of what’s going on around you.  Watch developing traffic, intersections, changing road conditions, children and other pedestrians.  Slow down and be alert well before entering construction zones.
• Signal Early.  Others will be alerted of your intentions and have time to react accordingly.  The highway is no place for surprises.
• Plan an Escape Route.  Stay one step ahead of surrounding traffic.  Do not allow yourself to be trapped into choosing between two evils.  Running off the road or into the median to avoid an obstacle is not an acceptable escape route.  A proper plan should allow you enough time and space to maneuver you and your vehicle safely out of danger.  Always be prepared to yield the right of way.  Never tailgate.
• Swing into Action.  You are a professional driver, practice and follow all the above steps; then trust your instincts and react quickly. 

Check our awards page.  It’s impressive and indicative of the caliber of personnel employed by Swing.