Orlando, Fla.— If you are in the truck industry in Central Florida, you must know the Florida Trucking Association puts up a series of  resources to keep you well informed about the state’s requirements for your type of job in terms of safety as well as legislation.

We all know this is the type of business where if you are not in the road, you may not make money, but it is of uttermost importance to stay up to date with rules, regulations and safety measures. Failing to comply with those may also result in loss of business, lawsuits, and ultimately, severe consequences like revoking your permits leaving you unable to operate.

In the coming days, for example, the National American Transportation Management Institute will hold a Safety and Compliance Course in Bartow, Florida.

The course will consist of three seminars held back-to-back, which you can take advantage of all,  or attend the ones you are most interested in.

Discussion topics are:

DOT Compliance & Safety (1 day): Focuses on driver qualifications, safety fitness and safety ratings, roadside inspection, CDL requirements and driver physicals. Master skills necessary to survive a DOT safety audit.

Controlled Substances & Alcohol Mandatory Training (0.5 days): Complete the DOT mandatory supervisor training requirements for alcohol & controlled substances.

HOS & Driver Logs (0.5 days): Hands-on interactive seminar providing training on federal Hours of Service and the proper use of driver logs.

The seminars will take place at Polk State College (Bartow Campus) on March 22-23, 2018. You can register directly at the NATMI website and  there is a discount fee for FTA and NATMI members.

There will also be a Safety Certification Program in Jacksonville on February 26 through March 2, 2018 from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. This event will take place at the Four Points by Sheraton, Jacksonville Baymeadows.

These will also back-to-back courses on Motor Fleet Safety Basics the first 2 days and Managing Motor Fleet Safety Program the other two days. The courses must be taken in the classroom and an the exams will be administered the morning after the second course.

The NATMI exists to improve the performance and productivity of the professionals directly responsible for effective fleet and driver performance – risk managers, safety and security directors, maintenance managers, and commercial driver trainers. It is no surprise that the Florida Trucking Association often teams up with them and encourage industry members to obtain the available certifications.

Their training and certification programs are outcome-focused and utilize rigorous instructional design standards.  “Outcome-focused” means that the process, structure, and content of the programs are focused on the desired outcomes that our professional development programs should bring.  For the companies who employ our certification program graduates, these outcomes include:

• reduced accidents and injuries

• lower vehicle maintenance costs

• improved driver retention

• improved operational efficiency

• better management systems

The trucking industry continues to evolve and adapt to changes in transportation laws and policies, and in energy costs. More than 80 percent of freight by weight is hauled by the industry, making trucking the cornerstone of commerce in the United States. Hauling fuel, agriculture, and other important products from fourteen ports to thousands of locations throughout Florida and the United States makes for sure everybody’s life more a convenient one.