Delivery trucks and cars trying to meet urgent schedules can be a threat to safety. this article describes how the small-vehicle pick-up and delivery business, especially the larger corporate segment, takes an aggressive stance on driver and vehicle safety. skyway freight systems, incorporated, of california, has a training program which starts with the driver selection process. they are trained in the streets, given a driving test and written test, and then sent to school for further instruction and testing. the company's many follow-up supervisory methods that make sure drivers meet safety and reliability standards are briefly described. the importance is emphasizedof the fueling and servicing of trucks. the company also has an upward mobility program for drivers. the safety emphasis at domino's pizza, the michigan company, is described. the company relies on delivery personnel who use their own autos, yet the condition of those vehicles and the performance of the drivers are as carefully programmed and monitored as in the most controlled corporate owned fleet. thememphis based federal express's successful effort to parlay rewardsand teamwork into a safe delivery-truck operation is also described.
Abstract