MARKHAM, Ont. — The 2012 Best Fleets to Drive For seminar series is back again this year, with a full line-up of dates announced for its cross-Canada tour. The series of half-day seminars, organized by CarriersEdge and sponsored by Truck News, provides tips and tricks from Canadian and US fleets identified as this year’s Best Fleets to Drive For.

Best Fleets to Drive For is an annual survey and contest conducted by the Truckload Carriers Association and CarriersEdge. It identifies the North American for-hire trucking companies that provide the best workplace experiences for company drivers and owner/operators. Nominated fleets are evaluated on the range and depth of programs being offered, the overall effectiveness of those programs across key metrics, and the responses of surveyed drivers. Fleets with the best overall scores are named Best Fleets to Drive For.

The Best Fleets to Drive For Seminar Series presents data collected during that process, including industry trends, innovative programs, and case studies of winning fleets.

The 2012 edition of Best Fleets to Drive For saw dramatic results from smaller fleets, according to survey organizers, with both the Best Overall Fleet for Company Drivers and Best Overall Fleet for Owner-Operators awards going to fleets with less than 200 drivers. A detailed look at programs from those winning fleets will be a central focus of the seminars.

Other notable trends that will be explored further in the seminars include:

• The increase in companies offering education assistance programs for their drivers;
• The evolution of bonus programs from a focus on safety and fuel efficiency to comprehensive multi-metric performance bonuses;
• The increasing use of in-cab technology for communication, performance management, and driver development; and
• Changes in approach to driver wellness as a key element of overall retention strategies.

“The 2012 Best Fleets to Drive For program found some really interesting developments across the North American trucking industry, and some real innovation in the smaller fleets,” said Mark Murrell, president of CarriersEdge. “With more and more fleets finding novel ways to support their drivers, and some great feedback from the drivers themselves, there will be a lot to discuss in the seminars this year.”

The 2012 Best Fleets to Drive For Seminar Series will again be presented by Marsh Canada Limited, the Canadian operation of Marsh Inc., a insurance broking and risk management firm.

“The Best Fleets to Drive For seminar series gives fleet operators a chance to learn how winning fleets operate safely and efficiently,” said Scott Cober, national transportation practice leader for Marsh Canada. “This program has consistently afforded participants with valuable learning opportunities, and we’re proud to be a sponsor for the third year.”

The dates and locations for this year’s tour are as follows:

May 1 – Regina, Sask.

May 2 – Saskatoon, Sask.

May 3 – Winnipeg, Man.

May 9 – Moncton, N.B.

May 10 – Montreal, Que.

May 15 – Windsor, Ont.

May 16 – Toronto, Ont.

May 17 – Ottawa, Ont.

May 30 – Calgary, Alta.

May 31 – Edmonton, Alta.

June 5 – London, Ont.

All seminars will run from 9 a.m. to noon, with refreshments provided. Admission is free, but advance registration is required. 

To register, contact Judi at 905-530-2430, or visit www.BestFleetsToDriveFor.com.