DEBERT, N.S. – Home Hardware Stores Limited has announced qualification of its Debert trucking fleet with CSA International’s Carrier Safety Management System Standard (CSMS), making it the second Home Hardware fleet to be qualified.

Company officials say qualification to the CSMS program will help Home Hardware demonstrate to customers, enforcement agencies and the public that it is continuously meeting safety obligations, in a way that provides a consistently high level of service to its more than 1,000 independent dealers across Canada.

“Home Hardware is committed to reaching the highest standards for safety across our organization,” said Paul Straus, vice president and CEO, Home Hardware Stores Limited. “We were the first Canadian retailer to implement the CSMS standard and we’re proud to continue with the certification of our Debert fleet.”

The CSMS standard provides organizations that transport goods on public roadways with a framework to help minimize the risk of accidents and safety incidents. The safety audit and qualification was completed by QMI, a leading management system registrar and division of CSA Group.

“Home Hardware’s commitment to the CSMS qualification demonstrates the company’s ongoing dedication to reach the highest standards,” said George Azedo, manager, accounts and operation, QMI. “In an industry often under scrutiny for its commitment to safety, Home Hardware continues to go the extra mile to enhance the safety of its fleet.”

Home Hardware acts as a distributor to its more than 1,000 members, operating more than 2 million sq. ft. of warehouse space in Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Alberta, as well as a fleet of 125 power units and 425 trailers. The Transportation Divisions in Nova Scotia and Ontario are certified and Home Hardware has plans to roll out the CSMS program to its Alberta Transportation Division over the next six months.