OAKVILLE, Ont. (March 3) — The annual Private Fleet Safety Awards program is now co-sponsored by Zurich Canada and the Private Motor Truck Council, the groups announced today.

The insurance firm, which is well represented in the private trucking market, teamed up with the PMTC because “…much can be accomplished by learning from and working with our customers’ associations and industry groups,” according to Zurich transportation director Dave Goodwin.

The awards aim to encourage improved road safety for the general public and to promote best practices in private-fleet safety management. The program is open to any private fleet with five or more power units. Membership in PMTC is not a prerequisite.

“With Zurich’s support we expect to be able to broaden the base of participation in the program and improve the available data on truck safety,” said PMTC president Bruce Richards.

Applications for this year’s awards will be accepted until June 30. Winners will be determined by an independent panel of judges and will be presented at the annual PMTC conference in September. Contact Richards at 905-827-0587 for more information. Application forms are available at the PMTC web site.