safety

At Penske Logistics, safety is not characterized solely as a priority; it is one of the company's core values. This philosophy reflects the importance of safety, a small word for a vast area of responsibility that has become more challenging in line with the growing complexity of the logistics business.

Nowhere is safety more important than in truck driving, and Penske Logistics' multifaceted safety program for drivers combines proactive safety training with the most advanced truck safety technology.

Three Legs of the Safety Stool

Penske's truck driver safety mission is to safeguard company associates, the motoring public and the business.

Our drivers begin learning that culture as soon as they are recruited. An associate engagement program establishes safety-related roles and responsibilities across all company locations, sets expectations, and creates an assessment system to ensure that drivers understand what safety entails.

We also focus on personalizing safety with continuous discussion, observation and reminders about individual performances in this vital area. We embrace the foundations of safety leadership and take driver safety from the head to the heart.

But educating drivers on safety is not the whole story; it is also necessary to recognize individuals' accomplishments in this area. An array of Penske-sponsored initiatives, including an Annual Safety Awards program and acknowledgments for accident-free driving records, recognizes drivers' safety diligence.

This company-wide effort rests on three pillars: training, communications and continuous improvement.

1. Training to Improve Safety

Delivering relevant training in a timely manner is key to engaging associates in Penske's safety programs. This is achieved through formal courses, a comprehensive database of lessons and advice, and a regular drumbeat of updates.

Prior to operating Penske vehicles, newly recruited drivers receive training in critical areas, such as what to do in emergency situations. A host of additional training courses keep associates informed of the changing safety landscape. Examples include courses on hazmat, defensive driving, the dangers of driver fatigue and driving tips reinforced with images.

Training also encompasses the safe performance of physical duties, like manually lifting heavy loads. We teach the basics of movement and how to perform job-specific tasks to help associates avoid injury.

2. Communication for Improved Safety

There is a lot to learn and keep abreast of, which is why Penske employs multiple communications channels to convey safety information to drivers. The aim is to convey safety messages frequently and consistently.

These channels include videos and alerts delivered electronically on key issues, such as the dangers of dehydration and shifts in weather conditions. If we have a series of related incidents, we might create a campaign around that topic. We have a databank of these incidents because history tends to repeat itself. Recurring incidents caused by vehicles hydroplaning in inclement weather or inadequate truck following distances in heavy traffic might be the focus of campaigns.

3. Continuous Improvement and Safety

The third pillar, continuous improvement, uses observations, inspections and general performance monitoring to identify areas of potential improvement. The idea is to ensure that the company's safety regime is always moving forward.

Much of this effort begins with the vehicles. Penske Truck Leasing is a leader in the industry for maintenance and safety. [This enables us] to build the safest truck on the road. Investments in safety-enhancing devices such as lane departure warnings, backup alarms, stability control, disc brakes, LED headlights and onboard cameras attest to this unending pursuit of a safer working environment.

Reaping Customer Benefits

While the number one reason to devote so much time and resources to truck safety is to protect personnel and uphold the integrity of Penske's business, customers profit from the effort too.

Penske's top-rated safety record enables shippers to reduce their own liability and reputational risk. They can focus on their core competencies Because when it comes to the safety of freight transportation, you need safety experts – and that is who we are.

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With the official start of the Atlantic hurricane season just a month away, now is the time to get ready for potential storms, as preparation is key to keeping you and your property safe.

National Hurricane Preparedness Week, May 5-11, provides an opportunity to review your safety plans and make any changes long before a storm arrives.

The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1 and ends Nov. 30, but the season historically peaks between mid-August and mid-October. According to the National Weather Service, the U.S. coastline typically experiences three hurricanes per year, including one major storm.

Along with high winds, hurricanes can cause flooding and storm surges. If your area is affected by these conditions, planning ahead can potentially save your business and your life.

The 2023 hurricane season was one of the most active on record with 20 named storms – the fourth-most in a year since 1950. Seven storms reached hurricane status. Idalia was the only hurricane to hit the U.S. when it reached Florida as a Category 3 hurricane in August.

Forecasters predict this year’s Atlantic hurricane season will be extremely active with 23 named storms, 11 expected to rise to hurricane status and five are predicted to be major hurricanes.

Penske offers the following advice to consumers and commercial customers about what to do before a storm arrives:

Make safety your number one priority.

Top off your truck fuel tanks.

Move trucks to higher ground if in a flood-prone area.

Stay tuned to local news stations for weather reports.

Adhere to all travel, road advisories and restrictions.

Delay travel into impacted areas when possible.

Know your evacuation routes and have a plan.

Important Penske Information

Contact us if you need assistance with your lease or rental units before or after the storm:

Penske Location and Fuel Finder Tool

Penske Driver™ App

Fleet Insight™

24/7 Roadside Assistance: 1-800-526-0798

Consumer Truck Rental Reservations: 1-888-996-5415

Commercial Truck Rental Reservations: 1-800-736-7531

Penske Facilities Questions

Penske takes steps to ensure continued service, but there are times when delays and closures may be necessary due to travel restrictions, weather conditions, power outages, or a state of emergency.

Please call our 24/7 Roadside Assistance team at 1-800-526-0798 to confirm the open or closed status of a Penske facility.

Additional Helpful Resources

U.S. DOT National Traffic and Road Closures and Advisories by State

Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA)

FEMA Blog – Emergency Updates and Preparedness

Ready.gov – Hurricane Preparedness

National Hurricane Center Storm Updates

American Red Cross Hurricane Tips

By “Move Ahead” Staff

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Road construction and maintenance projects are the keys to maintaining healthy roadways. Yet, these work zones can provide challenges to drivers.

New speed limits, traffic patterns and rights of way, as well as worker and vehicle movement, can all impact work zone safety.

National Work Zone Awareness Week, April 15-19, shines a spotlight on ways drivers can keep themselves as well as work zone workers safe.

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With Tropical Storm Idalia expected to strengthen to a hurricane Monday evening and make landfall Tuesday in Florida, fleet operators are encouraged to take steps now to brace for the storm’s impact.

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Road construction and maintenance projects are the keys to maintaining the health of the nation’s highways. Yet, these work zones can provide challenges to drivers and road workers alike.
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Construction and maintenance projects are the keys to maintaining the health of the nation’s highways. Yet, these work zones can provide challenges to drivers and road workers alike.

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Advancements and updates in technology have added distractions to virtually every aspect of modern life, but they have become increasingly troublesome to drivers. And while 48 states have enacted texting bans to prevent dangerous and deadly consequences on the road, drivers continue to use their smartphones behind the wheel.

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Advancements and updates in technology have added distractions to virtually every aspect of modern life, but they have become increasingly troublesome to drivers. And while 48 states have enacted texting bans to prevent dangerous and deadly consequences on the road, drivers continue to use their smartphones behind the wheel.

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Less traffic on roadways due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders has led to some drivers being less vigilant about observing traffic safety laws, including speed limits, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
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Less traffic on roadways due to COVID-19 stay-at-home orders has led to some drivers being less vigilant about observing traffic safety laws, including speed limits, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).
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Penske Vehicle Services, a Penske Logistics subsidiary headquartered in Troy, Michigan, is the recipient of a $28,000 COVID-19 Mobility Solutions Grant from PlanetM, the mobility initiative of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.

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For more than two decades, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) has designated one week each spring as National Work Zone Awareness Week; and Monday, April 20, marks the beginning of this year's campaign.

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Law enforcement across North America will be on the lookout for speeding and other questionable driving behaviors this week during Operation Safe Driver Week.

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Penske Truck Leasing has once again been certified by the National Institute of Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) for its industry-leading Continuing Automotive Service Excellence Education (CASE) program. When Penske attained this certification in 2008, it was the first in its industry to do so.

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