Groendyke Transport Wins Record 7th National Safety Award
ENID, Okla. (April 10, 2017) — Groendyke Transport, Inc., made history by becoming the first and only seven-time winner of National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) Outstanding Safety Performance Award, the NTTC announced today.
Awarded to two carriers annually and sponsored by Heil Trailer International, the NTTC Outstanding Safety Performance Award goes to the carriers with the best overall safety record and program in the nation. Groendyke Transport won the Harvison Division (more than 15 million miles), and GLS Transport won the Sutherland Division (fewer than 15 million miles). Both carriers will be presented the coveted Heil Trophy during the NTTC’s Annual Conference and Exhibits program April 30 to May 2 at the Fairmont Chicago.
“The tank truck industry prides itself on its steadfast commitment to safety,” said NTTC president Daniel R. Furth. “To win this award, a carrier must absolutely embrace a safety culture from the drivers’ room to the board room, and that’s exactly the case for Groendyke and GLS Transport. With Heil’s support, we are very pleased to recognize these two carriers as best in class, which underscores the NTTC’s mission to champion safety and success in our unique segment of trucking.”
Groendyke Transport won its first NTTC Outstanding Safety Performance Award in 1973, then called the Trailmobile Trophy, followed by wins in 1975, 1990, 1991, 1999, 2000 and now 2016. Prior to 2015, only one carrier earned the award each year.
“This is a profound accomplishment, and we are greatly honored to be the first and only seven-time winner of this prestigious award,” said Greg Hodgen, president of Groendyke Transport. “At Groendyke, we consider safety a company value, and each and every one of our 1,300 employees played a crucial role in earning this incredible honor.”
With 29 terminals in 11 states, Groendyke provides service to 49 states, Canada and Mexico and specializes in the transport of hazardous materials. The company was founded in 1932 by Harold C. Groendyke and has an 85-year history of safe, reliable service. Harold Groendyke’s son, John D. Groendyke, is currently the company’s chairman and CEO.
With headquarters in Enid, Okla., Groendyke Transport prides itself on hiring the best of the best drivers and considers itself a pioneer in the use of technology for the safety and development of its drivers. In addition to a well-structured safety team and meticulous processes, Groendyke takes advantage of equipment like collision mitigation systems, lane departure detection and air disc brakes, which are all standard on new equipment. Groendyke also is moving to a fleet with tractors no more than five years old, ensuring the company provides the latest and greatest safety innovations to its drivers. The company also keeps its drivers on the same page through monthly safety meetings and the use of a proprietary mobile app that allows them to work more efficiently and stay informed of news across the company.
Groendyke Transport won the 40- to 90-million-mile category within the contest’s Harvison Division with an accident frequency of 0.373 accidents per million miles. In the Sutherland Division, GLS Transport won the 3.5- to 5-million-mile class. GLS Transport’s accident frequency of zero accidents per million miles was the winning mark in that category. By winning their respective mileage classes, both motor carriers qualified as finalists for the Outstanding Safety Performance Awards. Groendyke Transport safety manager Mike Elmenhorst and Terry Kolacki of GLS Transport will also be recognized as NTTC’s Safety Professionals of the Year at the Safety Awards banquet during the Annual meeting of NTTC’s Tank Truck Safety and Security Council on June 22 in Nashville.
“Heil Trailer is very proud to recognize these two winning motor carriers. Congratulations to both Groendyke Transport and GLS Transport for bringing home the NTTC Outstanding Safety Performance Awards,” said EnTrans International’s CEO, Doug Chapple. “The two Heil trophies embody a commitment to safety and what it means within our essential industry.”
About Groendyke Transport, Inc.:
Groendyke Transport, Inc. provides superior, dependable transportation services and bulk logistics solutions that consistently deliver value to leading companies that place a premium on safety and performance. Groendyke Transport is a privately held, family-owned company and a seven-time Heil Trophy winner for best overall safety record and program in the country.
About NTTC
National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc. (NTTC) is a trade association composed of more than 550 companies that specialize in bulk transportation services by cargo tank throughout North America. The tank truck industry generates roughly 5.1 percent of all truck freight revenue, but that represents 25.6 percent of all truck freight in terms of tonnage due to the heavy nature of the liquid bulk products handled.
About EnTrans International
Comprised of Heil Trailer International, Kalyn Siebert and SERVA, EnTrans International is a leading manufacturer of tank trailers, oilfield capital equipment and related components used in the oil and gas industry.
