Sunburst, a leader in the intermodal industry, recently held its highly anticipated annual truck driver safety training event. The training program not only focused on essential accident prevention strategies but emphasized the integration of Sunburst’s core values into daily operations. With expert speakers, targeted sessions, and exciting rewards, the event proved to be a valuable platform for drivers to enhance their knowledge and further align themselves with Sunburst’s commitment to safety and excellence.
Terminal Safety and Accident Prevention
Kasey Bryant, the Bayport Terminal Safety Manager from Port Houston, took the stage as the first guest speaker. Working closely with Sunburst, Bryant delivered a comprehensive presentation on compliance with terminal safety standards. The training specifically addressed accident prevention strategies for high-risk areas such as the Bayport Entrance ¾ Crossover and terminal exit gates.
Brake Inspector Certification
Continuing the emphasis on regulatory compliance, Tom Hartman from the Texas Trucking Association (TXTA) conducted a thorough Brake Inspection course. The course included a compulsory exam that all attending drivers successfully completed, allowing them to earn their Brake Inspectors certification. This not only reinforces safety protocols but also equips drivers with the expertise to perform thorough brake inspections in adherence to industry regulations.
Integration of Company Core Values
Sunburst introduced its core values, which serve as the guiding principles for all staff members, to the driver pool for the first time and how these core values impact leadership’s decisions.
These values include:
- God Honoring: Operate in a manner that is ethical and glorifying to God
- Respect: Honor and Value everyone we encounter
- Trustworthy: Fulfilling our commitments and taking accountability
- Exceptional Service: Going above and beyond, making our customer’s jobs easier
- Family Oriented: We care about the families in our company and our community
To demonstrate how drivers already incorporate these values in their work, leadership showed dashcam videos showcasing exemplary behaviors aligned with the core values. Additionally, instances where drivers’ actions did not align with the values, were discussed and accompanied by suggestions on how the drivers could have better exemplified the core values in these situations.
Company Updates
Throughout the training event, representatives from various departments within Sunburst took the opportunity to communicate important updates tailored to the driver pool. Dispatch, Payroll, and Safety departments delivered department-specific presentations, offering valuable insights and recommendations to enhance communication and streamline document exchange with the company.
The Safety department, for example, addressed tablet connection errors and introduced a dedicated email box to facilitate efficient maintenance reporting, a regulatory requirement. Furthermore, a comprehensive FAQ sheet, available in both English and Spanish, was shared to address common administrative challenges and provide drivers with much-needed guidance.
Yard Move and Hours-of-Service Management
Sunburst announced the availability of Yard Move, an electronic log status designed to assist drivers in optimizing their Hours-of-Service (HOS) management. Yard Move allows drivers to maneuver within the terminal or other yards without interrupting their mandatory 30-minute break, ensuring compliance with HOS regulations. To leverage this feature, drivers were offered personalized training sessions in the Safety Office. The training’s success was evident as a significant number of drivers attended the sessions, resulting in a notable reduction in Hours-of-Service violations.
Sunburst Cares and Incentive Programs
The training event also highlighted Sunburst’s commitment to social responsibility through the Sunburst Cares program. Drivers were encouraged to participate in charity events and were made aware of the Sunburst Cares Scholarship, which supports the educational aspirations of drivers’ children and extended family members. Additionally, Sunburst promoted driver incentives such as the Time-of-Service Incentive, recognizing and rewarding the loyalty and longevity of Owner/Operators within the company.
Driver of the Year 2022
Adding an exciting new element to the event, Sunburst celebrated its first-ever Driver of the Year award, received by Mrs. Melba Gonzalez. This recognition not only serves as a testament to her exceptional contributions but also inspires all our drivers to strive for greatness.
Through engaging guest speakers, department-specific updates, and the introduction of innovative programs, drivers furthered their knowledge and tools to enhance safety practices and optimize operations. With a renewed focus on safety, adherence to regulations, and the integration of core values, Sunburst continues to set the standard for intermodal excellence in the industry.
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