Page 38 - ATR 4 2021 digital

“I went to conferences, met other asked questions about setting up the pany can’t afford to send representatives
people from other companies. In new office space and what kind of to national conferences, Brust goes,
operations, you didn’t do that, because paperwork they needed to keep on file, absorbs that knowledge, networks and
they’re doing their thing, you’re doing Brust mentioned forklift certificates for shares all that education and connec-
your thing, it’s kind of proprietary. But everyone in the shop who uses the vehi- tion with Arkansas carriers.
in safety, everybody wants to help. cle. Some of the technicians in the shop When should a carrier call Brust
“We were able to share ideas, and that day needed to get their certificate for safety services? Following Bo Moses’
everybody’s in it to reduce injuries and example and doing an audit before
reduce accidents. That’s the main goal— starting in a fresh new space is one
improve safety.” He had 11 people work- great idea. For DOT audits, Brust sug-
ing for him with over 18,000 drivers. gest if a carrier’s CSA scores are elevated
He oversaw CSA, hours of service, driver or they have concerns about their com-
qualification files and accident reports. pliance, he can help them find things
In 2014, he had the opportunity they may be overlooking. In his per-
to explore safety from the truckload sonal experience, companies he worked
perspective when he became the direc- for hired consultants to conduct mock
tor of safety for Southern Refrigerated audits every year. Brust can provide that
Transport in Texarkana, Ark. same service for free for smaller carri-
“That’s when my eyes really opened ers that don’t have a $10,000 budget for
up. With the big company, you have third party contractors. Building a safer
your niche. … When I came to SRT, workplace doesn’t have to be expensive
from start to finish, I had the responsi- though.
bility of the whole safety program.” Brust often finds easy-to-correct
He explained how at a large compa- violations like covering light bulbs,
ny, he knew the regulations, but it was regularly inspecting fire extinguisher or
a whole team executing the program. adding eye wash stations can help pre-
Instead of 18,000, SRT had only 1,150 vent or mitigate injuries.
drivers. He was able to see how his ideas
could directly affect the whole company. ON CALL
“When I first came into that com- or renew an expired one. Before he left, For DOT, a lot of paperwork is
pany, we were kind of high on CSA Brust pulled out a laptop with training required, so he’s usually scanning for
scores and getting the grasp of the safe- videos, produced the forklift operator patterns of behavior and thorough
ty culture,” he said. “I was able to work written test for the three technicians documentation. Changing regulations
with the president. That was one thing on-site, and then conducted a hands-on require him to stay educated when car-
about being a truckload carrier with the forklift driving test so everyone was up- riers are unsure how to comply.
president right there: you talk to them, to-date and in compliance before lunch. “I enjoy helping people. I like
pitch your ideas, boom, you’re on it. Brust says that he can’t always solve being around to assist somebody,
Within six months, we were able to see a problem or answer a question on-the- however I can, whether in DOT, OSHA,
our scores decline below threshold and spot, but he can connect carriers to the preventing accidents, helping them with
improve the scores to the best they’ve right people. their safety management controls, and
ever been.” He serves as a hotline for trucking. being able to change driver behavior,
Carriers can call and ask their safety or if they can’t change driver behavior,
AN IMPRESSIVE ROLODEX questions. He has a photographic mem- what to do about it, how to document
Brust also has a few years of truck- ory of the rule numbers and sounds that and eliminate the risk if there’s a
ing insurance experience that allows quite impressive when he recites rule bad accident.”
him to know what underwriters are 177.854 for hazmat spills like it’s his Next February, a new entry-level
looking for and share that insight with own birthday. But even when he doesn’t driver training program launches.
carriers in the ATA-SIF. When he shows know, he’s a well-connected rolodex Currently new drivers in the industry
up for an audit, his experience allows to a lot of other impressive resources. need to have documentation for train-
him to address workers’ compensation He has contacts at American Trucking ing on four things. In 2022, those
questions and go beyond the scope of Associations, Commercial Vehicle requirements will be expanding. Brust
the call. Safety Alliance and Truckload Carrier is studying now so he’s ready to answer
He did exactly that on his visit to Association, plus legal, insurance and questions. He’s always anticipating the
Bo Moses Trucking in June. As Beeson law enforcement friends. Even if a com- next call. ATR

38 Issue 4 2021 | ARKANSAS TRUCKING REPORT