In an effort to enhance fleet safety practices within the U.S. supply chain, the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) has partnered with the University of Colorado School of Public Health (CO SPH) to launch a comprehensive study targeting middle-mile and last-mile delivery fleets. This initiative is designed to identify current safety policies, technologies, and practices used by fleets delivering to various locations, including warehouses, distribution centers, stores, and homes.
Study Overview
This Supply Chain Fleet Safety Benchmark Study aims to gather insights from fleet managers or safety managers who oversee driver fleets across all vehicle types. The study will explore key safety measures, driver management, and technology adoption to understand how these factors influence fleet safety outcomes in both middle-mile and last-mile operations. Survey responses will be entirely anonymous, focusing on enhancing safety practices within the broader supply chain network.
The study is part of a collaborative effort led by Kyla Hagan-Haynes, DrPH Candidate, MPH, Director of the Center for Motor Vehicle Safety at CO SPH. According to Hagan-Haynes, “Our goal is to uncover both best practices and potential gaps in fleet safety strategies, particularly for delivery drivers who are pivotal to the efficiency and safety of the supply chain.”
Who Should Participate?
The survey is open to organizations managing driver fleets that deliver to the following locations:
- Homes and stores (last-mile delivery)
- Warehouses and distribution centers (middle-mile delivery)
- Customer yards or other end locations within the U.S. supply chain
Ideal participants are fleet managers, safety managers, or individuals in roles like human resources or risk management who are familiar with the drivers, vehicles, and safety protocols of their fleets. Managers can expect to provide information about the number and type of vehicles, miles driven, deliveries made, and crash incidents recorded in 2023.
Key Information for Participants
Participants will complete a 20-minute survey through Qualtrics, which is designed to ensure data privacy and confidentiality. Before starting, it’s helpful to have fleet data from 2023 ready, including:
- Number of drivers
- Types of vehicles (light, medium, heavy)
- Total miles driven • Number of DOT-recordable crashes, OSHA-recordable injuries
The study will cover a wide range of topics, such as:
- Driver onboarding and training
- Use of in-vehicle monitoring systems (IVMS)
- Fatigue management practices
- Safety incentive programs
Why Your Input Matters
The insights gained from this study will shape the development of safety initiatives for fleets within the U.S. supply chain. The results will help NETS tailor safety strategies that address the unique challenges faced by middle-mile and last-mile delivery fleets. As a participant, you’ll have the opportunity to receive a report of the overall findings and enter a drawing for valuable rewards (Apple Watches, NETS memberships, and complimentary conference registrations).
How to Get Involved
If you oversee a delivery driver fleet and are interested in the safety of the supply chain, please participate. Your input could play a critical role in developing safer practices and environments for delivery drivers across the nation.
The survey link can be accessed here: https://ucdenver.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_2oCYe5Bf43melJs
Contacts
- Susan Hipp, Executive Director, NETS: [email protected]
- Kyla Hagan-Haynes, Doctoral Candidate, [email protected]
