Nestled quietly in the rustic open spaces of Mt.Vernon, Washington lies Brownline, Inc., first place winner of the 1998 Safe Fleet Award. I visited Brownline one November morning and interviewed Safety Director Dennis Morgan. Mr. Morgan, who is one of only two certified directors of safety in Washington, has been Brownline's Safety Director for 15 years and is currently serving as WTA Safety Management Council Chairman.

For the interview, Mr. Morgan sat at a desk in front of a large window overlooking rows of clean, brown trucks parked in formation on an immaculate lot. I sat across from him admiring the 1998 Safe Fleet Award plaque that bore the accolades honoring Brownline for having the lowest rate nationally between one and ten million miles.

My first question to Mr. Morgan was how did Brownline win such a prestigious award? Dennis Morgan told me that he gathered Brownline's driving statistics to see how they compared with other companies. He submitted the results to American Trucking Associations. The ATA sent a representative down to verify the figures and then presented the 1998 Safe Fleet Award to Brownline at the National Safety Management meeting at Houston, Texas.

Who or what does Dennis Morgan credit for Brownline's success? Good Drivers. Commitment from owner, Jack Hilde. Commitment to safety. Mr. Morgan further stated that he makes safety a full-time program. In addition to providing incentives to his drivers for safe driving, he organizes safety meeting every four to six weeks. He often conducts twenty meetings a month to ensure Brownline drivers receive adequate training.

What advice does Dennis Morgan give to other safety directors? Get involved on all levels. Seek help from others. "We're not competitors (when it comes to safety)," Mr. Morgan stated. "Give someone a call and get some help." Networking, working closely with Brownline's insurance company and participating in orgainzations like the WTA are some ways Dennis Morgan gets involved and stays informed on safety matters. Mr. Morgan has also benefited from holding a certification for the Director of Safety and welcomes questions on the CDS process through the North American Transporation Management Insitute (NATMI).

Dennis Morgan also encourages safety directors and drivers to be persistent. If a driver has a bad day or a bad month, keep working with them. Keep at it. As for Brownline, they will continue to aim high, as Dennis Morgan aspires to win the Safe Fleet Award for 1999.

After the interview, Dennis Morgan invited me to take a look at the shop, where Brownline trucks are checked and maintained on a weekely basis. The shop was well-kept from the glossy floor to the wall of neatly labeled trays of nuts and bolts--- furthe evidence that Brownline has pride in what they do and are serious about safety.