Columbus, Ohio — On September 8, 2026, Crete Carrier, Shaffer Trucking and Hunt Transportation announced a joint safety initiative that will triple their annual spending on driver education and telematics, according to statements released by each company’s CEO.

Safety remains the core of every decision in the trucking business, especially after the FMCSA tightened regulations on hours‑of‑service and crash‑avoidance systems. The three carriers have long been recognized for their proactive approach, but the new partnership signals a shift from compliance to leadership. By investing in real‑time data monitoring and driver‑feedback platforms, they aim to reduce preventable accidents and improve overall fleet performance.

Crete Carrier reported that its 1,200 drivers logged more than 3.5 million accident‑free miles in 2025, a record that earned the company the FMCSA Safety Award for that year. Shaffer Trucking highlighted that 120 of its drivers achieved a million‑mile milestone without a single preventable crash, and Hunt Transportation’s safety program was cited in a national industry study as a model for reducing rear‑end collisions. The carriers plan to share best practices through quarterly safety workshops and a shared online portal that aggregates real‑time performance data.

What This Means for Drivers

For CDL‑A holders and owner‑operators, the new program offers a structured training schedule that includes monthly refresher courses, defensive‑driving modules, and a certification track that can unlock higher‑pay routes. Drivers who complete the training will gain access to advanced telematics that provide instant feedback on braking patterns, lane discipline, and fuel‑efficiency, which can lead to incentive bonuses. Owner‑operators will receive a 10% discount on telematics equipment and a 5% reduction in insurance premiums if they meet the program’s safety benchmarks.

Industry Reaction

The American Trucking Association issued a statement praising the carriers for “setting an example that balances operational efficiency with driver welfare.” A spokesperson for the National Association of Small Trucking Companies noted that the partnership could encourage smaller fleets to adopt similar safety protocols. Driver advocacy groups, such as the Truck Driver Union, welcomed the transparency pledge, stating that honest communication about safety metrics has historically been lacking in the industry.

Key Points

• Crete, Shaffer, and Hunt will triple their annual safety training budget.
• The carriers have collectively logged 3.5 million accident‑free miles in 2025.
• Hundreds of drivers achieved a million‑mile milestone without preventable accidents.
• New telematics and real‑time data will be available to all drivers by Q4 2026.

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