New York, NY — The Trucking Association of New York (TANY) announced a partnership with Together for Safer Roads (TSR) on September 9, 2026, to roll out the FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training Program to small and mid‑size fleet operators across the state.

The move follows a growing national push to tighten FMCSA regulations and improve on‑road safety for CDL‑A drivers, owner‑operators, and OTR truck drivers. TANY’s president, Kendra Hems, said the program will equip operators with the tools and training needed to build a culture that goes beyond compliance. Small‑to‑mid‑size fleets account for roughly 97 percent of trucks on New York roads, making the initiative a critical step for protecting drivers and communities alike.

TSR’s executive director, Peter Goldwasser, highlighted the partnership’s potential to save lives, adding that the FOCUS program draws on best practices from leading fleets and technology firms. The training framework centers on three pillars—Training and Development, Safety Leadership, and Technology—and includes executive coaching and pre‑ and post‑benchmarking assessments. Companies interested in the inaugural cohort can contact Zach Miller at [email protected]. Qworky co‑founder Jessica Whitaker, who is collaborating with TANY, praised the initiative’s focus on empowering small and mid‑size operators with resources to meet the highest safety standards.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers in the state will gain access to structured safety training modules that cover everything from fatigue management to electronic logging device best practices. Owner‑operators can leverage the program’s executive coaching to streamline compliance with FMCSA regulations and reduce costly violations. Fleet managers will benefit from data‑driven benchmarking, allowing them to identify gaps and implement targeted improvements across their operations.

Industry Reaction

Industry groups echoed TANY’s enthusiasm, noting that the program aligns with broader efforts to enhance safety among truck driver jobs and trucking companies hiring in New York. The collaboration signals a shift toward proactive safety culture rather than reactive enforcement, a sentiment echoed by several carrier associations. Trucking companies hiring now are watching closely, as the program’s results could influence future hiring criteria and training expectations.

Key Points

• FOCUS on Fleet Safety Training targets the 97 percent of trucks operated by small‑to‑mid‑size fleets in New York.
• The program offers executive coaching and benchmark assessments across Training, Leadership, and Technology pillars.
• Participation is open to all fleet operators; interested companies may contact Zach Miller at [email protected].
• Qworky’s involvement underscores the industry’s commitment to providing tools that help owners meet FMCSA regulations.

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