Education & Training

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The Safety Management Council (SMC) consists of fleet safety personnel and law enforcement representatives. The council sponsors a variety of activities to educate its members about new developments in safety, and encourages professional driving to promote a better public image for the trucking industry.

Safety Seminars and Meetings: Full statewide council meetings are held twice annually, at a Spring seminar in April and a Fall seminar in September.
The Cooperative Road Patrol Program: This council program is part of the American Trucking Associations' (ATA) national effort to regulate and improve the behavior of truck drivers on the highway. Patrol members are provided with forms which they fill out when they witness a truck driver speeding or driving improperly. Members also recognize commendable driving. Each report is recorded by TMTA who then forwards the information to the safety director of the driver's company for possible disciplinary or complimentary action.
Driver of the Year: Each year the TMTA Safety Management Council sponsors a Driver of the Year Award. The recipient of this award is chosen from some of the best truck drivers operating in Texas. After being nominated by their companies, the drivers are rated in categories such as number of miles traveled without a chargeable accident, consistency, politeness on the road, and tenure. The TMTA Driver of the Year then represents TMTA in ATA's competition for the National Driver of the Year title.
Regional and State Truck Driving Championships: This project of the TMTA Safety Management Council, the Local Safety Councils and the TMTA Fleet Maintenance Council seeks to promote safety and professionalism among commercial drivers. Four regional championships and one statewide championship are held each spring with drivers qualifying for national competition. Drivers are tested on their ability to maneuver and control their vehicles under a number of difficult test situations.
Distinguished Safety Award: This award is presented each year to the safety director recognized as making outstanding contributions to the field of safety. A ring, jacket, lapel pin, and a plaque are presented to the recipient at TMTA's Annual Conference in July.
Truck Safety Awards: Each year SMC recognizes the fleets of TMTA member companies which developed dignified professional driving performance in the trucking industry. These state winners, judged by the company's lowest overall accident frequency experience rates, are presented trophies and plaques in recognition of their achievement.

For more information on SMC activities, contact Lance Shillingburg, Vice President of Member Relations at 1-800-727-7135.

+ Fleet Maintenance Council

Promoting the theme, A Well Maintained Vehicle is a Safe Vehicle, the Fleet Maintenance Council was established for the exchange of ideas and information about new developments in maintenance and related subjects. The council strives to improve the skills of professional maintenance personnel and has established a close relationship with regulatory agencies.

The council consists of fleet maintenance supervisors, representatives of manufacturers of transportation equipment and components, and various law enforcement officials. The full group meets once a year at an annual fall seminar. The TMTA Fleet Maintenance Council co-sponsors a number of activities.

The Technician of the Year Contest: The Technician of the Year Contest was initiated in 1982 by TMTA and the Fleet Maintenance Council to recognize the contributions of outstanding mechanics of the heavy vehicle fleet maintenance industry. This contest evaluates the mechanic's knowledge of their trade and ability to utilize that knowledge on basic mechanical problems.

The test consists of a written examination covering all areas of engine repair and practical hands on test covering engine diagnosis, electrical systems, brakes, air systems, various measuring instruments, clutch, steering boxes, and drive train diagnosis. Contestants are judged on written and hands-on exams.
The Distinguished Award for Excellence in Maintenance: The Distinguished Award for Excellence in Maintenance is designed to recognize one person each year in the field of maintenance. Any person may win this award who is actively engaged in fleet maintenance of five or more units and whose company is a member of the TMTA. No person may win this award more than one time.
FMC Fall Seminar: Each October, the Fleet Maintenance Council Fall Seminar is held. During this time, educational opportunities are offered to fleet supervisors in the areas of fleet maintenance and equipment repair. During this seminar the exchange of ideas and information about new developments are encouraged. The Fleet Maintenance council seminar is a 2 1/2 day meeting and provides an opportunity for fleet managers to develop contacts statewide.

For more information on FMC activities, contact Lance Shillingburg, Vice President of Member Relations at 1-800-727-7135.

+ Award Applications

TMTA Truck Safety Contest

Download Application Application Deadline: March 1, 2013
This award will be given to the company with the lowest Accident Frequency Rate in each mileage classification for the year 2012.

Driver of the Year Award

Download Application Application Deadline: April 15, 2013
This award is presented to the driver who has exhibited an outstanding deed of heroism or highway courtesy, an outstanding contribution to highway safety, and/or a long record of safe and courteous driving.

Distinguished Safety Award

Download Application Application Deadline: April 15, 2013
This award honors an individual that exemplifies dedication to motor fleet safety and who demonstrates interest, enthusiasm, and leadership in achieving the goals of protecting lives and propety in the motor traffic environment.

Excellence in Service Award

Download Application Application Deadline: July 1, 2013
Judging of nominations shall be based upon the professional qualifications of the nominee, success in advancing the cause of TMTA, the TMTA Safety Management Coucnil and highway and industrial safety. The nominee shall also be judged on his/her work and leadership in activities of TMTA and the TMTA Safety Management Council and/or other organizations of safety professionals in which the nominee holds active membership.

Truck Driving Championships

Download - Truck Driving Championship Information
Download Forms - Driver Entry Release

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
San Antonio – May 4		Tyler – May 11
Contest Chair: Barry Detlefsenn		Contest Chair: Van Trimble
(210) 632-2447		(903) 534-3279
Entry Fee: $85		Entry Fee: $85
Applications must be received by April 26		Applications must be received by May 11

Houston – May 11		Dallas/Ft. Worth – May 18
Contest Chair: Lonnie Bennett		Contest Chair: David Doyle
(713) 674-0481		(214) 808-4573
Entry Fee: $85		Entry Fee: $85
Applications must be received by May 3		Applications must be received by May 3

Technician of the Year Contest

Download Application Application Deadline: Pre-registration required one week in advance of competition date
This contest recognizes the contributions of outstanding technicians of the heavy duty fleet maintenance industry.

Distinguished Award for Excellence in Maintenance

Download Application Application Deadline: March 29, 2013
This award is designed to recognize one person each year who has contributed the most to the Texas motor carrier industry in the field of maintenance.

FMC Leadership Award.

Download Application Application Deadline: August 31, 2013
In 2011, the TMTA Fleet Maintenance Council Executive Committee decided to establish an award to honor an individual who best exemplifies the willing dedication to be of service to the Motor Transportation Industry, the TMTA Fleet Maintenance Council, his or her Company and the motoring public. The recipient is one who has demonstrated the qualities of interest, enthusiasm and leadership in achieving these multiple goals.