Venice, FL - For the second time in three years DD&S Express of Baltimore, Maryland has won the coveted 1st Guard Corporation "Fleet of the Year" award.
1st Guard Corporation started the "Fleet of the Year" competition in 1997 to recognize the safest and most productive trucking companies in the country. The annual award is presented to the trucking company with the lowest physical damage loss ratio. Interest in the competition continues to grow. In fact many trucking executives now regard "The Fleet of the Year" award as the de-facto mark of quality when it comes to judging fleet safety.
Said one trucking executive, "This is the Superbowl of fleet safety awards. Most industry sponsored competitions boil down to good ole boy backslapping. Winning 'The Fleet of the Year' award actually means something."
DD&S' physical damage loss ratio for 2004 was zero. They did not have a physical damage claim for the entire year. The company operates close to 100 power units and moves heavy specialized loads across the country.
"To win the award once is a major accomplishment," commented 1st Guard Chairman, Ed Campbell. "To win the award twice - both times with a zero percent loss ratio - is unprecedented. DD&S Express has taken the practice of safety to a new level. I only hope more trucking companies follow their lead."
Robert Schuhman, Vice President of DD&S Express, remarked that "we don't view accidents as an automatic given in this business. People say we've set an unrealistic standard, yet we've hit the mark two out of the last three years. Don't tell me it can't be done."
DD&S Express was established in 1986 as a division of the Davidson Transfer & Storage Company. The company offers heavy and specialized transportation along with standard shipments. 1st Guard Corporation and its affiliate First Guard Insurance Company provide truck physical damage insurance for owner operators and trucking companies across the country.