Summary
A paper and packaging customer needed assistance to optimize a complex yard operation for safety, efficiency and staffing. They turned to CRST Dedicated to enhance safety protocols, manage staffing and create a culture of continuous improvement.
The challenge
A paper and packaging customer needed to rethink its yard spotter operation. Drivers in the space were shuttling hundreds of trailers a day amidst no shortage of hazards, including tight turns, blind corners, unpredictable construction, visibility-reducing steam and challenging weather. To address these needs, the company needed a partner that could:
- Mitigate risk in a space with 50+ trailers entering and exiting a day, navigating around countless on-site trailers
- Attract, retain and scale workers for a repetitive, physically demanding job
- Fine-tune cleanouts and other processes for smooth, efficient operations
Our solution
The customer and CRST Dedicated opted to make safety the core of the relationship, focusing strategy, KPIs and processes to maximize safety at (literally) every turn.
Safety and risk mitigation
Our safety team worked with site managers to become familiar with all current operations and map out hazards. Through this partnership came four main goals that we pursued in partnership with the customer:
- Reducing accidents: We revamped the investigation process to focus on quick responses, fact-finding and weekly reviews to keep improving.
- Enhancing training: We invested in our drivers and staff with an array of training including:
- Intensive, site-specific orientation
- Mentorship of new drivers
- Regular pre-shift meetings
- Inward- and outward-facing cameras to identify and mitigate issues
- Positive recognition of drivers doing things right
- Building an empowering culture: Drivers on site were empowered with stop-authority, enabling them to pause operations to focus on potential safety risks and mitigate or eliminate them before they become critical.
- Ongoing monitoring: Monthly KPI reports – regularly shared with all levels of leadership for accountability – helped us track accidents and hazards, while building trust and accountability across the team.
Safety through staffing
The team also recognized that safety gains would be compounded by increasing retention with critical drivers. By emphasizing the partnership between customer and the driving team, we cultivated a group of drivers who know the yard and wanted to stay – ultimately lowering accident risks and events. We also leveraged data to manage staffing for weather conditions or spikes in workload, and ensured we had a reserve of staffers certified to operate on site if necessary.
The results
CRST Dedicated and our customer joined forces and aligned goals to foster a safer, more efficient yard operation built on a foundation of true partnership:
- Safer operations: We helped reduce accidents and injuries, creating a safer environment for everyone. The site recently marked two years without a lost time injury (LTI).
- Improved efficiency: Processes are now streamlined, making the operation smoother and more productive.
- Stronger team: Our drivers and staff are highly trained, flexible and ready to adapt to any challenge.
- Lasting partnership: By aligning on shared goals and focusing on continuous improvement, we’ve built a relationship that delivers long-term success.
Why choose CRST Dedicated?
CRST Dedicated brings unparalleled expertise in creating safer, more efficient operations tailored to your unique challenges. By prioritizing safety, fostering strong partnerships, and delivering measurable results, we help businesses like yours achieve long-term success. Contact us today to discuss your unique shipping needs.
