The American Trucking Association’s (ATA) Safety Management Council recently named Curtis Carr of Estes Express Lines as the winner of the National Safety Director Award for 2017.
Presented annually since 1960, the award recognizes those who exemplify safety within the trucking industry. Nominees are reviewed by a panel of previous award recipients and each winner is ultimately chosen by representatives of the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and a variety of law enforcement officials.
After beginning his career at Estes Express Lines in 1993 as an Area Safety Supervisor, Carr quickly rose to the company’s Director of Safety in 1997. One year later, he was named Vice President of Safety and Risk Management — a position he currently holds.
Under Carr’s leadership, Estes Express Lines launched new individualized situational training programs, strengthened communication channels, and emphasized awards programs and campaigns.
“Curtis is a well-respected safety expert throughout our industry and the results of his leadership speak volumes about his approach to safety and interaction with the wider trucking community,” ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said. “One only has to look to recent successes at Estes to see evidence of Curtis’s leadership. The company won six ATA SMC safety awards just last year and continues to improve safety on our nation’s highways under Curtis’s direction.”
In addition to his work at Estes, Carr has served as chairman, vice chairman, second vice chairman, and treasurer of ATA’s Safety Management Council.
Additionally, Carr works in various capacities with the Virginia Trucking Association Safety Management Council, the Virginia Governors Board of Transportation Safety, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Transportation Advisory Committee.