Trucking safety, compliance & fleet management resources
Northland Insurance offers customers a library of trucking safety, compliance and fleet management resources. These materials contain information designed to help protect drivers, vehicles and cargo while supporting fleet operators in maintaining safe and efficient operations. From accident prevention guides and driver qualification tools to maintenance plan templates and training materials, they can help reduce risk, support compliance with DOT rules/regulations and strengthen overall fleet safety performance.
*Most resources are available only to Northland Insurance policyholders. Have your policy number ready and complete the materials order form.
Metrics that matter: Data consultative services
Telematics data tells you what's happening on the road. Northland's risk control advisors help you act on it. Working directly with your team in person or virtually, they translate driver behavior data into coaching priorities and safety actions tailored to your fleet.
- Guide to determining accident preventability
A practical reference for evaluating whether an accident could have been prevented. Includes checklists and examples to support safer driving and effective investigations. - In case of an accident
Accident response and documentation packet to guide safe actions at the scene, capture essential details and support timely accident reporting and claims handling. - Accident register
DOT-compliant accident register designed to support inspection readiness, post-accident testing documentation and ongoing analysis of fleet safety performance. - Accident file folder
Centralized folder for organizing accident reports and related documentation to support claims handling and DOT compliance.
Driver screening and selection
- Driver hiring and orientation procedures
Guide to help DOT-regulated fleets establish driver hiring, qualification and training programs with minimum standards, background check steps and documentation practices to improve compliance and fleet safety. - Guide to the DOT driver background check requirements
Step-by-step explanation of DOT background investigation rules, including employer and driver responsibilities, due process rights and recordkeeping standards. - Model training program for entry-level drivers
Training framework to help fleets develop and certify safe, skilled new drivers in compliance with FMCSA requirements.
Driver retention
- Guide to improving driver retention
Detailed guide for reducing driver turnover through better onboarding, communication, pay structures and engagement strategies that promote satisfaction and long-term commitment.
Online training
- Safe driving – large trucks
A training program focusing on safe driving practices for large trucks, covering topics such as backing safely, managing speed and space, changing lanes, yielding the right of way, distracted and drowsy driving, cargo securement and other essential safety behaviors. - Lives @ risk – stop the distraction
This 16-minute video program uses real-life scenarios to help organizations raise awareness, set expectations and promote behavior change to reduce distracted driving among employees. - Professional truck driver safety challenge
Interactive quiz to test drivers’ knowledge of defensive driving and DOT safety principles. - Flatbed cargo securement – tie-down regulations and guidelines
Training on general cargo securement rules, WLL calculations and techniques for preventing cargo loss. - Winter driving quiz
Seasonal quiz reinforcing safe driving in winter conditions. - Spring driving quiz
Quiz on spring weather hazards and defensive driving techniques. - Summer driving quiz
Knowledge check focused on safe summer driving practices. - Fall driving quiz
Seasonal quiz to refresh autumn driving awareness.
Target Accident Reduction Program (TARP) training handbooks
- Avoiding lane-change and merging collisions
Techniques for preventing merging accidents through right-of-way awareness and lane management. - Avoiding left-turn collisions
Step-by-step guidance for safe turning, intersection scanning and signaling. - Avoiding rear-end collisions
Instruction on maintaining safe following distance, braking and reaction time management. - Avoiding right-turn collisions
Safe-turning procedures to prevent squeeze and off-tracking accidents. - Intersections
Defensive strategies for navigating intersections safely in all conditions. - Preventing backing accidents
Backing safety procedures using the GOAL method (Get Out and Look), proper spotting and mirror checks. - Safe driving concepts
Comprehensive guide to accident prevention, situational awareness and driver wellness. - Safety poster: “Got Distractions?”
Visual reminder highlighting common driving distractions to help reinforce the importance of staying alert, focused and distraction-free behind the wheel. - Safety poster: “Got Distance?”
Visual reminder emphasizing the importance of maintaining safe following distance to help commercial drivers reduce rear-end collisions and improve defensive driving habits.
Loss control
- Railroad crossing safety
Safety guidance outlining the risks of highway-rail grade crossings and recommended procedures to help commercial drivers safely approach, stop and cross railroad tracks. - Transportation safety best practices
Overview of proven fleet safety practices that help reduce accidents and maintain DOT compliance.
- TARP certificate of completion
Printable certificate recognizing completion of Northland’s Target Accident Reduction Plan safety training.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Official U.S. government site providing federal safety regulations, compliance guidance and enforcement data for commercial motor carriers. - Fleet safety guide
Public resource offering best practices and actionable tips to help trucking fleets improve driver safety and reduce crash risks. - Motor carrier safety measurement system (SMS)
FMCSA’s online system for tracking and evaluating carrier safety performance based on roadside inspections and crash data. - Motor carrier safety planner
External FMCSA resource outlining federal safety requirements and compliance steps for commercial motor carriers. - Shift into Gear – interactive guide to fleet safety
Engaging, interactive Northland Insurance tool to help fleet operators identify safety risks and strengthen fleet management programs. - U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal agency overseeing national transportation policy, safety standards and infrastructure regulations. - U.S. DOT Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance
Government office responsible for enforcing drug and alcohol testing regulations for safety-sensitive transportation employees.
Cargo safety
- Keeping Refrigerated Cargo Cool and Secure
Guidance for maintaining proper temperatures, securing loads and preventing spoilage of refrigerated cargo during transport. - Preventing Cargo Claims
Tips and best practices to reduce cargo loss and damage claims through careful handling and documentation. - Protecting Your Vehicle and Cargo from Theft
Strategies to prevent cargo and vehicle theft using secure parking, route planning and driver awareness.
Hazardous materials
- Emergency response guidebook
Official guide for first responders to safely manage hazardous material incidents and spills. - Hazardous materials training resources
Educational materials and programs supporting hazmat safety training and regulatory compliance. - How to comply with the federal hazardous materials regulations
Step-by-step FMCSA resource outlining federal requirements for transporting hazardous materials. - Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
Federal agency responsible for developing and enforcing hazmat transportation safety regulations.
Inspection and maintenance
- Vehicle maintenance file
DOT-compliant template designed to help motor carriers organize and retain vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance records to support regulatory compliance and fleet safety oversight.
- American Diabetes Association
Provides education and tools to help drivers manage diabetes and maintain DOT medical certification. - American Heart Association
Offers resources promoting heart health, physical activity and nutrition for professional drivers. - American Sleep Apnea Association
Information and support for diagnosing and managing sleep apnea to improve alertness and safety. - Drivinghealthy.org
Health and wellness tips for commercial drivers focusing on nutrition, exercise and fatigue management. - Keep Trucking Safe
Safety and health resource center with training materials for truck drivers and fleet employers. - National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners
Federal database of certified examiners authorized to conduct DOT physicals for commercial drivers. - National Sleep Foundation
Education on sleep health, fatigue prevention and the importance of adequate rest for drivers. - Sleep apnea and commercial drivers
Guidance for identifying and managing sleep apnea to maintain safe driving performance and DOT compliance.
Explore available resources to help strengthen fleet safety and compliance programs.
For access to materials or guidance, customers can contact their Northland Risk Control specialist or submit a materials order form.
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