How to become fleet safety certified

Fleet safety certification is an important step for fleet operators that prioritize safety, compliance, efficiency and professional development. In an industry where 43% of fleet managers report repair costs of $2,500-$4,999 per incident, implementing a structured fleet safety program can lead to greater savings and improved driver safety. Getting certified helps ensure your drivers and assets are protected while reducing risks and improving operations. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming fleet safety certified, the available certifications, and the benefits of earning certification.

What is fleet safety certification?

Fleet safety certification is a formal recognition that your fleet complies with established safety standards. It demonstrates your commitment to minimizing incidents, protecting drivers and reducing costs related to accidents and legal issues. Certification typically involves completing training programs, adhering to safety protocols and meeting compliance regulations.

Why is fleet safety certification important?

Fleet safety certification is a necessary part of running a fleet because it provides a standardized framework for improving safety across your operations. Mid-sized fleet managers can benefit from certification by:

• Lowering the risk of collisions – Implementing proven safety measures can reduce incidents substantially. For example, dash cams and supervisory coaching have been shown to reduce 60% of incidents and result in an 86% reduction in the cost of vehicle crashes.
• Reducing costs – Certification can help minimize repair, legal and insurance expenses. An effective fleet safety program can result in fewer claims, lower insurance premiums, and decreased downtime.
• Improving driver behavior – By promoting safe driving practices and using real-time monitoring, you can create a safety-focused culture that drives accountability and consistency.
• Meeting compliance requirements – Certifications help fleets stay in line with industry regulations, minimizing the risk of penalties and improving overall safety culture.

Types of fleet safety certifications

There are several types of fleet safety certification programs, each offering unique advantages depending on the needs of your fleet:

• NTSI certification
  NTSI offers a range of certification programs, including the SAFER Driver™ Challenge, Van & High Profile Vehicle Defensive Driver Training Program, and CDL Refresher. They also provide specialized training for inclement weather conditions. These programs can be customized to meet the specific needs of your fleet. NTSI also offers a mix of on-site and online training.
• OSHA fleet safety certification
  Offered by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, this course covers the various components of a fleet safety program, the cost of vehicle accidents, licensing, accident investigations, and more. It consists of seven modules that can be completed in approximately five hours. 
• North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) certifications
  NATMI offers several certifications tailored to different aspects of fleet management, each with its own set of requirements. Courses include:
  • Certified Director of Safety
  • Certified Safety Supervisor
  • Certified Driver Trainer
  • Certified Director of Maintenance/Equipment
  • Certified Supervisor of Maintenance/Equipment
  • Certified Cargo Security Professional
• NAFA CAFM certification
  The Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) certification covers eight disciplines, including asset management, financial management, and risk management. This comprehensive certification is ideal for fleet managers looking to deepen their expertise in all areas of fleet operations.
• DriveSafe certification
  DriveSafe offers a variety of online courses that are mobile-friendly and customizable based on your fleet's needs. Courses range from 1-8 hours and are available in both English and Spanish. This flexible format allows you to tailor training to your fleet's specific goals.
• NSC defensive driving certification
  The NSC has been providing defensive driving training since 1964, offering both online and in-person courses. Options include state driver improvement programs, courses for professional truck and van drivers, and more. These programs are designed to enhance defensive driving skills and reduce road incidents.

Benefits of fleet safety certification

Fleet safety certification provides practical advantages, including protecting your drivers, reducing risks, and improving your operational efficiency. Here’s how certification can help your fleet:

• Advancing safety – Certified fleets adhere to structured safety protocols, which significantly reduces the risk of incidents. For example, 8% of all fatal crashes occur due to distracted driving–a risk that certifications like NSC defensive driving can help mitigate.
• Reducing collision rates – Certifications encourage safe driving practices and preventive measures, leading to fewer incidents on the road.
• Building a safety culture – Certification helps make safety a core value in your organization, promoting accountability and continuous improvement.
• Improving compliance – Certifications help ensure that your fleet meets all regulatory requirements, reducing the risk of fines and penalties.

Make sure to reference our fleet safety program checklist for a comprehensive approach to maintaining safety and compliance.

Common challenges in fleet safety certification

While fleet safety certification provides a number of benefits, fleet managers can encounter obstacles. One challenge is keeping up with changing safety regulations. For mid-sized fleets, maintaining compliance can be particularly demanding as it requires constant attention and updates. Certification helps confirm that all vehicles and drivers meet the necessary standards, but achieving and maintaining this level of compliance demands ongoing commitment and resources.

Another common issue is budget constraints. Implementing the necessary safety measures, training programs, and technology to meet certification requirements can be expensive. Despite these upfront costs, investing in certification can result in long-term savings by reducing incidents and the costs associated with them, such as repairs and legal fees.

Best practices for maintaining compliance post-certification

Keeping your fleet compliant after certification takes a proactive effort and Regular training and updates are key. Continuous driver training keeps your team up to speed on the latest safety protocols and best practices. Holding regular sessions helps reduce the chance of incidents and keeps everyone aligned with your safety goals.

It’s also important to keep an eye on fleet performance. Using telematics and other data tools lets you track what’s happening in real-time. By regularly reviewing and tweaking your safety protocols based on this information, you can catch and fix potential issues before they become bigger problems.

Empower your fleet with tools that support safer driving and risk management 

Learn how Geotab’s safety solutions can help protect your drivers, vehicles and assets. Visit our Fleet Safety page to build a program that works for your team and your bottom line.