Premier Transportation has been named 2016 Operator of the Year by the Tennessee Motor Coach Association.
“At Premier Transportation, customers and employees are our top priorities,” said Nick Cazana, owner of Premier Transportation. “We use safety features and the latest technology to make our customers’ trips the best they can be. Our driver programs ensure that our employees are rested, alert and ready to complete their routes.”
With Tennessee operations in Knoxville, Chattanooga and Greeneville, Premier Transportation has the only fleet in the area that already is 100-percent seat belt-equipped, which will become federal law for all buses and coaches by the end of 2017. Premier’s buses have GPS tracking systems so administrators can locate them in the event of an emergency. The tracking system encourages a proactive safety environment for the Department of Defense-certified fleet, official said.
Jeff Davis, director of safety for Premier Transportation, ensures that the fleet is operating under the best safety practices and equipment. The Knoxville-based operator has the highest possible safety rating in the industry and a breakdown record of less than half of one percent.
Certified technicians work on the fleet, and the master mechanics must pass a rigorous series of tests and participate in extensive ongoing education.
"As Premier serves its clients, it also cares for drivers with its certified driver training program. With a mix of classroom instruction and behind-the-wheel training, the program requires drivers to have more than just a license. It also partners more experienced drivers with newer ones to share industry insight," officials said.
Premier’s driver logs are electronic, and the company has one of the only systems of its kind in East Tennessee. Fatigue is the top cause of accidents, and the electronic system accurately logs driving hours to ensure drivers are resting as needed and required.
“I know employees are the difference-makers in our success,” Mr. Cazana said. “Just like we have the best and safest fleet with the latest technology, we want our drivers to be the best in the business. The certified driver training program and electronic logs make sure we do.”