Safety is more than just a checklist; it is a commitment to saving lives.
In this blog, we’ll share highlights from one of our most popular episodes of The CDL Files podcast, where host Marilyn Surber sits down for a powerful conversation with Jeremy Stickling, the Chief Administration Officer for Nussbaum Transportation.
Jeremy is not just an executive; he is a recognized leader in the industry and was recently honored as the Truckload Carriers Association’s (TCA) Safety Professional of the Year. Whether you are a driver behind the wheel or a fleet manager in the office, Jeremy’s insights on leadership, compliance, and the future of trucking law are essential listening.
An Unconventional Journey
Jeremy’s path to becoming a safety leader wasn’t a straight line. He began his career at Nussbaum 18 years ago in accounting before transitioning into HR and Safety.
In this episode, Jeremy opens up about his personal history — including some youthful driving mishaps — and how those experiences helped him understand the transformative power of safety. His journey is a reminder that career paths often take unexpected turns, but embracing new challenges can lead to profound purpose.
Safety vs. Compliance
One of the standout moments of the episode is the distinction Jeremy draws between “compliance” and “safety”:
- Compliance is following the rules.
- Safety is about saving lives.
Jeremy and Marilyn discuss how this mindset shifts the perspective from simply avoiding tickets to actively protecting the motoring public. It is a philosophy that resonates deeply with us at Drivers Legal Plan, where we understand the heavy responsibility drivers carry every mile.
Tackling Nuclear Verdicts
It wouldn’t be a conversation about the current state of trucking without addressing the legal landscape. Jeremy and Marilyn dive into the heavy topics facing our industry, specifically nuclear verdicts and the urgent need for tort reform.
They discuss the necessity of federal-level solutions to protect carriers and drivers from unjust liabilities, ensuring that the focus remains on true safety rather than litigation.
Leadership and Recognition
Jeremy shares the humble story behind his TCA Safety Professional of the Year award — a nomination kept secret by his colleagues until the moment his name was called. He attributes his leadership style to a personal mission statement inspired by Stephen Covey: to make others look good and foster growth.
Conclusion
Key takeaways from our podcast discussion include:
- The Human Element: Safety leadership requires empathy and an understanding of the driver’s reality.
- Industry Advocacy: We must continue to push for tort reform to stop nuclear verdicts from crippling the industry.
- Growth Mindset: Focus on the rewarding aspects of safety — the lives protected and the accidents prevented.
If you are looking for encouragement, are seeking to focus on the “wins” in your safety career, or simply want to hear from one of the best in the business, this episode is for you.
Tune in to this episode of The CDL Files on our website, or wherever you listen to podcasts.