Smith System Offers New Compliance Seminars; Covers the Impact of New Regulations on Fleets Operations

ARLINGTON, Texas--Feb. 1, 20040, 2004--Smith System, the leader in professional driver training, today announced that it has added new compliance seminars to its expanded schedule of courses designed to meet the needs of commercial fleets.

Recent changes in DOT regulations have been the most significant in 50 years. EPA and OSHA regulations are constantly changing with respect to motor carriers. Commercial fleets need to demonstrate compliance with these regulations, particularly the new hours-of-service rules, to stay in business.

As the leader in driver training for more than 50 years, Smith System has helped more than half the Fortune 500 companies improve their safety programs. As with all its offerings, the new compliance seminars guarantee satisfaction and are delivered by industry experts.

The new Smith System compliance seminars include:

Motor Carrier Safety Seminar

Attendees will learn how to prepare for a DOT compliance review and review up-to-date requirements for hours-of-service, driver qualification (including new medical criteria), cargo securement, alcohol and drug testing, record keeping and more.

Hazardous Materials Certification Seminar

Hazmat training, testing and certification are required every 36 months. This seminar will prepare hazmat shippers, transporters and handlers for a DOT compliance review and ensure your staff certifications are current.

Safety Professional Certification Seminar

Designed for safety professionals in private fleets or for-hire carriers, this seminar provides advanced training in safety management techniques and the latest EPA and OSHA rules. The Safety Professional Certification Seminar is appropriate groundwork for individuals with first time safety responsibilities or a career development opportunity for experienced safety professionals.

"Carriers are now facing the challenge of adapting to these new rules, many of which have taken effect this year," said Tony Douglas, president of Smith System. "We are committed to helping them be prepared and ensuring their safety staff stays up-to-date on all compliance issues."

Smith System is also offering numerous California specific compliance seminars in conjunction with the California Trucking Association. For a complete schedule and registration, call 1-800-777-7648 or visit www.smith-system.com/DOT.

About Smith System

Smith System Driver Improvement Institute Inc. was founded in 1952 as the nation's first fleet driver safety training organization with on-road, hands-on safety education techniques for experienced drivers. Smith System delivers behind the wheel instruction to more than 15,000 fleet drivers each year and has presented their program in 47 countries. In the past decade, Smith has provided services to more than half of the current Fortune 500(R) fleets and is the only company in the industry that guarantees the quality of their training. In addition to its on-road training and extensive video and DVD library, the company offers web-based education and fleet monitoring.