Pittsburgh, PA (May 13, 2022) - PITT OHIO, a leader in transportation, warehouse and logistics services, announced today that its Vice President of Safety, Jeff Mercadante, has been named the 2021 National Safety Director of the Year by the American Trucking Association (ATA). Sponsored by the Great West Casualty Company, it is the highest honor given at the national level to a safety professional.

The National Safety Director Award is presented annually to the motor carrier safety professional whose job qualifications, achievements and ability to design and direct safety programs are deemed most outstanding.

“The ATA Safety Management Council is proud to recognize Jeff as the ATA National Safety Director Award winner,” said Jacob Pierce, Executive Director of the ATA Safety Management Council.  “Jeff is respected by safety professionals across the industry for his knowledge, leadership and dedication to safety excellence. This award could not go to a more deserving individual.”

“We all congratulate Jeff for this well- deserved award,” said Chief Operating Officer, Jim Fields.  “Jeff is also the type of person who would be the first to admit that our successful safety performance is reliant on almost every department in the company.  We congratulate Jeff on his strong and persistent leadership, and his insightful direction of our company.  He is engaged in every aspect of our Safety strategy and execution of it.  We can tell he loves what he does by the passion he exhibits for his work every day.” 

Mercadante has 36 years of experience in the trucking industry; 34 years with PITT OHIO.  He started his career as a dockworker and then as a driver for 10 years before joining the Safety Department as a Senior Safety Specialist. From 2002 to present, he received promotions to Manager, Director and ultimately Vice President of Safety 8 years ago, which is the title he holds today.

“Jeff’s advancement through our company is a testament to his knowledge and leadership skills,” said PITT OHIO’s President, Chuck Hammel.  “He understands the importance of safety and is able to relate to our staff because he has experienced their job first hand. We are proud of Jeff’s accomplishments and congratulate him on this exceptional honor."

In addition to writing and publishing handbooks, policies and guidelines for the company, Mercadante has served on panels and fulfilled quote requests for industry publications based on his expertise.

PITT OHIO has received numerous safety awards under Jeff’s leadership, including seven ATA President’s Trophy awards for operating the Safest Fleet in the Country, and ATA Fleet Safety awards in Maryland, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Indiana and New Jersey. His leadership is responsible for the .418 average accident frequency over the last 5 years.

Mercadante supports the industry as well with memberships across ATA Associations in our footprint, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance and the Bendix Technology Council. He serves as the Regulation Committee Chair for the ATA. 

PITT OHIO Vice President of Safety, Jeff Mercadante (right), receives the ATA 2021 National Safety Director of the Year award from John Joines, Vice President of Safety, Great West Casualty Company.

ABOUT PITT OHIO

In adhering to their “We’re Always There For You” signature commitment, PITT OHIO is dedicated to providing their customers with the best value in its SUPPLY CHAIN, GROUND, Less-Than-Truckload (LTL) and TRUCKLOAD services.  Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, PITT OHIO services the entire Mid-Atlantic and Mid-West regions with over 3,000 employees.  The remainder of the United States and Canada is serviced with the PITT OHIO Transportation Group and additional North American service providers. To contact PITT OHIO, schedule service, or apply for employment, please visit their website at www.pittohio.com.

For more information, please contact:

Candi Cybator, Director of Marketing
[email protected]
412-232-3015, ext. 6313