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In this episode of the Trucking Risk and Insurance Podcast, I sit down with industry veteran Kim Richardson, President of KRTS and TransRep, to discuss the absolute "Gold Standard" of professional accreditation. With over four decades of experience each, we dive deep into why NATMI (North American Transportation Management Institute) certification is the definitive benchmark for safety professionals across North America.


Kim shares why university-backed credentials like the Certified Director of Safety (CDS) and Certified Driver Trainer (CDT) are essential for anyone looking to be recognized as an expert—whether in the boardroom or as an expert witness in court. We also discuss the groundbreaking movement toward a Truck Driver Red Seal trade designation in Canada, a move that aims to finally legitimize the incredible skill set of professional drivers on par with other skilled trades.

In this interview, we cover:

The Power of NATMI: Why university accreditation from the University of Denver sets these courses apart.

The Red Seal Initiative: An update on the Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada (PTTAC) and the push for national trade recognition by 2028.
Heartwarming Success: A moving story from a recent course in Leamington about a new Canadian's journey to certification.

Advanced Training Tools: How high-tech Vrive simulation and winter driving courses are changing the game for corporate fleets.

Whether you are interested in Fleet Safety Compliance, Commercial Driver Training, or the future of the Red Seal Truck Driver, this episode is packed with insights on elevating the industry through higher education.

Contact Kim Richardson:
1 905 765 3445
https://www.krway.com/
https://transrep.ca/

More information about NATMI:
https://natmi.org/

More information about Professional Truck Training Alliance of Canada
https://transrep.ca/

Reach out to Host Chris Harris:
chris@safetydawg.com
905 973 7056

00:00 Intro and Meet Kim Richardson
01:35 What is NATMI?
02:40 University Accreditation & Global Standards
03:45 Using CDS Certification for Expert Witness Testimony
05:00 Why Canadian Carriers Need NATMI Standards
06:30 The CDSC: A Tailored Version for Canada
08:00 Delivering Training On-Site: The Windsor Story
09:05 A Heartwarming Success: "My Son Will Be Proud"
12:45 How Certification Impacts Instructor Pay & Career Paths
14:40 The Trio: CDT, CDS, and Accident Investigation
19:45 KRTS Services: Heavy Equipment & Global Training
21:00 The Power of Vrive Simulation & Winter Driving
22:30 The Road to Red Seal: Professionalizing the Trade
23:30 What is a Red Seal Trade?
24:35 Targeting 2028: The Provincial Push for Recognition
25:40 Why Trucking Skills Equal Plumbers & Electricians
28:00 Reflection: 30 Years of Friendship & Industry Growth
29:45 Conclusion & White Glove Service

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