David O’Neal has been named the director of safety services of the Arkansas Trucking Association after the
Arkansas Highway Commission awarded the association with funds from the Arkansas Commerical Truck Safety and Education Program (ACTSEP) to promote safety on Arkansas roadways.
O’Neal will serve as a liaison with the FMCSA, Arkansas Highway Police, OSHA and other regulatory bodies.
He will also provide safety and regulatory expertise for ATA members and to all carriers operating in Arkansas. He will oversee industry training and spearhead the ‘Share the Road’ and ‘Arkansas Road Team’ programs.
A native Arkansan, O’Neal joins ATA after a 19 year career at FedEx, serving most recently as the Managing Director of Safety at FedEx Ground in Pittsburgh, Pa. In this role, David established the strategic direction for the company’s safety initiatives and led a 120-person department. During his tenure, FedEx Ground was awarded the American Trucking Associations’ President’s Safety Trophy in recognition of the company’s superior safety programs and commitment to industry-wide promotion of highway safety.
O’Neal has also held leadership roles in FedEx’s truck driving championship program, as well as the creation of education platforms for the growth and development of employees. O’Neal’s multiple industry associations include the Safety Management Council of the American Trucking Associations and inaugural membership on the Arkansas Trucking Association’s 40 Under 40 Council.
ATA President Shannon Newton said, “We are grateful to gain a resource like David and to find shared goals and cooperation with the Highway Commission to promote safety for all those operating on Arkansas highways.”
ATA also hired Cara Speegle as the new executive assistant in July. Speegle is a recent graduate of Harding University with a BA in English.
