NACD Members improved in safety and performance in 2008.
Press Release Summary:
NACD 2008 Membership and Performance Data Report states that 5.2 million chemical distribution shipments were made by NACD member companies, who drove more than 199 million miles throughout 2008. Representing continued commitment to safety, reportable vehicular accidents or spills were reduced by 75.7%, and recordable injuries due to vehicular accidents or transportation spills decreased by 46.2% from 2007.
Original Press Release:
Continued Improvement in Safety and Performance for NACD Members in 2008
ARLINGTON, VA -The National Association of Chemical Distributors' (NACD) today released its 2008 Membership & Performance Data Report. The Report states, "NACD member companies made 5.2 million chemical distribution shipments, were responsible for 81 billion pounds of delivered product, and drove more than 199 million miles in the distribution of these chemicals throughout 2008."
These increases are remarkable in a down economy. NACD members operated lean this past year and were consistent in delivering timely products safely. A continued commitment to safety was demonstrated again in 2008. While miles driven and shipments rose over 2007 numbers, NACD member companies reduced reportable vehicular accidents or spills by an astonishing 75.7%, and recordable injuries due to vehicular accidents or transportation spills decreased by 46.2% from 2007, according to the 2008. NACD member companies make a delivery every 6 seconds with a fatality rate twice as good as DOT's target goal.
The American chemical industry continues to play a vital role in the economy and in the world marketplace. In the distribution of these products, NACD member companies employ 20,538 people and accounted for $22.9 billion in sales, a sales increase of 11.7% over 2007.
"NACD has been collecting safety and performance data from our membership for eight years and improvements have been consistent year over year. NACD member companies clearly are committed to continuous improvement and the safety of employees, communities, and the products which they handle. Our members are a pivotal link in the U.S. chemical industry supply chain," said NACD President Chris Jahn. "The Responsible Distribution ProcessSM (RDP) provides our member companies and chemical handler affiliates with a framework to not only manage their environmental, health, safety, and security (EHS&S) areas of operations but consistently strive to be better each year. Such positive results are not only good for them, but also for the overall well-being of the chemical distribution marketplace. All NACD member and chemical handler affiliate companies that successfully comply with RDP are well positioned to face today's challenges and tomorrow's uncertainties."
NACD's membership represents 85% of the chemical distribution facilities in the nation and more than 90% of the industry's gross revenue. Members of NACD operate in every state in the continental United States, as well as Mexico, Canada, and Puerto Rico through 1,498 facilities. The membership includes small businesses as well as regional and national companies.
NACD began tracking the results of its membership and performance data on a voluntary basis in 2001. In 2005, NACD members voted and accepted the mandatory submission of their annual survey results as a condition of membership; the data in the 2008 Report once again represents 100 percent participation from the NACD regular membership.
NACD and its nearly 250 members have established themselves as leaders in health, safety, security, and environmental performance through implementation of the Responsible Distribution Process (RDP), established in 1991 as a condition of membership in NACD. Incorporated as a condition of membership in January 1999, NACD members undergo third-party on-site RDPV - RDP Verification. For additional information, visit NACD's Web site - www.nacd.com.
