At Ruan, safety is not just a policy. It is a deeply rooted value that has stood the test of time for more than 90 years. Inspired by the enduring vision of our founder, John Ruan, our commitment to safety continues to shape every decision we make, from the highways we travel to the innovations we embrace.
This fall, we proudly launched our I’m Safe For campaign. It is a visual reminder that safety is personal. Accompanied by powerful images of our team members holding signs showing who or what they stay safe for, the campaign highlights the human side of safety. Whether it's a spouse, a child, a friend, or a goal, the reasons we work safely are as diverse and meaningful as the people behind them.
Safety has always been central to Ruan’s identity. In fact, we were the first trucking company to introduce a formal fleet safety program back in the 1940s. That pioneering mindset was carried forward by John Ruan, who in 1975 wrote: “Safety is, and has always been, our most important consideration…for the public with whom we share the highways, for our employees, for our customers, and for our equipment.”
Even as our business has evolved into Managed Transportation, Brokerage Support Services, and Value-Added Warehousing, this core principle has never changed.
Every Ruan team member takes the Ruan Safety Pledge, committing to follow our Megasafe Safety Program and to take personal accountability for safe behavior. Safety is not a one-time promise. It is a daily commitment. It means staying alert, avoiding complacency, and continually looking for ways to improve how we work. But safety is not just personal. It is a team effort.
We all play a role in creating and maintaining a safe environment for everyone. That means watching out for one another, giving constructive feedback when something isn’t right, and taking action to prevent incidents. As one recent message from our Safety team said: “Giving constructive feedback, especially when someone deviates from safe practices, may feel uncomfortable in the moment, but it’s the hallmark of a high-performing team. We all win when we help each other do the right thing.”
Our commitment to safety is not just about today. It is about honoring the past and building a stronger future. In his message from the January/February 1974 newsletter, Mr. Ruan praised the Ruan team for responding to safety challenges with unity and focus: “When we needed your support the most, you rallied to the cause… Your teamwork has made our excellent safety record possible.” That same spirit of teamwork is alive at Ruan today. Through data-driven improvements, investments in training and technology, and a culture that encourages every voice, we are constantly working to raise the bar. Our Safety Focus guiding principle is not just about compliance. It is about caring. For ourselves, for our teammates, and for the communities we serve. As Mr. Ruan wrote: “When we talk about safety, we’re not talking about trucks or other equipment that can be replaced: we’re talking about human lives. Nothing is more important.”
As we look to the future, we carry with us decades of dedication and pride. Safety is not something we recently adopted. It has always been a core value. As we celebrate our I’m Safe For campaign this fall, we are reminded that our greatest strength is not in our equipment or policies, but in our people.
Safety is who we are. It always has been. It always will be.