Key Oil: Building a Safety Culture That Attracts the Next Generation

In this episode of NGT Talks, Lindsey Trent sits down with David Murphy and Dylan West from Key Oil to discuss how they transformed their company’s safety culture and built one of the safest tank fleets in Kentucky. David shares how he entered trucking after serving in the Marine Corps, eventually moving into safety leadership within the waste and fuel industries. When he joined Key Oil in 2013, the company had received FMCSA warning letters and lacked a formal safety department. Through intentional leadership, the implementation of forward- and inward-facing cameras, consistent driver coaching, and a commitment to culture change, Key Oil dramatically improved its CSA crash indicators—now operating at zero across multiple DOT numbers.Dylan, who began his career as a tow truck driver before hauling fuel and becoming a behind-the-wheel instructor, explains how hands-on training and technology have been central to their success. From customizing their Lytx camera system to building an in-house driving simulator, their approach focuses on coaching rather than punishment. They emphasize catching drivers doing things right, building camaraderie through friendly simulator competitions, and using data to proactively address trends. The result has been improved driver buy-in, stronger retention, and industry recognition—including multiple Safety Professional of the Year awards and Safest Tank Fleet honors.Throughout the conversation, both leaders stress that safety is not just about compliance—it’s about leadership, consistency, and relationships. By hiring and developing younger drivers, rewarding excellence (including million-mile drivers), and staying deeply involved with the Kentucky Trucking Association, Key Oil has built a culture where drivers want to stay and retire. The episode reinforces NGT’s mission to promote professional, skilled, and diverse careers in trucking while highlighting how strong safety leadership attracts and retains the next generation of talent.https://www.keystops.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/t3-dwest/https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-murphy-cds-b7791b12/Thank you to our Sponsors!!!https://www.tenstreet.com/https://www.trimble.com/enhttps://www.ushertransport.com/https://www.benekeith.com/https://www.ancora.com/https://driverslegalplan.com/https://www.dottransportation.com/https://cargotransporters.com/https://acronaviation.com/driver-training-solutions/https://www.isaacinstruments.com/https://www.uti.edu/The Next Generation in Trucking Association is a non-profit trade association who is engaging and training the next generation of trucking industry professionals by partnering with high schools, community/technical colleges and private schools to connect to and launch training programs around North America.Visit our website:  www.nextgentruckers.orgContact us at:  [email protected] us on socials here:FacebookInstagramYoutubeLinkedInTikTok