Category: Blog

Dash Camera Accident Prevention

What is ADAS?

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on What is ADAS?

If you’ve driven a car manufactured in the last five years, you’ve likely used advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) without even knowing it.

We’ve all had moments on the road where we’ve felt unsafe; either we’ve forgotten to check our blind spot, the car in front of us brakes suddenly, or a pedestrian appears seemingly out of nowhere. ADAS can help you and your drivers avoid dangerous driving scenarios and much more.

At GoFleet, safety is our priority, and we’re confident that we have the best fleet management solutions for your business needs. If you’re looking to explore ADAS for your fleet, read on.

What is ADAS?

Advanced driver-assistance systems are vehicle-embedded technology programs that use sensors to warn drivers of potential hazards on the road or within the vehicle. Sensors include radar and cameras that create a virtual map of the vehicle’s environment, and either provides data directly to the driver or takes action automatically.

Types of information detected by these systems include:

  • Pedestrian detection and avoidance
  • Lane departure warning and correction
  • Traffic sign recognition
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Blind spot detection.

While on the surface ADAS might appear by some to be automation that relieves the driver from taking responsibility for his own driving behaviour, we understand that most vehicle accidents are the result of human error; ADAS actually mitigates the risks associated with driving.

Not only do these programs detect and alert drivers to crucial safety information, recent programs actually assist the driver in making safety decisions – what the industry has coined an “active safety system.” This means that sensors communicate with the braking and steering systems to create a collaborative driving experience that is safer and more responsive than ever before.

How Does ADAS Work?

As mentioned above, ADAS programs employ several advanced technologies to make driving safer, including automated sensors like cameras and radar that are linked to the vehicle to deliver warnings to the driver and take control if circumstances require.

For example, the technology embedded in self-driving vehicles makes it possible for the “brain” of the system to “gain 360-degree vision, both near (in the vehicle’s immediate vicinity) and far,” according to Synopsys.

ADAS features like parking assistants and surround view are supported by cameras on each side of the vehicle. Parking assist cameras collaborate with radar systems to provide blind spot detection warnings, rear collision warnings, cross-traffic alerts, adaptive cruise control, and emergency braking.

For detection immediately surrounding the vehicle’s bumpers, assistive driving systems use ultrasound technology. In short, ADAS applications use “embedded vision” to reduce the occurrence of accidents and occupant injuries, keeping everyone on the road safer and aware

ADAS Applications

Some of the more common applications of ADAS extend beyond safety to making the driving experience more relaxing and automated. The features you select for your vehicle will depend on your budget and what is most important to you as a driver.

If you’re a fleet manager, asset tracking, driver safety and fleet management would likely be top of mind. Fleets equipped with ADAS can monitor blind spots, detect driver drowsiness or distraction. Ultrasound technology can keep tabs on what’s going on directly outside the vehicle while sensors keep an eye on your driver’s head movements to make sure his eyes are on the road.

The newest ADAS features allow vehicles to communicate with other vehicles or pedestrians. This is called V2X and it uses reliable 5G networks to help solve issues caused by delays in human functioning, generally referred to in the industry as “latency”.

One of the most familiar and recognizable features of advanced driver-assistance systems is navigation programs. These applications give drivers on-screen instructions and vocal reminders to help them follow routes while focusing on the road ahead.

According to the AAA, ADAS features can prevent up to 63,000 truck collisions annually. In addition, ADAS works with video telematics to monitor your drivers’ behaviour when on the road.

The integration captures data and video signals based on your ADAS and automotive sensors. As a result, you can easily identify new or risky driving behaviours. You can use the data to coach your drivers and help them improve.

ADAS can also prevent collisions, or at the very least reduce their severity. You can use the integrated data to improve your CSA scores, enhance compliance and exonerate drivers from expensive insurance claims.

For fleets that drive long distances, adaptive cruise control (ACC) is an extremely helpful feature. ACC can automatically accelerate, slow down, and even stop the vehicle. Many vehicles also include adaptive light control, another ADAS feature, to best match the vehicle’s headlights with the lighting conditions surrounding it.

These systems use light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology, combining the power of cameras and sensors to create “computer vision that transform outputs into 3D, with the capability to discern between static and moving objects for added layers of blind-spot or bad-lighting situations,” as described by Car and Driver.

Why is ADAS Necessary?

With the ever-increasing number of distractions on the road, on our devices and in the world at large, it’s becoming more important than ever to have advanced driver-assistance programs that aid us in keeping ourselves and others safe.

These programs are designed not only for safety, but have adaptive and automated features to improve the driving experience as well as the quality of driving across the world.

What’s Next for ADAS?

ADAS is an important step towards safer roads and safer drivers. New features are brought to market almost daily, aimed at keeping our roads safer than ever before. For fleet managers, ADAS has the power to transform the driving experience, coach drivers and eliminate dangerous driving habits.

Contact our professionals at GoFleet to see if implementing ADAS into your fleet is the right fit for you!

Managers shaking hands over business plans

What to Ask Your Fleet Solutions Provider Before Signing a Contract

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on What to Ask Your Fleet Solutions Provider Before Signing a Contract

The new year brings with it new business opportunities and, in the case of fleet management, new digital solutions to better automate your workflow.

Your team’s goal should always be ensuring that your enterprise has the best solutions provider for meeting your fleet’s individual needs. That’s why there are some key aspects to bear in mind before renegotiating your business contract.

When assessing your business needs (and how your existing provider has measured up over the past year), you will want to ask yourself several questions, including: How safe were my drivers because of our software? How many of our vehicles remained secure? Were compliance or servicing issues addressed ahead of time? Did route optimization software really work for us? Was delivery route optimization successful?

On a more nuanced scale, the following factors provide a framework for assessing the services and expertise of your fleet solutions provider.

Connected trucks telematics

Technological & Industry Expertise

In the fleet industry, time is money (literally). Whether you operate in construction or the emergency industry, you need a solutions provider that can tailor technology to fit your industry needs.

With the emergence of recent ELD mandates and the constant evolution of digital technology, it’s wise for all fleet-related industries to stay ahead of the curve.

Make sure that you choose your provider wisely, taking into consideration both technological know-how and effective, scalable optimization for your specific industry’s needs.

Scalability

All fleets have had to adapt to major changes over the past few years; the pandemic, a global backlog in supply chain, regulatory compliance changes and the ongoing shortage of trained drivers have all contributed to a seismic shift in how fleets operate.

Across industries, fleets need the flexibility to either scale down or grow their operations on command. Make sure your fleet solutions provider has the bandwidth and digital tools to help your enterprise grow responsibly.

Support Capabilities

The best part of having the right fleet management software is the 24/7 support. With resources available on a continuous basis, your drivers are never alone. No matter how near or far from home, fleet tracking software can help your team stay safe, automatically recording videos of accidents, anywhere on Earth.

Fleet command centre support has never been better, offering a growing toolbox of telematics that include live real-time asset tracking, vehicle temperature tracking, driver safety coaching, and so much more.

Innovative Culture

A good fleet management solutions provider should be both wise and nimble, not only in adapting to emerging software capabilities, but to stay steps ahead of industry needs. In the telematics industry, the motto is ‘measure or perish.’

An innovative telematics provider will be able to fine tune your specific fleet needs and pair them with the best of emerging technology—in tracking devices, software interfaces and command centre platforms. Don’t make the mistake of trusting your fleet’s integrity to a provider that’s unable to out-innovate both the competition and global challenges.

Going Pro: GoFleet Systems Solutions

At GoFleet, our digital designers and telematics experts provide all the above, giving your enterprise a stable framework for optimal command centre control. We’ve established key partnerships with OEM manufacturers such as Ford, GM, Volvo, Mercedes, and John Deere, among others. Our collaborative partnership with data security leader, Geotab, has allowed our GoFleet experts to:

  • Install and operate 2 million+ telematics devices
  • Log in 100 million+ miles driven by fleets, every day
  • Process more than 40 billion data points from fleets to their command centres, daily.

That’s what drives growing industries to us, to handle their digital fleet management needs.

GoFleet’s mission is to offer the best-quality services and products available on the market, matched by the highest industry standards for telematic support.

Whether it’s route optimization software, vehicle safety reports, delivery route optimization, dispatch monitoring and much more, with GoFleet, you have the pros working for you.

Want proof? Read here about the problem areas of daily fleet operation management, or this whitepaper regarding the innovations, enhanced sensors and emerging AI technology now helping industries strive for sustainability. Our subject matter experts research industry-leading subjects to help keep your operations agile and efficient.

Some other key factors that made GoFleet an industry leader in asset management software:

Privacy

No business could survive if their private data was easily accessible. In a digital world where unsavoury characters prey on insecure data transmission lines, one can never be too cautious.

From fleet command centres to the drivers themselves, GoFleet’s industry-leading security measures allow peace of mind and security of data.

Within our Geotab datacenter security system, there’s even a Privacy Mode tool that stops live monitoring of vehicles during defined time periods. With GoFleet’s third-party identification measures, firewalls and data breach security precautions are virtually a non-issue.

Safety

While dash cams can’t necessarily prevent accidents, there is ample evidence to suggest that dash cam technology can help change the behaviours that cause accidents, such as distracted driving, harsh braking or fatigue.

Face-recognition dash cams, improved GPS navigational systems, finely-tuned vehicle sensors and AI have all moved the goalposts of possibility for global asset tracking technology, keeping your drivers and your business safe.

Driver safety and retention should be high on the list of any fleet’s priorities. GoFleet recommends ‘a culture of safety‘ be instituted in all fleet organizations, providing clear guidance and transparency in assuring the safety of their assets, as well as the privacy and well-being of their fleet drivers and operators.

Fleet safety today extends to being able to transmit engine diagnostic data, pain-point measures, remote vehicle management, engine starter inhibit technology and vehicular maintenance servicing alerts, all of which equate to a real safety commitment.

Cloud system with data protection

Data Storage & Bandwidth

Today, Cloud-based technology allows even heavy digital data to be safely transferred and stored, without weighing down any one server.  Our global solutions include 24/7 tracking over cellular networks, GPS coordinates, satellite transmissions and more, for both EV and fuel-based models.

Using our proprietary APIs for easier app-to-app interfacing, GoFleet feeds your fleet operations system with the data you need, when you need it. We even provide an IoT gateway to push your data through, from sensors and into the Cloud, for instant access.

Migration & Ecosystem Needs

Most Canadian and many U.S.-based fleets face considerable snowfall each year. Tractors and heavy farm equipment can likewise face a host of additional weather-related challenges.

One of our white papers addresses the seasonal challenge of facing harsh winters—Smarter, Made Simpler: Using Telematics to Safely Prepare Fleets for Winter.

Our global data tracking solutions offer fleets remote entry, ride-sharing access, OEM management, automated ELD logs, incident alerts, even On/Off tracking for when vehicles are stationary. Our integrated asset management system allows industries to go global, responsibly.

Energy Consumption Monitoring

Fleets that want to stay healthy and wise take full advantage of the route optimization technology available today, for improving both dispatch and delivery decisions. Our route optimization software and APIs allow for better, wiser route calculations, as well as better diagnostics.

Fuel Cards are another wise way to monitor and track consumption. Meanwhile, as more fleets began moving toward EVs, GoFleet’s electric vehicle management support has become increasingly robust. Our fleet command centre technology allows for real-time fuel and EV energy usage across your entire fleet family. We also provide Charge Assurance alerts and routine EV Charging Beta readings for EVs.

All of this translates into lower fuel and energy costs, and far wiser fleet resource management.

Regulations, Compliance & Driver Inspection Reporting

Did you know that it was possible to retain good drivers and improve morale and driver safety through smart digital data engineering? GoFleet’s Mobile Driver solutions integrate your fleet’s operating system to simplify data retrieval, while boosting driver safety and performance.

Current digitized reporting technology includes Driver Video Reviews, Digital Time Cards, Delivery Form Creation, Driver Messaging and Training, Indoor Tracking, OEM & Car Sharing, Fuel & Maintenance Management, ROI Calculators, Asset Monitoring, Cold Chain tracking sensors, E-learning, Team Performance scoring and Rewards Program management.

Our nimble fleet mobile apps—including Mobile Dispatch, ZenScores, ZenduForms and ZenduMessenger, to name a few—have successfully automated data tools for capturing fleet telematics across all industries. What this means for fleets:

  • Streamlining the Work Order Management Process by electronically filling out safety and vehicle inspection reports across fleet operations.
  • Complying with ELD mandates by automatically logging-in work hours directly into electronic logbooks, providing actionable data for fleet reports.
  • Receiving automated diagnostic data and vehicle inspection reports, allowing for improved scheduling of vehicles for routine maintenance needs, as well as alerts to safety concerns.

They say forewarned is fore-armed. With GoFleet’s seamless integration of the best in digital device telematic technology available today, your fleet will always stay ahead of any curve.

GoFleet & Go Home

Make sure your operations team properly assesses both your fleet capacity and constraints, long before you sign on the dotted line. Nothing costs a fleet more than inadequate support, creating efficiency backlogs and security breaches that were easily avoidable.

To find out where future fleet technology is heading, and how to surf ahead, just ask. GoFleet offers free demos and customized efficiency assessments that help teams navigate emerging technologies. This lets fleet operations teams, and their drivers, finish work earlier and wiser.

This year, don’t work harder. Work smarter.

how to choose best fleet camera in 2022

How to Select the Best Dash Cam for Fleet Vehicles – 2022 Guide

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on How to Select the Best Dash Cam for Fleet Vehicles – 2022 Guide

From cars to commercial fleets and everything in between, there isn’t a vehicle in production that couldn’t benefit from a dash cam solution. But what is the best dash cam for fleets?

The road can be a dangerous and precarious place; new and emerging dash cam technology makes transportation safer for drivers, passengers and fleet managers.

Dash cam strategies significantly improved this past year, right alongside improved driver safety records. Fleet navigation strategies and capacities likewise increased dramatically, allowing businesses of any size to thrive in this globalized world.

AI technology also took a quantum leap forward this past year.  While we’re not yet at the stage of employing a fleet of fully autonomous vehicles, AI has revolutionized and streamlined the fleet industry, from fleet management software to dash cam technology like Smart Witness.

Imagine having the capture and retrieval capacity to provide diagnostic engine data and maintenance servicing reminders—long before a vehicle breaks down. Or the video capacity and resolution to show conclusive evidence exonerating drivers falsely accused of causing accidents.

What if it were possible to give driver safety alerts in real-time, helping prevent accidents, reduce drowsiness, or warn of tailgating—even at night? Try to picture fleet operations managers receiving video alerts triggered by any range of incidents—immediately, rather than waiting for formal accident reports or written tickets.

Who knew that by 2022 command centres could conduct virtual ride-alongs or in-cab coaching, record training sessions, detect unsafe behaviours and reward safe drivers in real-time?

That’s the beauty of dash cam technology today: All of these leaps in fleet operation strategies are actually here. From AI-equipped dash cams to infrared technology, 2022 is going to make smart fleets wiser, safer, and more automated.

Here are what the smarter fleets are focusing on this year.

2022 Dash Cam Wish List

As the world becomes ever more interconnected, dash cam digital technology strategies are providing more peace of mind than ever before. Emerging trends for the upcoming year give fleets an advantage over every generation that came before.

  • Thermostat sensors in commercial transportation vehicles now provide temperature readings once a minute.
  • Multi-camera solutions for armoured trucks and emergency vehicles mean command centres can now receive live stream of both the driver and contents in the back of the vehicle.
  • Delivery vehicles and ride shares now have facial recognition software to authorize driver use, or log in route details.

Fleet managers, command centres and anyone hurrying on the road are sure to benefit from the following vast technological improvements—coming to a fleet near you.

Improved Driver Safety

When digital dash cam technology first came about, drivers were wary. But given the remarkable evolution of responsive navigation and its impact on road safety, drivers soon began requesting this emerging technology as an added protection for them on the road.

Technology like MobilEye 560 continuously scans the road ahead to analyze driving patterns and speeds, warning drivers of potential collisions or other road hazards.

MobileEye and Samsara AI dash cams also come equipped with infrared LED and low light camera video recording capability, allowing for clear night vision.

The ZenduCam multi-camera solution provides drivers a microphone and a panic button to reach fleet managers in real-time.

Reduced Vehicle Incidents

Avoiding collisions and offering warning alerts in critical situations can make the difference between life and death on the road. GoFleet’s integrated 5-Driver Assistance warns of pedestrian and cyclist collisions, speed limit indications, lane departure warnings, harsh breaking and more.

ADAS, or Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, have become a leading industry trend due to their ability to prevent accidents. For example, MobileEye uses ADAS technology to warn of objects ahead, tailgating, even distracted driving. When it comes to road safety, every bit helps.

Incident-based reporting now allows dash cams to filter the footage surrounding an accident or event, and automatically stream it to the fleet command centre. No longer will fleet managers have to review hours of footage to localize an event. Today, that tedious task is fully automated.

Improved Driver Training

GoFleet’s seamless integration of emerging dash cam technologies allows real-time alerts, so drivers are warned before accidents happen.

Alerts are sent immediately after an event—such as crossing a lane boundary or tailgating—and received within a few tenths of a second.

Automated reports—on individuals or entire fleets—provide detailed driver scorecards and can even measure safety improvements over the life of your drivers.

Driver safety software can even be ‘gamefied,’ allowing for healthy team competition that makes road safety more engaging and fun. For example, Drivewyze rewards hard-earned driver safety scores by offering bypass opportunities at inspection sites and weigh stations.

Seamless Integration

GoFleet’s future-focused vision has stayed miles ahead of emerging technology, allowing for a seamless integration of customizable platforms loaded with the best features available to fleets in the new year.

Better data and vastly improved interconnectivity has allowed GPS tracking solutions such as GeoTabs to be paired with emerging dash cam technology. This gives fleets the following capabilities:

  • Connecting to a vehicles engine to provide ongoing diagnostic codes, engine data, fuel use and more, under any weather condition, anywhere on Earth.
  • Compliance rules, such as the ELD mandate, are merged into the navigation software so driver logs are automatically registered, and driving hours compared against regulation hours.
  • Timecard reports, detailed diver records, real-time streaming dash cam footage, video incident management solutions, even requisition sign-off forms can all be automated by triggering digital signatures or electronic logs, with encryption features for data security.

Streamlined and simplified, automating paperwork (and guesswork) means that the daily administration of fleet operations has become a less onerous task, allowing managers to focus on what matters most.

The Best Dash Cam for Fleets: Strategies

With the many recent advances in smart dash cam technology, the selection process can be daunting. There are dual-facing dash cameras, wireless cameras, rear-view mirror dash cams, even multi-camera devices that employ backup cameras—just in case.

GoFleet can help you integrate your required services with the right dash navigation system platform.

Dash cams in 2022 are powered by an ever-growing number of sources, including wireless, GPS, Bluetooth, lithium batteries and even solar-powered sensors. The sky is now, quite literally, the limit.

Before committing to any dash navigation system, fleets are strongly recommended to seek the advice of telematics experts. Our GoFleet advisors offer free trials and live demonstrations, so your team can effectively evaluate different dash-cam options in live action.

There is no ‘one size fits all’ to fleet monitoring. Like any good diagnosis, the trick lies in being laser focused on individual needs, then adjusting the available technology appropriately to effectively measure and support the impacted operation areas.

With that said, our experts, designers and engineers are excited to recommend the following next-generation top-rated dash cams for fleet vehicles and cars in 2022.

ZenduCAM Z6 Dash Camera

This GPS active dash cam provides real-time video and advanced AI technology, with audio-visual alerts, analytic reporting of unsafe driver behaviour, driver coaching capability, even ‘panic button’ video alerts from drivers in the event of an incident.

Live video footage can record incidents both day and night, and exonerate your drivers from false accusations or accident liability.

Features include:

  • HD Recording Support: 1080p high-definition footage
  • Facial AI: Detects distracted or drowsy driving
  • Real-time Coaching: Contact drivers remotely to provide live training on the road
  • Supports Remote Retrieval & Streaming: For critical recorded events; know your company’s liability within minutes
  • All-in-one Coaching Dashboard: Insights enabled for fleet managers and drivers

Samsara AI Dash Cam

The beauty of this wide-angle, full HP 1080p HDR video camera with infrared LED for night vision is simple: they’ve thought of everything. This intelligent dual dash cam combines internet-connected cameras with cloud-based software and real-time visibility.

It helps your team coach drivers in real-time by using AI detection of unsafe or distracted behaviours, helping prevent accidents, litigation and preventable losses.

Features include:

  • Real-time Visibility: Live video streaming, accident retrieval, and distracted driving detection
  • Optimize Dispatch Routes: Custom dashboards and reports for managers to monitor GPS locations and driving behaviour
  • Stay Connected with Live Updates: Data, security and privacy that is GDPR compliant and are monitored 24/7

ZenduCAM Multi-Camera Solution

This intelligent, next-level dash cam unit has multiple camera inputs for the same device, connecting up to 4 cameras in a single vehicle. This solution also comes equipped with a panic button, GPS receiver, microphone, 3-Axis G-Sensor, all translating into 360-degree visibility and real-time footage of driving events.

This solution is available for Android or iOS platforms, and the cloud.

Features include:

  • 360-Degree Visibility: Connect up to 4 cameras to reduce blind spots and view live HD footage at any time.
  • Set Rules & Alerts: Get real-time footage of driving events triggered by defined rules in the Geotab telematics solution.
  • View Footage Anywhere, Anytime: View events on a smartphone or tablet. Available on Android and iOS platforms.

ZenduCam AD Plus

The ZenduCam AD Plus continuously captures video events using AI and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) functionalities, so you can review incidents in real-time and conduct driver coaching on the go. This solution integrates seamlessly with popular fleet management platforms (such as Trax and Geotab) to provide a holistic overview of your fleet.

Features include:

  • This driver-facing camera has facial AI recognition to authenticate drivers and detect risky driving behaviour.
  • This plug-n-play 3-channel dash camera allows for easy installation, no technician required.
  • The AD Plus supports live video streaming, so you can upload video playback and crucial events in real-time.
  • Receive notifications of all critical road and driver-facing events with harsh driving detection.
  • ADAS means your drivers can prevent accidents before they happen.

Mobileye Integrated Collision Avoidance System

Mobileye was designed with one priority in mind: Protecting the driver. It uses a single forward-facing camera that scans the road ahead, providing the driver with critical safety feedback in real-time.

Features include:

  • Prevent Collisions: Mobileye’s collision avoidance system warns drivers of potential hazards in real time with audio and/or visual warnings.
  • Stay Connected: Receive critical real-time alerts on your smartphone, in addition to the EyeWatch that is included with the system.
  • Night Vision & Weather Resistance: Works in all weather conditions and has night vision capabilities for accident avoidance in any situation.

Used in conjunction with Geotab integration, transmission of alerts and video footage of the road are captured and sent, all under one operating system equipped with IHC analog output.

Mobileye provides five different Driver Assistance warning mechanisms:

  • Pedestrian Collision Warning (PCW)
  • Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
  • Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
  • Headway Monitoring and Warning (HMW)
  • Speed Limit Indication (SLI)

Get Smart

Despite the speed with which technology evolves, GoFleet dash cam solutions keep the pace, making it easier for fleets to optimize.

The coming year is sure to lower insurance premiums and preventable thefts by protecting fleet management agencies and drivers.

Smart dash cam technology frees fleets and drivers from false claims, preventing needless accidents and helping fleets stay in compliance.

Despite current global supply chain issues and derailed logistics, our integrated dash cam solutions will keep you ahead of any curve—even helping measure and lower fuel maintenance costs.

GoFleet’s quick response and expert flexibility will help ensure your fleet stays robust. Schedule a demo and see what GoFleet can do for your business.

 

unions, transportation, fleet,

Dash Cams and Unions: A Teamster Teaches Best Practices

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on Dash Cams and Unions: A Teamster Teaches Best Practices

Creating a successful dash cam program within your fleet requires a few key ingredients. Optimal installation, platform integration, driver coaching, clear company policies and rewards programs are all important factors to consider. As we’ve mentioned in this post, getting your drivers’ buy-in is the lynch pin to any successful program; this is especially true for businesses that employ union drivers.

It’s understandable that unions will have questions and concerns on behalf of their members regarding tracking technology; how it works, but more so how it will be used. That’s why the most successful dash cam programs are those that put the needs, opinions and safety of their drivers first.

John Hamill, a Business Agent at the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, began studying video-based safety back in 1994, when cameras were first being used in ambulances. Since then, Hamill has helped design strategic risk-management policies as part of successful collective bargaining agreements that advocate for video-based safety technology. 

As an expert in strategic planning for ambulance and passenger transit companies, Hamill brings more than 30 years of experience in transportation, training, and risk management. An expert on safety change management, Hamill knows how to craft responsible dash cam programs that work for companies, drivers and their unions.

Hamill offers recommends the following four best practices to implement a responsible and successful dash cam program for union drivers. 

 

Best Practice No. 1: Engage the Union, First

 

Driver and asset safety is the entire purpose for creating a dash cam program, and unions and fleet companies have the shared goal of keeping drivers safe. For these reasons, companies are advised to value and build on their union partnerships by engaging the union prior to any rollout. 

“My biggest tip to companies with union drivers is this: before going to your drivers, get the union to buy in first,” Hamill says. “Not going to the union first can lead to so many issues down the line. If, for example, the union hears about an issue first, they may want to shut down the initiative entirely. That can set a precedent that’s hard to overcome.” When unions help in crafting the policies and rollout, future misunderstandings are avoided, and everyone wins.

When beginning the dialogue with unions, Hamill recommends that companies communicate the many benefits of video-based safety for drivers. To fully articulate such benefits, says Hamill, “use data and proof points from other companies to really show the value of cameras.” This means expressing, with evidence, such benefits as: 

  •  Annual decreases in the frequency of preventable accidents as a result of video-based driver coaching and alerts.
  •  Number of drivers exonerated from road accidents because of dash cam evidence.
  •  Increase in driver retention and decrease in turnover after implementation of video-based driver recognition and driver rewards programs.

Many companies employ a mix of union and non-union drivers, often after negotiating annual contracts. However, notes Hamill, even in cases where the contract has already been negotiated and the dash cam program is not part of the collective bargaining agreement, companies can still utilize a side letter or a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Side letters or MOUs “are the best way to implement cameras before the next contract,” Hamill states.

 

Best Practice No. 2: Survey Your Drivers to Alleviate Anxiety 

 

After starting a dialogue with the union, open the lines of communication with your drivers. Hamill recommends that you survey your drivers, introduce the topic, and ask for their opinions.  Then, says Hamill, “you can build policies to alleviate their anxieties and really help create that trust.”

Hamill suggests using initial surveys that allow for broad questions and free responses, such as How do you feel about dashboard cameras as they pertain to safety? “That will give you an overall sense of sentiment. You might be surprised what the answers reveal about their specific concerns or experiences,” says Hamill. “Doing a survey can really help inform what your policy should address.”

These surveys will highlight key concerns from your team. One recurring fear of drivers is the belief that dash cams will be used to ‘spy’ on them and watch their every move. This is a common misconception that can be addressed early on. “Before you install a single camera or even build out your policy, transparent communication about the technology is key,” Hamill states. 

Communicating how the technology works and what types of road events will be recorded will help build trust and transparency. Be sure to identify the following:

  •  What are the specific dash cam capabilities
  •  What types of events will trigger footage to be recorded and uploaded
  •  Whether audio is being captured
  •  What other dash cam features may be activated or deactivated
  •  Whether in-cab coaching and safety alerts will be turned on.

“Communication will help combat fear and anxiety—which are so dangerous not only to your safety program and the culture of your company, but actually to the drivers themselves,” Hamill notes. Instead, drivers should feel comfortable and secure, with their focus safely on the road.

 

Best Practice No. 3: Create & Follow Clear Safety Policies

 

Hamill states that the key to successful fleet operations lies in designing thorough safety policies so your company’s expectations and driver requirements are clear, and following those policies. 

While every company will have different needs and safety requirements, he recommends articulating the basic rules required by law—such as DOT standards—and then building out company policy from there. Safety policies may include: 

  • A ‘zero tolerance’ policy for dangerous or illicit activities, such as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
  • A tiered system of discipline based on the seriousness of an infraction, such as distractions or texting while driving. 
  • A strike (or point) system for infractions such as speeding, close following distance or not wearing a seatbelt.
  • Coaching drivers and explaining clearly in advance which behaviours will result in training or coaching, and which behaviours will result in progressive discipline.

Both drivers and their union representatives should be provided with written documentation of your company’s safety and coaching policies, guidelines for coaching, and a clearly outlined process for any disciplinary actions. You can also use GoFleet’s driver coaching tools to ensure follow-through and accountability, and provide benchmarks such as driver scorecards and compliance reports. 

 

Best Practice No. 4: Make Good Driving Rewarding & Fun

 

“It’s so important to make safety fun,” Hamill says, “and reward the people who are driving safely.” The ‘gamification’ of any activity—be it taking the stairs or good driving, has been proven effective by countless studies. When an activity is made more fun or rewarding, people are far more likely to do it.

Hamill notes that as a safety manager for MV Transportation, they offered a $200 bonus to drivers who went without incident for a year. This created genuine excitement and excellence from drivers.   “If you don’t offer that positive incentive, you’re not encouraging people to strive for excellence,” Hamill says. “By default, you’re rewarding complacency.”

GoFleet helps incentivize driver performance through KPI metrics and driver rankings. We recommend creating a Driver Safety Rewards Program to encourage and reward safe drivers; we can also help you start a Safe Driver Contest to reinforce good practices. Our telematics devices allow you to rank driver safety so you can reward safe drivers and help ensure driver retention. 

Hamill notes that while the initial perception of dash cameras can be challenging, the long-term benefits in fleet safety and efficiency make all the difference with regards to a company’s safety culture and success. Certainly, the same holds true for the safety and success of its drivers. 

Interested to learn more and talk to one of our dash camera specialists? Contact us today!

driver, fleet, transportation, training, driver shortage, zenducam, gofleet, zenscore

GoFleet Can Help You Hire (And Keep) Drivers – Here’s How.

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on GoFleet Can Help You Hire (And Keep) Drivers – Here’s How.

According to the American Transportation Research Institute’s (ATRI) 2021 Critical Issues in the Trucking Industry report, fleets still list driver shortage as a top concern. Second on the list is driver retention, proving that it takes more than a competitive salary to attract and maintain a top-tier roster of professional drivers.

 

Thankfully, GoFleet has a number of resources to help mitigate driver shortage. By leveraging ZenScore, ZenduCAM and our managed service, we can help you recruit — and retain — the best drivers for your fleet.

 

The Driver Shortage

 

The trucking sector has undergone a period of belt-tightening, particularly with regards to the shortage of available drivers. The reasons are nuanced, but the end result is a deficit of available — and skilled — truck operators.

 

The pandemic has contributed to a massive imbalance of supply and demand. Drivers are hesitant to return to work due to the pandemic, or struggling to find licensing bureaus and training schools that remained open during lockdown. The result was a surge in freight volume with a drastically reduced headcount of qualified drivers, and a potential backlog of potential drivers waiting to be certified.

 

Retirements, layoffs and career changes represent another layer of lowered headcount. The average age of a truck driver is 46 (compared to 42 for all workers) and private fleet drivers can average 57 years old. With truck operators retiring faster than they can be replaced, fleet managers are left short-staffed and struggling to recruit suitable candidates.

 

Drivers are also changing careers, looking to replace their time behind the wheel with other swelling industries such as warehousing and construction. According to BLS, there have been roughly 43,000 construction jobs added to the construction industry since June. 

 

While we can’t make recommendations about wages and salaries, GoFleet can show you how our end-to-end digital fleet solutions can help you with consistency, transparency and safety; three pillars upon which you can build a stellar team of drivers.

 

Build a workplace safety culture

 

If you can effectively connect culture and safety, you’ll be more likely to boost retention. A positive corporate safety culture engages drivers by emphasizing that their actions matter. On the road, dash cams and telematics data help engage drivers on their routes by identifying risky behaviour, providing live coaching and reinforcing compliance regulations.

 

You should be clear and consistent with corporate messaging: safety is your top priority. Reinforce the connection between a driver’s behaviour and the fleet’s reputation, and make safety a part of every operation and branding opportunity, on and off the road.

 

Connect with technology

 

Compliance rules, such as the ELD mandate, require drivers to monitor their hours of service (HOS) Investing in dash cam technology makes your drivers daily routine easier, safer, and more productive. When drivers feel supported, not surveilled, they’re more likely to stay at their job.

 

For example, ZenduCAM provides live HD streaming to identify accidents or incidents with real-time transmission of images, GPS location tracking and driving behaviour data. ZenduCAM can help you track your drivers’ hours of service as well as their CSA scores. Smarter routing and scheduling can make trips more efficient, bringing your drivers home more often, contributing to their overall job satisfaction and aiding your business in retaining your drivers.

 

Reward your top performers

 

As part of our Managed Service offering, you can view the performance of your drivers at a glance with our built-in points system and break down the performance of each driver individually in detailed scorecards.

 

Identify your best drivers through this driver score program. This scorecard tells your drivers where they rank, and what they have to do to achieve the next reward level. By changing the narrative from punishing “bad” behaviour to rewarding good driving habits, your drivers are less likely to see dash cams as invasive or punitive.

GoFleet’s ZenScore creates quantifiable assessments on driving behaviour by identifying dangerous driving habits and optimizing the efficiency of your fleet. This interactive dashboard and driver scoring system monitors violations while incentivizing drivers to improve performance through contests and KPI metrics. Offer bonuses to individuals with high safety scores to help with retention, or try gamification to keep your fleet engaged.

 

Help optimize their routes

 

A common refrain from drivers leaving the trucking industry is the desire to be at home with their loved ones on a more regular basis (hence the move to more stationary industries such as construction.)

 

Using a custom mapping solution such as ZenduMaps, you can configure your maps to show data such as road status, vehicle location, weather reports and compliance times. Work with your fleet to optimize their routes, shorten trips and reduce the amount of time spent on the road while still managing operations efficiently. 

 

Improve training

 

Ongoing communication between you and your drivers is essential to reducing errors and improving efficiency. A great tool to help improve effective and continuous communication is ZenduLearn, an innovative training solution that leverages an online course hub to provide the skills and resources your drivers need.

 

Having detailed insights about each driver’s behaviour allows training to be tailored to each specific individual based on what they need to improve on. The application offers completion tracking and personalized learning, automating the most common tasks of employee training, such as marking quizzes, sending notifications for incomplete training modules, and issuing certifications. The centralized platform also allows you to keep track of every driver’s progress so you can maintain a strong learning environment within your team. 

 

Conclusion

 

According to FreightWaves magazine, the average cost of turnover is $11,500 per driver. High-performing truck drivers are an asset and an incredibly valuable resource to any business. Their role requires constant and heightened awareness and good judgement. 

 

Discover how to use industry-leading telematics, dash cams and managed service solutions to help you improve operational efficiency, enhance safety and create a lineup of exemplary drivers. Schedule a free demonstration today, and let us take you team to the next level.

Nuclear Verdict, dash camera, dashcam, telematics, gofleet, truck, logistics, trucking, accident, colllision

The Nuclear Verdict: How Commercial Dash Cams Can Save Your Business Money

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on The Nuclear Verdict: How Commercial Dash Cams Can Save Your Business Money

When a jury awards a plaintiff payout in excess of $10 million, that payout is referred to as a “nuclear verdict”. If a member of your fleet has been involved in a vehicle incident that results in one of these verdicts, the results for your business could be catastrophic.

 

According to CNBC, the average amount for a lawsuit above $1 million involving a truck collision has increased nearly 1,000%,from $2.3 million to $22.3 million in the U.S. between 2010 to 2018. Nuclear verdicts are driving up insurance rates for fleets, and increasing associated costs for those trucking companies to insure them as a result. To absorb some of the costs, large operators are scaling back on insurance, putting them at greater risk if an accident were to occur. Unable to afford inflated deductibles or premiums, smaller fleets are folding altogether.

 

One major reason for nuclear verdicts arises from a disconnect between negligence and liability. Because large organizations with massive fleets are assumed to have more resources (i.e. more insurance), they are typically targeted for payouts, even if they’re not entirely at fault. For example, there are cases where a company can be identified as 10% negligent and still have to cover 100% of the financial liability.

 

Another reason for these excessive payouts includes an uptick in fatal accidents involving trucks. According to the National Safety Council, there was a 43% increase in deadly collisions involving large trucks between 2010 and 2019. The number of injuries associated with truck crashes rose that year to 160,000 (7%), the majority of which were occupants from other vehicles.

 

Assessing risk on the road has long been considered integral to the cost of doing business for every trucking organization. Fortunately, dash cameras not only help with safety initiatives in fleets, they also have a return on investment that can help fleets stay afloat amid mounting insurance concerns.

 

Dash cams and telematics

An increase in nuclear verdicts results in higher prices for liability insurance and reduced access to casualty or excess liability insurance, resulting in some carriers leaving that particular line of business and causing many in the trucking industry to worry about the potential impact a single loss could have on their bottom line.

 

This is where dash cams and telematics can be essential tools to help manage risk. In fact, these devices may one day become a requirement in order to get insurance for your fleet. Where once insurance companies only looked at claims regarding trucks, they will now start gathering data to get a holistic overview of driving behaviour, dash cam footage and a fleet’s hiring practices.

 

Many insurance companies look favourably on commercial vehicles with dash cams installed, and in some cases this small step can result in a reduction in insurance premiums. Furthermore, a dash cam will certainly protect a business from false insurance claims. Commercial dash cam footage is now widely accepted by most insurance companies as evidence to help speed up the claims process.

Dash cams can:

  • Prevent fraudulent insurance claims (i.e. “crash for cash”)
  • Protect your drivers and assets
  • Identify liable parties and exonerate your drivers

 

There are other ways that dash cams and telematics systems can improve an organization’s coffers, beyond insurance premiums. For one, dash cams not only tell a fleet manager what’s happening on the road, but what’s taking place inside the cabin. Is the driver sleeping? On his phone or otherwise distracted? Being alerted to risky driving behaviour helps you identify culpability while improving good driving habits in your fleet.

 

Dash cams can also help you reduce fuel consumption. Your telematics platform can trigger an alert if a vehicle is idling, for example, and can optimize driving routes to increase efficiency, shorten trips and save fuel. Regardless of your industry, dash cams and telematics help fleets and organizations streamline their processes from top to bottom line.

 

Conclusion 

 

Telematics is becoming an industry-wide practice, one that can positively impact an organization’s return on investment. A knowledgeable insurance broker will educate your business on how to meet requirements and will help you secure insurance at the best possible price. Similarly, your GoFleet consultant will help you find a telematics solution that best uses dash cam technology to protect your business and your drivers. Contact us today for a free estimate and demonstration.

al dashcam, driver, fleet, dash cam, dash camera, gofleet, zenducam,

How To Talk To Your Drivers About The Benefits Of AI Dashcams

Posted on | by Alexis | Leave a Comment on How To Talk To Your Drivers About The Benefits Of AI Dashcams

As a fleet manager, you’re aware that installing commercial AI dashcams will greatly improve your business; eliminating inefficiencies, reducing accidents and offering incentives for positive driving behaviours.

 

Why then, are many drivers resistant to, or in some cases outright rejecting, the implementation of dashcams? Back in March, a driver for Amazon tendered his notice after it was announced that the online retailer would be implementing AI dashcams in their delivery vehicles, citing the move was “both a privacy violation, and a breach of trust.”

 

Sadly, many drivers feel the same. Fleet managers are facing a large percentage of dissatisfied drivers, and even reporting scenarios where a driver will place a sticker over the camera lens to ensure their face can’t be tracked. There is a general perception that dashcams create an almost dystopian ecosystem of distrust, when in reality, the opposite is true. In this post, we discuss how to create messaging that overcomes the most common objections, so you too can foster goodwill among your drivers and create an environment of trust.

 

Safety vs. Surveillance

 

According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), trucks are only at fault about 26% of the time in the event of light vehicle/truck accidents, yet trucks get far more blame — closer to 80% to be exact. In this light, it is key to position dashcams to your drivers as an opportunity, rather than a hindrance, to performance and safety. AI dashcams can upload high-resolution video footage automatically and within minutes, allowing you to exonerate your drivers from false claims or no-fault incidents, bypass insurance claims and avoid costly payouts.

 

Rather than being perceived as “Big Brother”, you might position yourself as someone who is looking out for your drivers, someone who can protect and support the fleet in the event of a collision. Click here to see dashcam footage that could exonerate the driver.

Collisions are incredibly expensive (the average collision costs a company upwards of $91K) and can affect a drivers’ Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) scores, as well as your bottom line. Having access to video evidence in real-time can save you money while protecting your drivers.

 

Coaching vs. Complaining

 

Coaching can tend to be reactive, the result of a ticket, accident or bad driving behaviours. AI dashcams can actually make coaching a proactive experience. With automatically-uploaded video footage, managers can coach drivers with accuracy, increasing accountability and consistent driving behaviour.

Because  dashcams offer incident detection in real-time, drivers can adjust their driving with in-cab alerts and prevent accidents before they happen. The dashcam platform you select should provide safety workflows, online tools and efficiencies to keep you drivers safe and accountable.

 

Reward vs. Reproach

 

Did you know that a well-placed rewards program can help you retain drivers while incentivizing good driving habits? Do your drivers know? Efficient coaching should follow with robust incentives that will not only encourage your drivers to tolerate dashcams, but to actively engage with them.

 

According to the ATA, driver turnover was at 92% in 2020, and reported the cost of replacing a driver to average $12K. From digital driver safety scorecards to gift cards, gamifying your rewards program can help you lower turnover and associated hiring costs. Driver reward programs also bolster training, improve your fleet culture, and improve driver behaviour, morale and motivation.

The best safety incentive programs are merit-based systems that help develop better relationships between fleets and drivers. To best assign rewards and recognition, we recommend the following:

 

Develop goals

 

Start small. The basic goals of any rewards program is to improve fleet safety and increase revenue. Identify small goals to improve, such as adhering to schedules, avoiding idling, limiting phone use, following speed limits or reducing harsh braking. Make the steps digestible, realistic and attainable.

 

You should also ensure that there’s a way to measure and track behaviours over time, so as to reward your drivers consistently and fairly. Ideally, telematics data from your dashcams would provide the content required to measure these goals accurately. Incentivizing good driving is a process, so be sure to reward your drivers not only for continued excellence, but for continued improvement as well. 

 

Communicate your expectations

 

Goals, rules and benefits should be clearly explained up front and reiterated consistently. A leaderboard (either digital or physical) or scorecard is a great way to show drivers where they are and what they need to do to reach the next level.

 

Get driver feedback

 

Transparency and engagement are key to any rewards program. Driver feedback connects your drivers to the business and creates an environment of trust. Don’t be afraid to ask them about their thoughts concerning your incentive program. Just as your drivers continue to improve, so too can your rewards program.

 

Use gamification

 

Gamification can improve driver behaviour and increase retention. Make safe driving fun and competitive while building team spirit and fostering a better safety culture by encouraging your drivers to play, compete and win!

 

The rewards themselves should be appropriate to your corporate ecosystem. Some organizations use a points system that can result in cash bonuses or gift cards, while others prefer flex hours or a physical item such as a plaque or pin to recognize safe driving behaviour. This would be a great opportunity to ask drivers for their input and find out what they would like to have as a reward.

 

Use positive feedback

 

Aside from cash bonuses and financial rewards, positive feedback and encouragement can be equally motivating. Make sure that your safety rewards platform includes a strong driver recognition program. This can be achieved through email newsletters, internal communications, certificates or a “Driver of the Month” program.

 

Dashcams present a unique opportunity for partnership between you and your drivers, offering transparency and accountability on both sides. The right telematics solution will provide accurate, real-time metrics by which you can weigh and evaluate performance while encouraging improvement.

 

Your drivers want to know that you have their safety and best interests at heart. They want to feel encouraged and appreciated. Provided you’ve given your drivers adequate time to train and prepare for the transition, they too will come to see dashcams less as something to work around, and more of a benefit — possibly even an asset — to their work on the road.

fleet tracking, gofleet, interview, fleet management, dashcam

Fleet Tracking: Insider Tips from GoFleet’s CEO

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on Fleet Tracking: Insider Tips from GoFleet’s CEO

At its core, the fundamental goal of fleet management software is to ensure the proper utilization and protection of every driver and vehicle. Managers can leverage fleet tracking data to evaluate the demand for vehicles throughout all four seasons, predict growth, and track driver safety. Most important to effective fleet management? Choosing the right software to support their specific industries.

ACHR News recently sat down with Vishal Singh, CEO of GoFleet, a provider of industry-leading digital fleet tracking technology. They asked Singh for some pro tips on strategies for fleet management, and what to look for before you invest in fleet tracking software.

 

Fleet Management Responsibilities: 5 Key Areas

 

“Fleet management is about responsibility,” says Singh. While ensuring the safety of each driver and vehicle is the top priority, Singh believes any proactive focus should concentrate on:

  1. Safety: The primary responsibility; making sure drivers and vehicles are kept safe. 
  2. Productivity: Keeping fleet operations productive and on target. 
  3. Compliance: Assuring compliance, not just on the road but with regards to company policies.
  4. Maintenance: Being proactive instead of reactive and decreasing vehicular down time. 
  5. Sustainability & Growth: Making sure fleet scalability is integrated so it can expand as your business grows.

“When I’m looking at fleet management software, I’m thinking, ‘how can I best manage these five key areas?’” says Singh. “You need to think about what’s best for you and ask yourself ‘what suite of tools can best help me operate in my industry?’” 

 

Choosing Fleet Management Software

 

Digital fleet management software has expanded since general GPS tracking, first introduced two decades ago. “Today, we can track a lot more than dots on a map,” says Singh. Using two-way dashboard cameras, fleet managers can actually observe drivers and their driving habits and prevent emergencies before they happen. 

Collecting the right data is perhaps the most important criteria for choosing fleet management software, and the data you need will depend on the industry in which you operate. “If it’s for food delivery, I need something to monitor the temperature of the food,” Singh says. “If I’m in a high-risk area, where I’m delivering something of high value, I need cameras. I might also want to monitor and have video recordings, which can connect to the on-board devices for live-streaming.”  

For example, if you are an HVC contractor, Singh emphasizes having good maintenance routines and a proactive seasonal maintenance strategy. “With fleet management software you can set up maintenance reminders to service every vehicle,” he says. Singh also warns that failure to do regular checks means you might miss something, leading to costly repairs. 

 

The Advantages Of Fleet Management Software

 

Electronic tracking devices are essential tools for locating vehicles and monitoring road safety, but they can’t operate alone. When paired with fleet management software, companies can access a rich ecosystem of telematics data. “Fleet management software allows companies to monitor vehicle faults, making sure there are no issues with the vehicles,” says Singh. “We can also, depending on the software, have software that signs work orders for the vehicles.” This can simplify regular seasonal maintenance, routine inspections and more. 

Predictive maintenance is a major benefit of fleet management software. Plugging an electronic tracking device into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics provides a holistic overview of that vehicle’s health. “We can measure how well they’re being maintained, or if there are faults on the vehicle,” Singh explains. “Understanding those faults can tell us if we need to troubleshoot.” 

What does tracking actually measure? “[Tracking allows me to] measure the actual behaviours that can help me in each of those key areas,” says Singh. This can include monitoring the temperature of goods being transported, the safety of your drivers, allocating resources — the list goes on. 

“With this technology you can create a way to engage keyless ignition, making it easier to pool vehicles,” Singh says. “People can share vehicles a lot easier if anyone can use their phone to start the vehicle.”

Also important, says Singh, is knowing exactly where the failure points are in fleet operations. For fleet managers, the benefits of streamlining records collections for rich, actionable data improves operational efficiency while making the best use of your fleet.

 

Managing Fleet Safety And Liability

 

Managing a fleet is about more than paying attention to the state of each vehicle, says Singh. It also means managing and coaching safe driving behaviours. 

Singh goes on to explain how an integrated system of dashboard cams, video recordings, sensors and management software can all work together to protect company liability and improve safety. “Vehicle tracking is one thing; tracking the behaviours, harsh breaking and all those conditions,” says Singh. “But having video evidence helps people be more accountable.”

How? “Having cameras onboard limits your risk,” said Singh. “If there’s an accident and you have video evidence, you’re going to avoid a potential lawsuit.” Having video footage of road incidents can also help exonerate your driver “so you don’t have to deal with investigations and claims. Now, if the driver was at fault, you can deal with the payout or settlement and then move on,” he adds. 

Moreover, this niche tech an help avoid accidents altogether. “When you have all this data —cameras, video — you don’t need to wait for the accident to happen. You can proactively know who your at-risk drivers are,” he says. “Then, you can work on coaching them and help them take the necessary steps to improve their driving habits.”  

 

Knowing When To Expand

 

To evaluate when it’s time to expand, he recommends first measuring vehicle utilization. “Generally, companies will set up a threshold where if the utilization is above a certain amount, it’s a trigger indication that they need more vehicles,” says Singh. 

“Using fleet management software, I can evaluate the demand of my vehicles through my seasons,” Singh says. “When you evaluate things like engine usage, or miles driven, you want to evaluate that against the total available hours you can drive these vehicles.” 

While utilization metrics will vary with each industry, Singh recommends the following: “If you feel that utilization is above, say, 80%  or whatever metric — you can then evaluate the utilization to determine how many more vehicles you need to purchase.” 

With the current supply chain challenges due to COVID-19, he notes it has become more difficult to acquire new vehicles, making it even more important to plan ahead. “If you see some vehicles are not well utilized, you can cut vehicles from the fleet by pooling them,” he advises. Singh also suggests leasing additional vehicles from pools to expand fleets in a cost-effective manner.

 

Sustainability & Beyond

 

While fleet managers look to the future, there has been a big move towards electric vehicles. Singh warns, however, that there are a lot of things to consider before plugging into the electric vehicle trend. “You have to consider installing electric chargers and charger sites. You have to consider how many miles or kilometers you are driving each day,” he says. If vehicles are traveling more than 200 to 300 miles, that might be more travel time than the range of the battery can offer. 

For those transitioning to electric vehicles, Singh recommends adding one vehicle at a time. Despite the initial investment, Singh says the cost savings on electric vehicles is impressive, including lowered fuel, vehicle usage and maintenance costs.

Whether you have a few vehicles or an entire fleet, electric tracking devices paired with fleet management software provides your business with benefits that are scalable, cost-effective and safe. The real beauty of fleet tracking, Singh explains, is that “when you’re evaluating this data on a monthly basis, you’re going to be ahead of the curve.”

vehicle tracking devices, fleet, gofleet, go9, gps,

Vehicle Tracking Devices 101: What They Are, And Why Your Fleet Needs Them

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on Vehicle Tracking Devices 101: What They Are, And Why Your Fleet Needs Them

Running your commercial fleet requires more than simply sending vehicles from point A to point B. The success of your drivers and your business depends heavily on optimizing the things you can’t see once a vehicle leaves your warehouse. Vehicle Tracking Devices can optimize your fleet by providing real-time GPS updates, collision notifications, and even engine fault detection.

In this post, we’ll break down what Vehicle Tracking Devices are, the latest generation of tracking devices currently available, and how your business can benefit from this advanced fleet protection.

 

What Are Vehicle Tracking Devices?

 

A vehicle tracking device is like the black box of an airplane; it receives GPS signals, collecting and sending navigation data and other critical vehicle information. This small piece of hardware can be as small as a matchbox, or as large as a shoebox.

Most tracking devices come equipped with a SIM-card slot and an On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) plug to connect to your vehicle. Once connected, it receives GPS signals and sends vehicle information — such as vehicle location or driver speed — using the internet, satellite networks or cellular services. Tracking devices differ with regards to the data collected, how they attach to the vehicle, and their respective power source. Types of devices include:

  • Factory-fitted Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) devices
  • Plug-In devices
  • Hardwired after-market devices
  • Smartphones or tablets enabled with real-time GPS tracking

 

Installing tracking units can be as simple as plugging into a vehicle’s OBD-II port, or may require a qualified technician to connect the tracking device to the wiring harness of the vehicle. Most light commercial vehicles purchased since 1996 already have an internal OBD-II port, often found behind the panel below the steering wheel.

Once connected, GoFleet’s specialized tracking software can collect GPS and vehicle data. It then transmits the data in real-time to a wide variety of pre-programmed devices, such as a cell phone or a computer IP address.

 

Internal Data-Protection Safety Features

 

Each of our vehicle tracking devices has a unique code, known as the International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI) number. This allows GoFleet’s patented tracking software to match the unique code of each vehicle, preventing confusion and maintaining fleet management integrity.

The information collected and sent from GoFleet’s tracking devices also has a range of security features that prevent third-party penetration. These cryptographic features include:

  • Data encryption
  • Authenticated end-to-end telematic security
  • Verification of message integrity and unique IMEI tracker codes
  • Non-static security keys, which impede faking a device’s unique identity
  • Firmware with digitally-signed pre-programming to verify the source of updates
  • Validation of technology by independent third-party experts

 

What Type of Data is Collected?

 

GoFleet’s vehicle tracking devices collect and transmit a rich array of information. Even when the vehicle is parked underground or indoors, the telematic tracking unit begins recording the moment the key turns in the ignition.

Using AI and the enhanced data security features, some of the telematic information collected by GoFleet’s tracking devices include:

  • Precise Vehicle Tracking: This includes vehicle location, driving speed, engine idling, trip distance, time markers, driver ETA and more.
  • Fleet Health Assessments: Our software extracts and collects essential vehicular information such as engine faults, odometer readings, service maintenance needs, vehicle VIN, even risky driving habits such as acceleration, fast cornering or harsh braking.
  • Advanced Telematics Capture: Our trackers receive data from a variety of internal vehicular sources, such as the engine, instrument clusters, drivetrain, diagnostics and other subsystems. This allows for methodical and data-driven dashboard reports.
  • Collision Notifications: If a collision is detected, GoFleet’s superior tracking devices use AI and patented algorithms to collect and send detailed forensic data. This allows for forensic reconstruction of road events, including in-vehicle reverse collisions. This data is automatically uploaded from the tracking device, and collision notifications are sent in real-time via email or desktop alerts.
  • Driver Coaching: By providing your drivers with immediate feedback, you can improve fleet integrity and security, reduce risk to your drivers, and encourage immediate corrective action. Visible or audible alerts, as well as spoken guidance, can be given in cases of speeding, excessive idling, or unsafe driver behaviour.

 

GoFleet’s Advanced Vehicle Tracking Devices

 

Below are the latest and best vehicle tracking units available on the global market. They also come equipped for IOX expansion. This means that your tracking system and third-party integration management can expand with your fleet, allowing for scalable telematics solutions and greater fleet flexibility. IOX add-ons include: satellite tracking, driver ID, temperature tracking, hours of service (HOS), dash cam systems and more.

 

GoFleet’s GO9+

 

Welcome to the future of vehicle tracking devices. The GO9+ is the most advanced telematics device on the planet, providing industry-leading insights on the health of your fleet vehicles, as well as trip details, driver safety and much more. The GO9+ provides everything needed for advanced telematic capture and transmission, all in a tiny, compact package.

Best of all, the GO9+ brings its own Wi-Fi hotspot on-board, allowing your vehicle to stay connected to high-speed Internet without siphoning data from individual plans. In addition to reliable Wi-Fi wherever your drivers go, GoFleet’s GO9+ offers the following state-of-the-art features:

  • Unparalleled GPS tracking technology
  • G-force monitoring
  • LTE connectivity and secured communications capability
  • Intelligent in-vehicle driver coaching and alerts
  • Advanced collision detection and notification
  • Expandability of the external device via IOX Technology
  • Built-in gyrometer and auto-calibrating accelerometer
  • Instant vehicle data, including engine and battery health assessments
  • Accelerated GPS acquisition time via Almanac OTA support
  • GPS+GLONASS support and connectivity
  • Advanced native support for a variety of vehicle protocols
  • End-to-end cybersecurity measures, including non-static security keys
  • Easy installation

Recommended for: Small businesses, heavy-truck fleets, corporate vehicles and ride sharing.

 

GoFleet’s GO9 RUGGED

 

If you need a vehicle tracker built for harsh environments, meet the GO9 RUGGED. This device is designed to withstand external installation, protecting against elements such as dust, water, dirt and other solids. 

The GO9 RUGGED builds on the GO Rugged family, providing even more speed, reliability, security features and telematic power. That’s because the GO9 RUGGED is powered by a 32-bit processor, offering 4 times the memory and 5 times the RAM of its predecessor, the GO8 RUGGED. Using GoFleet’s AI algorithms and tracking platform, the GO9 RUGGED can accurately recreate vehicle trips, analyze incidents, provide in-vehicle alerts to notify drivers of infractions in real-time, and provide end-to-end data encryption. Features include:

  • State-of-the-art GPS technology
  • G-force monitoring
  • Simple and sturdy design for covert installations
  • Smart, live in-vehicle driver coaching capacity
  • Industry-leading collision detection and notification
  • Instant vehicle data, including engine and battery health assessments
  • On-board auto-calibrating accelerometer and gyrometer
  • Accelerated GPS acquisition time via Almanac OTA support
  • GPS+GLONASS support and connectivity
  • LTE connectivity and secured communications capability
  • End-to-end cybersecurity, including authentication, encryption, message integrity verification, and non-static security keys
  • Advanced native support for a variety of vehicle protocols
  • Expandability of external device via IOX Technology
  • FIPS 140-2 validated by the NIST
  • IP68 & IP69K certified for protection from water, dust, sprays and other external pressures
  • Does not require a dash-mounted antenna or wire splicing for installation

Recommended for: Fleets using heavy equipment, farm machinery, powered trailers, yellow iron and other major assets.

 

Main Benefits of Fleet Vehicle Tracking

 

GoFleet’s tracking devices provide businesses with the hard data required to ensure smooth operations and peace of mind. Our software works seamlessly with vehicle tracking units to integrate command centre visibility into your fleet operations.

We recommend using tracking devices for businesses that manage fleets of any size, including cars, trucks, limousines, ride-sharing, pickup trucks, trailers, farm equipment, plumbing, roofing or construction vehicles. Our devices are scalable and can connect you to your vehicles, whether you have one or 100.

Among the most prominent benefits to using vehicle tracking devices are improved fleet management and maintenance, enhanced driver safety, lower labour costs, reduced fuel costs and superior theft deterrence. Additional benefits include:

  • Precision GPS technology, eliminating guesswork
  • Live updates and visibility, providing regular updates as often as every 2 seconds
  • An integrated, user-friendly fleet command dashboard; giving you access to your fleet with just a few swipes
  • Individualized regular servicing dashboard with service records for your vehicles
  • The ability to capture and view telematics data such as vehicle speed, direction, and fault codes
  • Asset monitoring, such as temperature data and asset location
  • Immediate 24/7 support for fleet owners

 

Integrated Software and Dispatch Performance

 

GoFleet’s tracking units let you view your entire fleet simultaneously, regardless of their location. Our devices work synergistically with individualized driver management software, letting you streamline and fine tune your fleet’s performance to ensure peak performance and compliance.

Our integrated software monitoring system allows businesses to capture when the driver’s workday starts and ends, displays routes in real-time, and records driver stops — both scheduled and unscheduled. Our data captures also record idle periods, fuel consumption, driving speeds, mileage, and even provides alerts on lost drivers or thefts.

The benefits of our integrated platform command centre to monitor dispatch performance include:

  • Ensuring drivers are on schedule and automatically sharing ETAs with customers
  • Confirming driver HOS & PTO availability, which reduces check-in calls
  • Recording Driver Scorecards and 365-day performance history
  • Alerting to acceleration, harsh breaks and collision detection
  • Streamlining routing options and dispatch management
  • Recording miles-by-state for IFT
  • Assuring FMCSA 395.15 compliance
  • Locating lost drivers and aiding the recovery of stolen property.

 

Ready to Protect Your Assets?

 

With all of the benefits of vehicle tracking devices, can your business afford not to invest in a telematics solution that saves you time, money and resources? Our experts can help you determine which asset tracker best suits your fleet’s needs. Schedule your free consultation and demonstration today. 

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A Beginner’s Guide To Electronic Logging Devices And Current ELD Mandates

Posted on | by Victoria Gole | Leave a Comment on A Beginner’s Guide To Electronic Logging Devices And Current ELD Mandates

Back before the days of automation, truck drivers had to manually log their trips. Even after countless hours on the road, drivers were still responsible for tracking their movements, often spending additional hours accounting for every stop and start. Fortunately, the advent of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) removed that labor-intensive step by digitally automating the logging process.

Over the past four years, governments in the U.S. and Canada enacted ELD mandates for most commercial vehicles. Transport Canada has been working diligently to align with the ELD Mandate passed in the United States, which states that providers must obtain certification from a third-party to ensure their solutions meet the complex technical standards set forth by Transport Canada.

Fortunately, the jump to electronic logging has made issues of compliance far easier. GoFleet’s electronic logs capture all necessary logging information automatically, allowing drivers to record on-duty hours with great detail and freeing them up to focus on the road..

In this post, we’ll cover some of the many advantages of using ELDs; we’ll simplify how they work, what they record, and identify the key dates to comply with the current ELD mandates.

 

What Is an ELD?

 

Electronic logging devices often plug into a vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD) port. The ELD vehicle tracker then connects directly to the truck’s engine, sending data safely through mobile apps and GoFleet’s software and fleet management platform.

These telematics devices can send granular engine data — when it was turned on or off, how much fuel was used, how far the vehicle travels — along with GPS global satellite system location data. The telematics are collected and then sent securely to a server, for easy ELD mobile app viewing.

Drivers can likewise access their electronic logging information on their smartphones or tablets using our ELD mobile app. RODS and HOS records can be displayed for vehicle inspectors. This technology streamlines the capture and retrieval of massive amounts of records and receipts.

 

Types of Logging Data Captured

ELDs help fleet compliance managers monitor and analyze safety protocols. GoFleet’s data captures translate into real-time ELD reports showing location information, maps and a wide range of notifications. Data logging captures include:

  • Automatic recording of on-duty driving time, driving behaviour and driver authentication
  • ELDs communicate directly with the engine control module for internal synchronization
  • On-board gyroscope and accelerometer detect movement, providing data around safety-related events such as harsh braking or collisions
  • Automatically records locations, date and time stamps, engine hours, ignition status, vehicle miles driven, motor carrier type and more
  • Provides driver recertification records at the end of every 24-hr period
  • ELDs offer tamper prevention, sending out real-time vehicle location information
  • ELDs also transmit data—constantly to fleet command managers, and locally, on an individual basis, to DOT and other commercial vehicle inspection sites
  • Displays reports on-demand (on screen or print-outs) for safety officials

 

The Advantages of ELDs

 

Smart technology has revolutionized most industries, and its effects on commercial vehicles is no exception. ELDs offer enormous advantages for drivers and their parent companies. Among the most frequently cited:

 

1. Road Safety

 

Most ELDs have a gyroscope and accelerometer, which detect trigger events such as harsh braking, harsh turning and collisions. The resulting data can be used to coach drivers on safe driving, alert to driver drowsiness and even provide collision reconstruction data, which can be used to exonerate drivers from false claims. Electronic logs for truckers have become so effective that governments are mandating their use to improve driver safety, increase vehicle efficiency and save lives.

 

2. Streamlining Record Keeping

 

Record keeping and reporting is an important — if not tedious — part of any fleet’s operations. ELDs help commercial fleets simplify the process, automating the collection of Records of Duty Status (RODS), tabulating drivers’ Hours of Service (HOS) for compliance, and enabling robust reporting while simplifying administrative tasks.

Automated tracking minimizes the risk of records errors, which ultimately makes the process of enforcement checks faster. Using GoFleet’s integrated software platform, ELDs can also provide dashboard reports and internal checks on each vehicle’s integrity, with alerts for scheduled servicing dates to avoid problems before they start.

 

3. Asset Security

 

The security and loss prevention provided by ELD solutions includes real-time GPS satellite data, encrypted from end to end. Vehicles can be located easily in the event of theft, and in many cases theft can be prevented altogether.

The geofencing feature on ELDs creates a virtual boundary around a given location, and sends an alert any time a vehicle breaches the boundary, minimizing loss and reducing the cost of replacing assets. Real-time data captures everything from micro data on drive-chain stability to macro data on driver behavior and HOS, granting your fleet command-centre visibility.

 

4. Cost Benefits & ROI

 

By streamlining and upgrading the record-keeping process, your fleet can travel faster and smarter. Moreover, fleet managers can more easily identify areas for efficiency and cost savings. This is especially true with route mapping and capturing idling time, both of which dramatically reduce fuel costs.

In the event of a collision, forensic accident reconstruction and recording of harsh driving events help minimize liability and reduce insurance premiums while also serving as an opportunity to effectively coach your drivers on better driving habits.

 

5. HOS Compliance

 

The Hours of Service (HOS) Rules ensure that commercial drivers operate their vehicles within the daily limit and log working hours accurately using an elog app or electronic logbook. Because ELDs connect directly to the vehicle, they make it easier and faster to track, manage, share and improve the accuracy of a driver’s hours of service record. 

The devices ensure drivers comply with the Canadian Government’s Commercial Vehicle Drivers HOS Regulations by tracking when drivers have been at the wheel and for how long.

In this light, ELDs will make it easier for drivers and motor carriers to comply with the regulations by staying within legally allowed driving hours.

 

Recent ELD Mandates: Who Needs ELDs?

 

Deadlines loom for recent inter-country ELD mandates, making it likely that all North American commercial vehicles will have to adapt to this technology soon. At present, only commercial vehicles older than model year 2000 are still exempt. Some highlights on the mandates:

Canada’s ELD Mandates & Key Dates

 

Canada recently published its Regulations on Commercial Vehicles, which require Electronic Logging Devices for all commercial fleets by June 12, 2022.

Canada’s move to ELD reporting began in 2017. By June 13, 2019, Transport Canada had begun mandating ELDs for bus operators and commercial trucks. By June of 2022, Canada is expecting all fleets to have switched from daily paper logs to ELDs. Other regulatory mandates include:

  • Canadian ELDs must meet Electronic Logging Devices standards and minimum requirements.
  • Canadian ELDs must be third-party certified, not self-certified by the manufacturer, as in the U.S.
  • Canadian drivers will not transfer logs electronically to a federal system, like eRODS in the U.S. Instead, drivers will be required to email transfer files to officers.
  • There will no longer be a two-year phase-out period for ERDs; fleets must achieve ELD compliance by the 2022 date.

 

Canadian ELD Exemptions

 

Canada offers four main exemptions in their recently updated ELD regulations. Commercial vehicles may be exempt from the eLogs mandate if they meet the following criteria:

  • Operate the vehicle under a specifically issued permit
  • Are subject to rental agreements with terms under 30 days
  • Have a prior statutory exemption
  • Operate a vehicle that was manufactured before model year 2000

Canadian drivers of commercial motor vehicles manufactured before 2000 can continue to keep paper logs to track driving time and on-duty hours records.

 

U.S.A.’s ELD Mandates & Exemptions

 

ELDs are currently required of all fleet industries in the U.S. whenever any one driver logs in eight days worth of duty status logs or more (out of 30 days). The U.S. ELD mandates went into effect back in December 2017, with an expectation of full compliance by December 2019. The FMCSA will allow exemptions for drivers who:

  • Are not required to keep Record of Duty Status (RODS)
  • Drivers who use RODS for no more than eight days during any 30-day period
  • Tow-away drivers, if the vehicle driven was part of a shipment
  • Drivers of commercial vehicles older than model year 2000

The FMCSA also recommends consulting their site to verify how your fleet is affected by the ELD trucking rules changes.

 

Meeting ELD Requirements 

 

There are many similarities between the American and Canadian ELD mandates. Both require engine synchronization, GPS tracking, automatically capturing on-duty and off drive-time, and the use of an on-screen display to show records to roadside inspectors. 

There are also some major differences between the two nations; Canadian mandates will require the ELD system to actively alert drivers when they are running close to their hours of service limits. The hours of service rules in Canada are also quite different from the U.S.

As a fleet manager, it’s important to stay detail-oriented. For trucks travelling within Canada, fleet managers should choose an ELD vendor and carrier that supports Canadian hours of service rules, and are committed to achieving third-party certification.

 

GoFleet to Get the Details

 

As everyone works towards full compliance, we at GoFleet are tracking recent electronic logbook changes to stay apprised of any developments or changes. Our ELD solutions provide industry-leading insights, while our electronic logs for truckers help simplify record keeping, providing commercial fleets peace of mind.

As technology and connectivity become ever more integrated, it’s important to choose your solutions wisely. Ask us about our Geotab Drive ELD, an FMCSA compliant app for mobile devices that provides Driver Vehicle Inspection Reporting (DVIR) and Hours of Service compliance solutions, in real-time.

All of our integrated ELD solutions save you time and money. Contact us to schedule a free consultation or trial demonstration to see how your fleet will be affected. Our experts can help you strategize and streamline.