Over the past decade, onboard technologies have revolutionized the trucking industry. These advancements have proven instrumental in enhancing the driver’s experience and helping motor carriers gain a competitive advantage. By leveraging onboard technologies to reduce the risk of vehicle accidents, decrease business interruptions, and improve driver productivity, motor carriers can position themselves to outperform their peers in several internal and external performance metrics. Below is a brief description of several onboard technologies and discussion of how they can benefit your company. As you read this information, consider how these technologies could improve your operations and support your risk management strategy.
ADVANCED DRIVER ASSISTANCE SYSTEMS
Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) include collision avoidance systems, lane departure warnings, and adaptive cruise control. ADAS uses sensors and cameras to detect potential hazards, alert drivers, and even autonomously take corrective actions. Inward-facing cameras can also see when a driver is distracted, including when they show signs of fatigue.
TELEMATICS
Onboard technologies offer real-time monitoring and data collection capabilities. Telematics systems enable fleet managers to track vehicles, monitor fuel consumption, analyze driver behavior, and schedule maintenance effectively. This technology not only optimizes route planning but also helps to reduce operational costs and maximize productivity.
ROUTING
Fuel efficiency is another critical aspect positively impacted by onboard technologies. Semi-trucks equipped with predictive analytics and smart routing systems can optimize travel routes based on real-time traffic data, weather conditions, and vehicle-specific parameters. This optimization can help minimize idle time, reduce fuel consumption, and lower carbon emissions.
DRIVER AVAILABILITY
The integration of electronic logging devices (ELDs) has streamlined recordkeeping processes. ELDs automatically track a driver’s hours of service (HOS), ensuring compliance with regulations while simplifying paperwork. This technology also provides a driver’s real-time availability for more efficient dispatching. Several motor carriers use this technology to make drivers unavailable for loads, such as if their physicals have expired or the driver failed to attend required safety training.
In conclusion, onboard technologies have reshaped the transportation industry, bringing forth a myriad of benefits, including enhanced safety measures. However, unless a motor carrier’s leadership team drives the use of these technologies, the benefits may never be realized.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
CALL TO ACTION
- Identify and implement onboard technologies to help reduce the risk of vehicle accidents.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.