New technologies are changing the face of truck driving for the better. Drivers now have in-cab technology that provides added safety, greater efficiency and better communication.
At Classic Carriers, we are proud to have undergone a technology upgrade in our trucks to ensure our drivers have the most efficient electronic logging device (ELD) to suit their needs.
Updating Trucks With New ELD Devices
“When it comes to technology, we don’t want every piece of technology out there in our trucks. We want the right ones,” Classic Carriers IT Director Kurt Rhoades says. “The right technologies are the ones that make our drivers’ lives easier and safer. We want them to have the technologies that help them drive safely and be able to make deliveries on time.”
Emphasizing the importance of Classic Carriers’ focus on safety, communication and downtime, we transitioned from Omnitracs to the Samsara ELDs in all the trucks.
Related: Outside the Cab with IT Director Kurt Rhoades >>
Ensuring Safety
Samsara ELD is registered by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and third-party certified to ensure full compliance with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations in the U.S. and Canada. Each ELD, attached to the truck’s engine, will automatically update to remain compliant based on each driver’s GPS location.
Through an app on their provided tablet, drivers can view countdown clocks and get real-time alerts to better plan their days and stay on top of their logged hours. App workflows prompt drivers when to complete tasks, like certifying their logs and completing safety inspections.
Notifications can also help improve road safety by alerting drivers approaching their HOS. These safety alerts can decrease incidents of drowsy driving accidents.
Using Dashboard Cameras
The Samsara dashboard cameras in the trucks provide two lenses with wide angle views and kick on when an unsafe incident is detected. The cameras record the action, whether the truck swerves, the brakes are slammed or some other unsafe event occurs.
This reduces liability, helps protect drivers from false accusations and can prevent an unnecessary court battle to determine who was at fault in the case of an accident. The system also alerts the driver and company if it detects the driver is distracted or tired, again for the safety of all on the roadways.
The Samsara cameras also have better hardware and placement, greatly improving their reliability over previous cameras used in Classic Carriers’ trucks.
Improving Communication
Classic Carriers provides each driver with a tablet and individually trains the driver on how to use the Samsara device and app, ensuring they feel comfortable and prepared for roadside inspections and maintaining their logs while on the road.
“We have an IT department here that’s more than willing to help. We make it as easy as possible through hands-on training,” Classic Carriers IT team member Mark Cordonnier says. “We bring each driver in, sit down with them for an hour, hour and a half, or two hours if they need it, then go through everything with them and support them after that.”
The IT department at Classic Carriers also provides ongoing support and training whenever drivers have questions or run into issues with their devices. The tablets eliminate the need for drivers to use their personal phones for work-related tasks.
Through various tablet apps, drivers can upload documentation, sign paperwork electronically, get weather alerts and traffic reports specific to truck drivers, find fuel discounts and attend required safety meetings to help fulfill requirements for Classic’s safety bonus program.
Another app many drivers appreciate is TMW Go, which ties into the dispatch system and allows drivers to see their earnings throughout the week. Since drivers are paid on a per-mile rate, every check may be different based on their delivery schedule. This allows drivers to have real-time access to their pay to help them better manage their own finances.
Additionally, drivers who stop at either of Classic Carriers’ Versailles locations or the Greenville cold storage facility also have access to free and open WiFi.
Encouraging Downtime
Classic drivers are encouraged to enjoy their downtime and get plenty of rest before getting back on the road. The Samsara ELDs track HOS for each driver, making it easier to schedule breaks and overnight stops.
Many of our drivers appreciate having YouTube TV, a streaming television service operated by YouTube, on their tablets. They can also use an app to make video calls with their loved ones.
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance reduces stress, prevents burnout and improves physical and mental health.
Related: Top 10 Podcasts for Truck Drivers >>
Safety has always been a top priority at Classic Carriers. The technologies available today and into the future are just one more way we can do our part in helping keep the roadways as safe as possible for all drivers.
Driven by the Best
If you’re looking for a new career opportunity, consider joining Classic Carriers. We are proud to be a family-owned and operated company that treats our team of dedicated drivers like family.
We have a driver turnover rate of less than 30%, offer pay package options and allow riders and pets in the trucks. Have more questions? Contact a recruiter today!