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September 2007 |
Offers and Information |
As trucking and fleet management become increasingly dependent on technology, it is important to learn how technology can benefit the person behind the wheel. In this issue we review some of the benefits of telematics for drivers. PacLease helps companies improve efficiencies through full-service leasing, and telematics has become an important aspect of fleet management. Drivers are finding that PacTrac, PacLease's onboard computer system, is helping ease administrative work and open communication channels. |
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Telematics Benefits the Driver  |
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Companies typically implement onboard computers and data recorders to help improve regulatory compliance, safety, fuel efficiency and customer service. Onboard |
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computers allow managers to reward drivers for efficient driving and use the information gathered through this technology as a coaching tool to improve safety and driver performance. While the benefit is clear for the company, how does onboard technology help the driver? A recent study conducted by the American Transportation Research Institute, the research arm of the American Trucking Associations, reported that 76% of onboard technology users surveyed said onboard devices improved driver morale. 19% said they had improved driver retention. “Onboard computers can be a tremendous asset to the driver,” says Chris Maccio sales director at PacLease. “Good drivers take pride in performing well and these systems help them demonstrate their value to the company. In addition, on-board systems help drivers streamline their work and improve communication while on the road.” Onboard recorders eliminate the tedious task of written logbooks. This is one of the most unpleasant aspects of a drivers’ job, yet it is one of the most important and heavily scrutinized. Recorders utilize GPS and truck data to track state mileage and hours of service information. The automated system reduces the risk of non-compliance, saves drivers the hassle of filling in logbooks, and gives dispatchers a more accurate way to gauge driver availability. For drivers, this means they can focus on the road instead of tracking mileage. Improve Trip Planning Onboard systems also aid in trip planning and route management. Dispatchers can view the location of all company trucks with their load status and more efficiently match loads to available capacity. Dispatchers can easily provide updates on road conditions and ensure drivers’ time is used efficiently. This helps the driver improve productivity and avoid unnecessary delays -- an extremely important factor when a driver is on his way home after a long time on the road. Create Open Communication The day of pay phones is over. Many onboard systems improve communication through e-mail, instant messaging and voice-over communications. These conveniences increase two-way communication with the driver and help to integrate the driver with the company. They also allow the driver to stay in contact with their friends and family. Manage Accident Risk More than 70% of fatal car-truck accidents in the United States are the fault of the car driver, not the truck driver. An onboard computer records information you can use to analyze an accident: the vehicle’s unit number and VIN, odometer reading, direction, speed, location, brake application pressure, throttle position, cruise control status, and more. All of these measurements are automatically taken at the time of the accident to help determine the cause for liability purposes.
One of Huttig Building Products' locations in Phoenix, AZ installed the PacTrac onboard computer system in its fleet to improve efficiency and save fuel without sacrificing service or driver comfort. The system has reduced their transportation costs by 20% overall and their drivers love it. Read more about Huttig in the article “Finding Time/Saving Money” as it appeared in FleetOwner magazine. Paradise Island Foods in British Columbia spec their trucks with drivers in mind. In addition to technical and comfort specs, Paradise outfitted their trucks with onboard computers. They use the data gathered by the system to support a driver bonus program that rewards drivers for fuel savings. Read about Paradise Island Foods in the article "No Trouble in Paradise" as it appeared in Truck West magazine.
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News |
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PacLease Newsletter Focuses on Driver Management and Incentives PacLease Acquires German Truck Leasing Company Kenworth Sweeps 2007 J.D. Power and Associates Heavy Duty Truck Awards in Product Satisfaction New Kenworth Medium Duty Conventional Models To Enter Production in Fourth Quarter Kenworth's First Medium Duty Pickup and Delivery Hybrid Truck Delivered to Dunn Lumber Peterbilt Introduces The Model 325 Conventional for the Class 5 Market PACCAR and Eaton Announce Heavy-Duty Truck Technology Agreement |
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