TELEMATICS
Smarter And Safer : That ’ s How We Roll
Let ’ s Talk Telematics — Tools To Help Reduce Liability Costs And Minimize Claims
Jared Collier is a Deeley client , Vice President of AIM Transport , and winner of several carrier safety awards . Here , he shares three telematics technologies to maximize your premium savings and make your operations safer .
Technology tools can give trucking companies a fast-pass for streamlining insurance premiums , with some carriers reducing the cost up to 18 percent . Global Positioning Systems ( GPS ), electronic log-in devices ( ELDs ), and remote diagnostics can elevate driver awareness , reduce the likelihood of accidents , improve efficiency , and assure compliance .
GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEMS
Streamlining communications , reducing idle times , capturing in-and-out times , and minimizing thefts are several benefits GPS offers . Trucking operations that leverage GPS tracking systems can reduce liabilities and increase revenues by cutting down on costly driver behaviors . For example , the company can receive notifications if a driver is off-route or track idle time to help save on fuel costs .
GPS also protects drivers because they can confirm arrival times and ensure that a load was delivered . Some carriers use GPS to prove drivers were on time for appointments and to track loading and unloading times .
Access to real-time coordinates minimizes distracted driving . A controller can see where a truck is on the route to avoid interrupting the driver for an update on location and estimated arrival time .
GPS technology reduces theft exposure and increases a trucking company ’ s chance of recovering a stolen rig .
ELECTRONIC LOG-IN DEVICES
ELDs are industry standard today , and the technology eliminates paper logs that can naturally suffer from human error . This method provides trucking companies with online records for auditing and compliance — and makes roadside inspection stops run smoother .
ELDs reduce risk by assuring that drivers are staying within the limits of federally regulated hours-of-service . This minimizes fatigue , a major factor in collisions .
REMOTE DIAGNOSTICS
Rather than losing time to find out why a ‘ check engine ’ light is on , remote diagnostics tools allow trucking companies to get exact fault codes , taking out the guesswork . Based on the code and issue , the company can determine whether to finish a run or immediately seek service to prevent a costly repair . Some systems provide information such as the nearest place for service — crucial when drivers are far from their base of operations .
Aside from maintenance and repair alerts , remote diagnostics can track fuel mileage . With fuel being one of the largest expenses in the trucking industry , better fuel management can make a significant impact on the bottom line .
Also , companies can compare odometer miles to driver-paid miles reported by the GPS to identify discrepancies .
HOW SAFE IS YOUR TRUCKING OPERATION ?
There are a range of tools , software programs , and systems you can implement to decrease liabilities and save money . And don ’ t forget about safety education for your employees . Talk to your Deeley Client Advisor today . We can help . +
BY : BRIAN DEAN CLIENT ADVISOR
BY : THEO HOBBS CLIENT ADVISOR
Brian Dean has six years of experience in personal and commercial insurance and 30 years of experience in Fortune 100 foodservice transportation .
410.213.5543 • bdean @ deeleyinsurance . com
During Theo ’ s 23 years of service with the MD State Police , he supervised troopers assigned to the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division and holds many FMCSA certifications . 410.213.5597 • thobbs @ deeleyinsurance . com
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