Telematics is changing the way fleet operators manage their drivers. Read more to learn how 1-800-GOT-JUNK reduced the risk of its team of inexperienced drivers and improved overall customer service by using Geotab’s telematics technology.
The Challenge of Using Young Drivers
Toronto’s 1-800-GOT-JUNK franchise is the largest, most profitable branch of the entire franchise network. With 22 cab-over trucks, the branch’s high revenue and efficient services result from the efforts of their surprisingly young drivers. Their drivers are typically between 20 and 30 years old, most of whom were hired with little to no professional driving experience. According to their Operations Manager, while these younger drivers are personable and work well with customers, the lack of experience can always be a concern. Acknowledging driver inexperience as a tremendous risk, the company partnered with Geotab, installing their Plug-&-Play telematics system to manage these younger, inexperienced drivers.
Results From Telematics – Improved Customer Service
One of the advantages of installing telematics was improved routing. Geotab’s telematics and GPS devices provided 1-800-GOT-JUNK with a real-time tracking system. This feature monitors the movement of company trucks allowing the dispatcher to estimate driver destination times. By looking at a screen, the dispatcher can predict if a crew is going to make it to the job on time, eliminating the need for distracting check-in phone call.
According to the company’s Operations Manager, “Any business that wants to provide great customer service, be on time, dispatch effectively,” as well as “ensure employee accountability and vehicle accountability would greatly benefit from having telematics in their vehicles.”
Another benefit was an improvement in how same-day bookings were handled. When a new call comes in for a pick up, the dispatcher looks at the screen, locates nearby trucks and can re-route as needed. According to the Operations Manager, “We get same-day bookings from locations all over the city, so if we know that a job could be more suited for a truck that’s in a closer geographic zone, Geotab helps us locate the truck, and we can dispatch the team that is closer to the job.”
Concern over Big Brother Watching Drivers?
One concern companies implementing telematics systems typically have is the perception that big brother is watching. The drivers at 1-800-GOT-JUNK’s are well aware of the Geotab systems in place and according to the Operations Manager, the drivers see value in the system. “These younger team members come to the job understanding that GPS systems in the vehicle is the norm and to be expected as part of the job,” the company Operations Manager says, adding that as telematics technology has become more commonplace, the company gets no pushback from drivers.
Plus, the fact that drivers know they are being monitored is part of why it works. . “They drive better because they know they’re being monitored,” the Operation Manager says. The company has seen improvements in the Canadian government system that tracks on-road safety of commercial fleets.
Click here to learn more about how telematics can be used to detect bad driver behavior and reduce risk.
Contact Doering Fleet Management at 262-395-4700 and ask for a Telematics Specialist to learn how telematics can help your company. Doering has an expert team of Geotab telematics specialists and can help you design the customized program.
