J S Helwig & Son, a contract carrier of temperature-controlled and time-sensitive freight, has deployed the SmartDrive video-based safety platform.
After assessing video safety solutions, Helwig selected the SmartDrive system based on the program’s ease of use, advanced reporting capabilities, and superior customer service and support. With driver protection and safety central to the fleet’s decision to adopt video, Helwig’s successful rollout helped ensure not only driver acceptance, but also appreciation for the fleet’s investment.
“At J S Helwig & Son, we recognize that our drivers are vital to our success, and their efforts contribute immeasurably to the continued growth of our company,” said James Helwig, company owner and CEO. “The addition of the SmartDrive system to our robust suite of safety technology is one more way we demonstrate our commitment to the safety of our employees and our dedication to exonerating them when they’re not at fault in a collision.”
Headquartered in Terrell TX, Helwig operates 275 trucks hauling refrigerated goods across the Southeastern and Northeastern United States. Seeking to reduce collision frequency and maximize protection for drivers, fleet management turned to video to gain full visibility to what was happening on the road. A strategic, integrated communication strategy ensured Helwig drivers not only understood the objectives and benefits of incorporating SmartDrive into fleet operations, but that they also embraced the technology as another way to protect themselves.
Helwig’s leadership team ensured drivers were informed and involved in the program rollout. Starting with management’s initial introduction of the technology through the company newsletter and at employee meetings, and continuing through early conversations with senior drivers to ensure their buy-in, Helwig leadership made it clear that the aim was to protect drivers and improve safety. As a result, drivers have been supportive and enthusiastic.
“Our drivers love the SmartDrive program. In fact, we have drivers coming into the depot for regular preventive maintenance and asking to have the video hardware installed,” said Dave Benson, Helwig’s director of safety. “With the SmartDrive program, our drivers have fewer reasons to stress about what happens on the road. They know we have visibility to what took place in the case of a collision or other incident, and we can quickly and easily exonerate them and get them back behind the wheel.”
With the dual-camera configuration of SmartDrive Assurance Pro, the company gains visibility to the driving skills of its drivers and what is happening on the road outside the vehicle. The road-facing and cab-view videos optimize the effectiveness of driver coaching sessions, ensuring Benson and his drivers have positive, constructive conversations based on what actually occurred. In 13 weeks since the first trucks were equipped, Helwig has already experienced dramatic results, with fleet safety scores improving by 74.5%.
For more information, see www.smartdrive.net.
