SmartDrive Systems, a provider of driving performance solutions that reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, announced that Sunstate Carriers, a refrigerated truckload carrier operating throughout the Northeast, Southeast and Midwest, has adopted the SmartDrive video-based safety platform.
Having first-hand knowledge of the results the SmartDrive program can provide, Sunstate management skipped a lengthy pilot program and opted to install the safety solution across its entire fleet to begin immediately protecting its drivers.
Josh Fulmer, Sunstate vice-president, said, “Having tested multiple video-based safety systems at another company and selecting the SmartDrive program due to its ease of use, customization and near-immediate results, I didn’t hesitate to implement it at Sunstate without a pilot.
“I liked the ability to start with an exoneration-focused product that fits our fleet’s needs today and allows me to move to a proactive safety and coaching program when we are operationally ready,” he said. “The combination of the easy-to-work-with single platform and the exceptional customer service minimized the changes for the team and allowed me to see results immediately.”
Based in Florida, Sunstate operates 130 power units with 150 refrigerated trailers and specializes in transporting temperature-controlled, time-sensitive products. A customer service-oriented company, Sunstate is committed to safety and efficiency. It recognized the power of the SmartDrive platform to reduce collision frequency, boost driver performance, exonerate drivers when not at fault and impact the bottom line.
Drivers throughout the fleet were accepting of video-based safety. “We knew that our drivers were already putting cameras in their vehicles and were familiar with the technology,” said Fulmer. “They understand that we’re using the program to know what caused a critical event. If a driver’s habits or actions need to change, they know we will be coaching them to help ensure it does not happen again, but also understand the system is designed for their own safety first and foremost.
“We’ve already had two accidents that were not our fault,” he said. “All we needed to do was send the video to the other companies, and they paid the damages. With the explosion of monster settlements in Florida, I’m glad we have the SmartDrive program to protect us and support our safety culture.”
For more information, visit www.smartdrive.net.
