Why the SmartDrive® Program Is the Smart Choice for Nussbaum Transportation
When exploring video-based safety solutions, Stickling knew that he needed not only real-time access to safety, fuel and operational data, but also analytic and training-support tools that would allow his team to actually leverage that data. This is where the SmartDrive SmartIQ® Transportation Intelligence Suite stood out.
Recognized as the first and only comprehensive transportation intelligence suite available to commercial fleets, SmartDrive SmartIQ analytics links driver-behavioral data to disparate vehicle-system data and provides tools for analyzing that data at scale and in real-time. Armed with operational metrics, KPIs, reports and dashboards, managers not only get a clear picture of what has happened, but they can also predict what might happen and make the changes needed to mitigate risk and improve efficiencies.
“SmartIQ is the only solution that delivers granular data; incorporates a variety of safety, fuel and operational data; and makes it easy to incorporate resulting insights into our business. SmartDrive is writing the future of video safety by providing insight into the behavior and skills that allow us to know what’s going to happen before it occurs and make severe crashes less likely.”
Jeremy Stickling, director of human resources and safety at Nussbaum
Using SmartDrive SmartIQ analytics, Nussbaum created an innovative driver-performance program that scores drivers on smooth driving, speed management, space management and throttle usage using real-time data from the engine control module (ECM) and following-distance observations. With this knowledge, drivers can be rewarded, or coached, as needed.
With a safety program underway, Stickling shifted focus to a second priority—efficiency. Hoping to reduce fuel consumption fleet wide, he incorporated SmartDrive SmartIQ Streams™. These streams of driver, vehicle and driving-performance data are collected by the SmartDrive platform and integrated with in-house or third-party intelligence solutions, providing insight into a fleet’s fuel consumption, while identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
Now Stickling had just one hurdle left—driver acceptance. After years of decision-making based on disconnected data and subjective reports, Stickling was happy to have tangible evidence and actionable data. But, how would Nussbaum drivers feel? Stickling knew honesty was key.
“Transparency and open communication are who we are as an organization and we knew both would be key to successful program rollout. We personally called every driver and told them about the SmartDrive program. After announcing the program through individual phone calls and written communications, we then spoke with each driver again when the system was being installed on his truck. We recognized there might be fears about having an inward-facing camera, but we knew that if we communicated the program correctly and used it as a teaching tool, the rollout would be a success.”
Jeremy Stickling, director of human resources and safety at Nussbaum
Mission accomplished. Only one driver, out of more than 300, elected not to participate. Nussbaum drivers now embrace the program, with many of them talking about their own skills and working to improve them.
Maximizing the Value of their Investment
To say the program has been a success may be an understatement. Fleet-wide operational improvements have led to Nussbaum significantly improving safety, while also reducing costs related to fuel usage, insurance and maintenance—achievements so impressive the company has been recognized as the 2017 CCJ Innovator of the Year.
In terms of specifics, Nussbaum has improved its CSA BASIC score by nearly 73 percent in the “crash indicator” category; its score in the “unsafe driving” category is the lowest it has been in two years. The company has also improved its SmartDrive Safety Score by more than 40 percent since launching SmartIQ analytics, and it reported zero preventable DOT-recordable accidents, jackknifes and major loss-of-control accidents within the first six months of implementation.
Like no other solution on the market could, SmartIQ analytics has helped Nussbaum enhance fleet-wide visibility to risk, better understand their drivers and implement proactive strategies to increase efficiencies across its business.
”SmartDrive was the first video-based safety company to pull data off the ECM and combine it with g-force and video safety data. We were able to use this combined dataset not only to improve safety within our fleet, but also to significantly lower fuel usage and maintenance costs. With SmartDrive, we can now help our drivers focus on improving driving skills, including space and speed management. SmartIQ has given us insight never before possible, while allowing us to run a safe, efficient and productive fleet.”
Jeremy Stickling, director of human resources and safety at Nussbaum
With SmartDrive SmartIQ by his side, Stickling now has more than data; he has knowledge. Knowledge he uses to keep his drivers safe, save his company money and serve his customers better.
