Changing Times
During the late 80s and early 90s, cellular networks were only in their infancy. The one and the only way to ensure communications with your drivers was by check call by payphone or calling in from a shipper or consignee. This was not very efficient, as we would pray and hope that our drivers would actually call before the day was over.
Early Satellite Technology
However, during my time at FirstFleet, I was introduced to an early pioneer in satellite and mobile communications, Qualcomm. My intrigue and curiosity for telematics only rapidly grew from that point forward. Drivers were getting comfortable with dispatches and requesting comchecks over this new system, despite it being very expensive, approaching upwards of $3,000. Aside from the cost of money, it was also costly in time to install. Nevertheless, shippers and consignees appreciated our ability to predict ETAs of freight with unprecedented accuracy. The shift from a card system to technology was set in motion!
Moving Forward with Technology
Over the past 25 years, much has changed. Drivers in the current era are required to have telematics to support their ELD. I’m seeing more, and more, applications being created for professional drivers that depend on their iPhone, Android, or tablet. These tools allow life on the road to put the driver in control of their work and provide a “toolbox” of technology to improve safety, route optimization, scanning, and so much more.
Furthermore, with social media such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat, drivers are able to remain connected with friends, family, and communities. Also, numerous fleets have found that having a Facebook or Instagram business page to share information and recognize drivers is a fantastic way to keep employees and independent contractors engaged.
Are you utilizing social media in order to benefit your business? Be consistent with your posts to build a brand following.
SiriusXM
Recently, I had the opportunity to join SiriusXM Roaddog Radio to discuss some of the innovative solutions that we are now working on at Add On Systems.
Here’s a short clip from the interview: SiriusXM & John Piper
We are committed to providing mobile applications and telematics integrations that improve the life of your drivers. In turn, this creates tremendous opportunities for your back office with scanning, specific real-time navigation for big trucks, and much more.
In addition to having the ability to integrate your current mobile communications systems, Add On Systems is now a certified partner of both Geotab and Eleos to offer a Unified mobile communication option that is fully integrated with your TMS.
To learn more about the Eleos and Geotab Platform to see if this may be an option for your fleet in the future, please look at the links below or reach out to me to explore (214)-556-8059 or at jpiper@aos.biz.
Links to Eleos and Geotab Platforms