Fleet businesses are currently facing historic driver shortages.

In October 2021, the American Trucking Association estimated the deficit was at 80,000 drivers.^[1] They predict it may surpass 160,000 by 2028. As a result of these issues, the Biden administration made the worsening driver shortage a national policy priority.

While it can be challenging in the current climate, businesses that cultivate a positive image in this highly competitive labor market position themselves to effectively navigate driver shortages. One of the best ways to do this is to prioritize fleet driver safety.

That is why NexTraq®—a MICHELIN® group company — offers NexTraq Fleet Defender, the newest advanced telematics solution that enables you to effectively combat driver shortages and drastically enhance how your business is viewed by drivers, customers, and the public.

Improving Fleet Driver Safety Is Key to Recruiting and Retaining Drivers

Employees working in trucking industries consider fleet driver safety a top concern, as the job has the potential to put their lives and livelihoods at stake. In 2020, large trucks accounted for twice as many fatal crashes as other registered vehicles. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), unsafe driving behavior is the root cause of 88% of large truck crashes[2].

As a result, it is critical to employ advanced telematics solutions to help empower your crews to reduce unsafe driving behavior, correct instances of distracted driving, and significantly reduce the risk of getting involved in an incident.

With NexTraq Fleet Defender, you can help mitigate human error, improve your fleet driver safety record, and earn a well-deserved reputation as a caring employer to help enhance your brand image.

When you prioritize fleet driver safety, your employees feel valued and are less likely to leave your business, allowing you to attract and retain top performers. Use this information to identify which drivers deserve recognition and reward them for their efforts. By doing this, you will boost employee morale and enhance your image as a desirable employer, allowing you to successfully combat the current driver shortages.

Prioritizing Fleet Driver Safety Boosts Your Reputation with Customers and the Public

The success of your business lies in keeping your customers satisfied. If they do not receive their products or services on time due to adverse incidents on the road, it may impact their willingness to work with your business in the future. It may also cause you to gain an unfavorable public reputation, which will negatively impact your bottom line.

By prioritizing fleet driver safety, you can coach your employees to avoid risky driving behavior. This enables you to prevent incidents before they occur so you can reduce delivery delays, streamline operations, and increase productivity.

By utilizing advanced telematics solutions, you can provide the absolute best in customer service, which will enhance your profitability and safeguard the reputation of your business – ensuring your continued success for years to come.

Use NexTraq Fleet Defender to Improve Fleet Driver Safety

NexTraq Fleet Defender utilizes next-generation technology to help your business improve fleet driver safety so you can boost your earning potential and enhance your brand reputation.

• Distracted Driver Assistance

Get access to the latest Machine Vision + Artificial Intelligence (MV+AI) technology to alert your drivers in real time when they are exhibiting unsafe or distracted driving behaviors on the road. This in-cab alert will be triggered if your employees are eating, drinking, smoking, texting while driving, not wearing a seat belt, harsh braking, hard accelerating, or making sharp turns. This helps to coach your drivers to correct these behaviors to prevent adverse incidents to protect your brand, employees, and vehicles.

• High-Definition Video Footage

With live video streaming from dual, road-facing and driver-facing cameras, you will receive a comprehensive view of what is happening on the road and inside the cabin. This footage is taken and stored in the NexTraq Web Portal, where it is indexed and can be retrieved by vehicle, date, and time. Use this information to identify which drivers need coaching or reward those that are exhibiting positive behaviors behind the wheel.

Enhance Your Brand Image to Promote the Success of Your Business

By prioritizing fleet driver safety, you can effectively navigate the current driver shortages, improve customer service, and enhance your brand reputation to boost your bottom line and make your business successful.

Contact NexTraq today or schedule a demo to learn how NexTraq Fleet Defender can help you improve fleet driver safety and preserve the reputation of your business.

[1] https://www.trucking.org/sites/default/files/2021-10/ATA%20Driver%20Shortage%20Report%202021%20Executive%20Summary.FINAL_.pdf

[2] https://patrafficsafety.org/aggressive-driving-news/aggressive-driving-heavy-truck-enforcement-2019/