“At EKSAtelecom, our focus on developing headphones for truckers stems from a commitment to meeting their unique needs. Long hours on the road demand comfort, durability and advanced features to ensure safe and clear communication,” said Fiona Yang, marketing manager. “The S30’s open-ear design benefits truckers by allowing them to stay connected to their surroundings, enhancing situational awareness for safer driving.”

Beyond safety, the S30 allows truckers to enjoy music, podcasts, and calls without blocking external sounds, ensuring they can stay entertained and connected while being alert to road noise.

Key Features of the S30 Headset:

• Open-Ear Comfort: The S30 boasts a state-of-the-art open-ear design that prioritizes comfort and natural, unobstructed wear. Adjustable ear hooks provide a secure fit, ideal for extended use without discomfort.

• 99.9% VoicePure ENC Noise Cancellation: Perfect for noisy environments, the S30 features an impressive 99.9% VoicePure ENC Noise Cancellation technology for clear calls, eliminating background noise and distractions.

• 70+ Hours Working Time: Enjoy over 70 hours of continuous use with the S30. A quick 5-minute charge offers 1 hour of music playback, and a full charge in two hours ensures maximum battery life.

• 99-Foot Wireless Range & IPX5 Waterproof Rating: With Bluetooth 5.3, the S30 provides seamless wireless connectivity up to 99 feet (30 meters). The IPX5 water resistance rating makes it durable against splashes and sweat, suitable for various activities.

• TubeBass Technology: Enhance your audio experience with TubeBass technology, which deepens bass and adds richness to music. This technology highlights lower frequencies, delivering robust and immersive sound with clear details and vocals.

The S30 wireless headset is available for purchase at Love’s Travel Stops, on Amazon (with a $20 off coupon), or through EKSAtelecom’s website.

Source: The Trucker

Image: The Trucker

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Enter Relay Payments, a fintech company positioning itself as a pioneer in modernizing payments for the trucking and logistics sectors. Recently, they introduced an integration to their service that facilitates carriers and drivers using their Relay accounts within the Weigh My Truck app from CAT Scale.

“We’re committed to being a fully digital, end-to-end payments provider for trucking,” said Emily Neuman, Relay’s executive vice president of operations. “Integrating with some of the most popular options to pay for scales allows drivers to use Relay to pay for all over-the-road expenses, while easily monitoring their cash flow. We have thousands of customers who now use Relay for fuel, unloading, broker, and scale payments.”

This integration empowers drivers to utilize Relay for settling payments at over 2,200 locations, offering comprehensive coverage across the nation. Relay Payments officials emphasize that truckers and carriers stand to gain significantly from this service.

They can utilize existing Relay accounts to streamline various expenses such as fuel, lumper fees, scale charges, cash transactions, and other on-the-road expenditures. Furthermore, it enables them to consolidate reporting and streamline back-office management processes.

“We are pleased that Relay Payments customers can now use their account for Weigh My Truck transactions and realize the significant time savings it offers,” said Heather DeBaillie, vice president of operations and marketing for CAT Scale.

Source: The Trucker

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As part of this initiative, all TA Truck Service ERA vehicles now feature the HAAS Alert Safety Cloud digital alerting platform. This software sends “slow down” and “move over” alerts to approaching drivers when an ERA vehicle activates its flashing lights and is stationed alongside a roadway.

These digital alerts are seamlessly integrated into popular navigation apps such as Waze and Apple Maps.

“HAAS Alert’s real-time digital notifications provide a safer work environment for the thousands of team members who provide emergency roadside services to professional drivers in need of help,” said Debi Boffa, TA CEO. “Safety is our top priority, and we are extremely proud to drastically improve roadside working conditions and better protect both our team members and professional drivers.”

Cory Hohs, CEO of HAAS Alert, emphasized the significance of this collaboration with TA as a crucial step forward in enhancing roadside safety.

“By offering Safety Cloud digital alerts, we can help more roadside service workers get home to their families every night,” he said.

The NATSO Foundation had previously established a strategic partnership with HAAS Alert in 2023 with the goal of bolstering safety for the industry’s roadside service technicians. Through this partnership, the NATSO Foundation aims to facilitate the connection between HAAS Alert and the extensive network of truck stop and travel center locations across the nation.

“We are pleased that TA is implementing the software into its ERA vehicles,” said Lisa Mullings, NATSO foundation president. “By reminding drivers to comply with Move Over laws, we can significantly decrease risk, making highways safer for all.”

Source: The Trucker

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With over two decades of experience in developing and deploying enterprise transportation management software (TMS), Magnus Technologies has a solid foundation, particularly in auto-hauling.

“Truckload carriers are accustomed to using TMS platforms with manual processes, static views and data grids for load planning and other functions,” said Jay Delaney, director of product management at Magnus Technologies. “We broke the mold, redefining the user experience with data visualizations and AI-driven enhancements that deliver breakthrough fleet management capabilities.”

The Magnus Platform offers users advanced visibility into freight and capacity within their planning regions, projecting up to five days ahead, providing valuable foresight for planning.

“The platform’s comprehensive metrics, customizable views, and accurate forecasting tools enable users to strategically reposition resources to balance freight networks, transforming empty miles and dwell time into revenue,” the news release stated. “The Magnus Platform also enriches load planning with dynamic map visualizations, including real-time weather, traffic, and color-coding to identify exceptions.”

Among its recent innovations is the Magnus EDI Manager, empowering users to establish rules for automatic acceptance of customer load tenders via EDI and other data exchange methods.

“Additionally, it helps companies make better-informed decisions regarding accepting or declining orders by providing industry-first visibility of network balance, lane guidance, and customer volume commitments,” the news release stated.

Plus, Magnus Customer Tracking Portal enhances transparency and end-to-end shipment visibility for fleets. This portal includes accurate shipment ETA predictions based on a comprehensive range of variables.

Additionally, Magnus has incorporated new features into its TMS platform, such as truckload rate calculations, accessory charges, hourly driver pay, and yard check capabilities supporting dropped trailers, complete with cargo and location status visibility, giving carriers a high level of insight and control into truckload operations.

Source: The Trucker

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One of these features is RoadFlex’s fuel risk management solution, which leverages vehicle location data and mobile driver authentication to ensure that fueling activities are conducted by authorized personnel on the correct vehicles. The newly launched Vehicle Fuel Analysis program further enhances this capability by analyzing transaction data to generate virtual vehicle spending profiles based on individual tractor usage. This real-time contextualization of fleet transactions allows for the prediction of vehicle needs, identification of potential risks, and understanding of maximum transaction risk levels for specific vehicles and drivers. The system triggers an alert for fleet managers if a vehicle refuels with an unusually low mileage between consecutive fueling sessions, indicating a potential anomaly.

Additionally, RoadFlex has introduced a Fuel Risk Analysis Reporting feature, which actively monitors fuel-related risks and preemptively blocks suspicious activities. Rush Akin, RoadFlex’s chief revenue officer, emphasized the effectiveness of these advancements in combating fuel fraud and minimizing fuel loss.

“Now, with our new features, we’ll let you know who and where it could have happened so that you pay more attention in the future in places that tend to be overlooked for fraud,” he said.

RoadFlex’s platform can significantly reduce fuel fraud and associated losses, offering a comprehensive solution to fleet management challenges.

“Fraud can slip through the cracks and go undetected,” he said. “Most fleet operators assume 5 to 10 percent of their fuel spend is fraudulent, and that has been in their budget year after year. From a fuel risk management perspective, we are telling them they don’t have to spend $1 million in fuel fraud when they could be spending that money in a better way.”

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

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Braswell underscored the industry’s imperative need to unite not only in determining the optimal units for electric trucks as they become more prevalent but also in standardizing nationwide infrastructure to meet the increasing demand for power.

“How do you spec these different charging stations, what will be required in terms of the wiring and the structure and the buildout of those stations, and how long it will take for that infrastructure to come online?” he said. “In some areas, like Southern California, you have a better chance of getting it done, compared to, let’s say, the middle of Iowa.”

On a global scale, there are two competing charging systems – the CHAdeMO system developed by Japanese engineers and the CharIN portal by Europeans. Braswell urged trucking companies to proactively build relationships with electric service providers during the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), battery-electric, or hybrid vehicles.

“There are many questions that fleets have, particularly when it comes to the time frame to develop the infrastructure,” he said, “and how do you deal with the fact there are more than 3,500 electric service providers in the U.S., and it’s important to know how to interface with each of these separate entities when you are trying to establish an electric vehicle fleet.”

The push towards alternative fuels aligns with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) designing and producing trucks with historic high miles-per-gallon (mpg) fuel-economy ratings, operating with the lowest emissions.

“Our technical session on the latest findings on the Department of Energy’s SuperTruck II and III programs is so important,” Braswell said. “We are very keen to see what type of adaptations we can make in fleets based on the findings that they achieved. “All of the different companies — Cummins, Daimler, Navistar, Paccar, Volvo — have all created super trucks that can achieve 16 miles per gallon and fuel economy, which is outstanding. We want to transfer this technology to the existing fleets as a bridge to future powertrain designs. This is fantastic, and TMC is very interested in that.”

Since 2009, the Department of Energy (DOE) and OEMs have collaborated to create a zero-emission, heavy-duty truck capable of regional and long-haul freight deliveries, achieving a remarkable 160% improvement in fuel efficiency to 16 mpg.

Braswell emphasized that the industry is currently navigating a transitional period concerning different energy sources, and TMC is committed to maintaining a leading role in steering this evolution.

“There will not be one particular solution that best suits every application in a commercial vehicle. Certainly, battery-electric will play a role in key areas, like last-mile and regional. Hydrogen may be better for the long haul,” he said. “If we get some of the infrastructure challenges in place, maybe CNG will continue to have a role to play, as well as liquid natural gas, in addition to conventional diesel and renewable diesel, which is a green fuel. TMC will be at the forefront trying to develop best practices for fleets to manage their assets.”

Addressing the rising concern of cybersecurity threats directed at the trucking industry, Braswell highlighted that TMC is actively focusing on developing strategies to tackle these challenges, both in the back office and onboard vehicle technology.

Despite challenges, including a persistent technician shortage and evolving training options for heavy equipment, TMC officials express optimism about the industry’s future. They believe that the ongoing improvements in addressing the shortage are positive indicators, recognizing the need for effective training options in the heavy equipment sector.

Source: Transport Topics

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Equipped with cameras, these sites will automatically detect slow or stopped traffic, triggering nearby message boards to alert approaching drivers about potential traffic hazards. In addition to on-site warnings, alerts will be disseminated through traffic apps like OHGO.

“As technology continues to evolve, we’re always looking for new ways to help prevent serious and fatal crashes on our highways,” DeWine said. “Although we’re confident that these warning systems will help prevent crashes, there is still no substitute for safe driving. For these signs to be effective, drivers must be paying attention.”

The primary goal of these warning systems is to address the rising number of “end-of-queue” crashes, where drivers fail to recognize slowing or stopped traffic, resulting in collisions at the tail end of the slowdown.

ODOT reported an increase in end-of-queue crashes to 8,811 in 2023. The introduction of technology at these 13 sites aims to decrease such crashes by at least 16%, anticipating a reduction of around 1,400 collisions. The first system was activated on I-70 westbound at State Route 310 in Licking County, a location associated with a fatal rear-end crash in November 2023.

The automated traffic queue warning systems share technology similarities with ODOT’s wrong-way driver detection systems in Cincinnati, Dayton, and Columbus. These existing systems have successfully identified nearly 300 wrong-way drivers, showcasing the effectiveness of such technology.

“I’m incredibly proud of the efforts our team has made to ensure Ohio is leading the way when it comes to deploying these new resources,” Marchbanks said. “These new warning systems, combined with Ohio’s toughened distracted driving laws, will surely save lives.”

ODOT is optimistic about the potential impact of these warning systems on road safety. The initiative aligns with efforts to mitigate distracted driving, with provisional crash data from the Ohio State Highway Patrol indicating a significant reduction in traffic crashes in 2023 compared to previous years.

“Education of distracted driving, along with this technology, will help achieve our mutual goals of increasing safety on our roads and reducing serious crashes,” said Colonel Charles A. Jones, Ohio State Highway Patrol superintendent. “We, as troopers, take it to heart that our job every day is to ensure that motorists make it home to their families, and we make it home to ours.”

While the full implementation of the automated warning systems at the remaining 12 sites will take approximately two years, ODOT is actively evaluating other highway locations in the state that could benefit from similar technology. This forward-looking approach reflects the state’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance road safety and prevent avoidable accidents.

Source: The Trucker

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One of the significant challenges for fleets over the years has been recruiting drivers due to the inherent risks associated with the demanding and perilous nature of heavy-duty truck driving. The job ranks as the seventh most dangerous in America, with approximately 900 fatalities annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Recognizing the importance of managing driver risks, fleets are enhancing recruitment strategies by incorporating advanced safety technologies and telematics. The use of these technologies, coupled with data analytics, has bridged the knowledge gap between operations and finance, aiding companies in reducing overall costs and aligning with long-term strategic asset management plans that prioritize advanced safety features in truck specifications.

The escalating risks in the transportation of goods not only pose a threat to driver safety but also impact the bottom line. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), while large truck crashes declined from 2021 to 2022, commercial auto liability premiums are expected to increase in 2023 due to rising costs and poor performance in the previous policy year. Private fleets, too, report a slight increase in DOT Recordable Accidents per million miles, prompting aggressive safety management through driver hiring practices and the adoption of active safety technologies.

Technology and analytics play a crucial role in effective risk management, starting with the pre-hire process and extending to post-hire monitoring of driver behavior. Telematics, cameras, violations, collision history, and maintenance events serve as early warning indicators, with a focus on creating an event-based scoring system. An effective telematics system captures and reports data points by driver, enabling risk managers to make informed decisions about each driver’s overall risk profile.

Investing in newer trucks equipped with advanced safety features is seen as a strategic and competitive move for fleets. Beyond prioritizing driver and road user safety, these upgrades contribute to substantial reductions in accident-related costs. Features such as collision mitigation systems, lane departure warnings, and automatic emergency braking not only enhance safety but also position the company as a lower risk for insurers. Insurance companies increasingly reward organizations that prioritize safety, reflecting a shift from 6.4 cents per mile in premiums in 2013 to 8.8 cents per mile in 2022.

In conclusion, transportation fleets remain pivotal in the current economic landscape. Those that prioritize safety, leverage data analytics, telematics, and invest in newer equipment stand out as competitive leaders. Strengthening communication between finance teams, risk management, and the C-level ensures a comprehensive and effective approach to navigating the challenges associated with the transportation of critical goods.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post How Fleets are Using Data to Positively Influence Risk Management appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The AI system excels in automatically recording trailer numbers upon truck arrival, efficiently matching them with scheduled appointments.

“RXO’s visual AI technology is already producing positive results at our Laredo, Texas facility, including reduced wait times at the gate,” said Yoav Amiel, chief information officer at RXO. “This advanced technology speeds up the process for carriers and helps shippers save time and money. We’re thrilled to continue to use machine learning and AI to provide our shippers and carriers with cutting-edge ways to make their operations more efficient.”

Tasks that were traditionally managed manually by employees—such as noting truck information and directing them to the appropriate warehouse dock or yard spot—are now streamlined through this automated check-in system.

“This led to truck backups at the gate during the check-in process due to high traffic, manual documentation and typing errors,” according to a news release.

This cutting-edge solution is integrated with RXO’s Yard Management System, facilitating automatic appointment matching by capturing and correlating relevant information with scheduled appointments. Upon a truck’s arrival, the system promptly notifies staff and provides them with all the necessary information.

RXO plans to implement this system across its various locations throughout the year. Furthermore, the company aims to offer the AI-powered check-in system as a standalone service to other organizations, extending the benefits of this technology beyond its own operations.

Source: The Trucker

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By leveraging geofencing and photo verification capabilities, QuikSkope empowers shippers and brokers to confirm the physical presence of a driver associated with the hired carrier at the pickup location before the release of a pickup number.

In the event of fraud detection or failed verification, QuikSkope withholds the pickup number release and promptly notifies customers via email. Customers can then review the provided photo and take action by manually approving the pickup number release or contacting the carrier to address identity verification failure. Incidents involving bad actors are instantly reported and documented in real-time, with QuikSkope sharing its findings with those actively pursuing criminals and con artists.

“We’ve all experienced first-hand the devastating financial results of freight fraud and the snowball effect it can have on relationships between carriers and brokers,” said Michael Fullam, QuikSkope’s founder. “Our goal with QuikSkope was to make it as simple as possible for drivers to navigate the verification process and for brokers and shippers to respond. Clicking a text message link and uploading a quick photo encourages compliance by eliminating the need to download and employ yet another application, and ultimately secures the full chain of custody.”

While existing supply chain verification tools predominantly focus on vetting carriers before hiring to ensure accurate identities and proper operating authority, QuikSkope introduces an additional layer of security at the individual load level.

Its primary objective is not to replace the existing vetting process but to complement it, ensuring that the selected carrier and driver are indeed the ones executing the load. This approach significantly reduces the risk of double brokering, according to the company.

QuikSkope provides deployment flexibility, allowing users to implement it on a per-load basis or opt for a subscription plan. With its advanced features, QuikSkope aims to enhance the overall security and reliability of supply chain operations for all stakeholders involved.

Source: Overdrive

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