The most surprising finding about what equipment and technology the Best Fleets to Drive For have in common was that it wasn’t really about specific equipment or technology. The better question to ask was how the Best Fleets to Drive For use equipment and technology in ways that make them successful. That was the clear differentiator when speaking with Jane Jazrawy, chief executive officer of CarriersEdge—the company that produces the Best Fleets to Drive For program, which recognizes the for-hire fleets providing exceptional workplace experiences for their company drivers and independent contractors.
A few of the key standout features of how the Best Fleets to Drive For roll out new equipment and technology are that they have great relationships with their vendors, they adopt technology early but gradually, they utilize pilot programs, and they effectively manage change. And that’s just the half of it.
“When you want to start using a new technology, you can’t just say, ‘okay, here you go,'” Jazrawy said. “That’s when we see huge failures—when people implement technology at the last minute, do it across their entire fleet all at once, and the change just happens—bang, bang, bang. Drivers are like, ‘Whoa, what happened?’ Change is often good, but it takes time, and you have to manage it.”
Instead of getting swept away by every technological innovation that comes their way, successful fleets start by identifying a problem or challenge. Then they look for the technology that can best solve that specific problem, rather than adopting technology for technology’s sake. From there, they ensure that the change is gradual and keep the company informed and trained. It’s all about minimizing confusion, reducing resistance, and making everyone comfortable with the new equipment or technology.
Watch the video above for a deeper look at what can make technology and new equipment adoption successful in any fleet operation.
No script? No plan? No problem. Welcome to Fleet Equipment Unscripted—the video interview series that connects you with the greatest minds in the heavy-duty trucking world. Fleet Equipment Unscripted is sponsored by Hendrickson.
