Getting the word out

Laumann also sent out monthly newsletters that included general safety information, and two lists of drivers, one showing all drivers who had violation-free DOT inspections, and another list showing drivers with DOT violations—and what those violations were. “We developed an incentive program to encourage drivers to be ready for violation-free DOT inspections by completing thorough pre- and post-trip equipment inspections, and to maintain current log books in compliance with hours-of-service regulations,” he says.

Laumann goes on to note that while these efforts did initially improve compliance, the fleet was still not reaching the level of compliance it wanted, which would be essential to achieve both from a safety and a business standpoint.

“Due to our efforts, our safety performance was improving,” Laumann says. “Because of past performance, however, we were the subject of a thorough FMCSA Compliance Review [audit] in 2008, the results of which showed huge improvement in compliance and safety performance. Throughout the process, we tried to stay in touch with the drivers. We encouraged feedback from drivers, and we evaluated that feedback, always looking for ways to improve our safety performance, efficiency, and overall operations.”

To help with hours of service compliance, the fleet began researching and testing electronic logging systems. It assigned electronic logging devices to a cross-section of drivers for testing. The drivers chosen to test equipment had experience with technology ranging from no experience to being very familiar with technology.

“After systems testing, we chose Zonar, whose system was very reliable and fit our needs,” Laumann says.

The fleet began installing Zonar Systems equipment, including the 2020 Mobile Communications Tablet, in all company trucks in January 2015.

Laumann explains, “Zonar has the capability beyond that of most electronic logging systems to help with equipment inspections. It seemed to be a very good fit for our company, and an excellent tool to help us improve our operations and maintain safety compliance.”

“Since implementing Zonar, we have seen very marked improvement in hours of service compliance,” Laumann reports. “We have had very few hours of service violations since January, and our CSA scores have reflected that improvement. Our driver’s individual compliance is very easily monitored on a daily basis, which also allows immediate feedback to drivers, rather than monthly feedback on paper logs. Our drivers have responded very well. Many were unsure and even resistant of electronic logs at first, however, most now accept electronic logs and have been quite cooperative.”

Zonar’s electronic vehicle inspection reporting (EVIR) system has also impacted the maintenance program, with immediate notification to the shop of problems found during driver inspections and documentation that drivers did or did not actually walk around the equipment to complete proper inspections.

RFID tags are placed at various locations on the trucks and trailers. When drivers conduct their inspections, they touch the 2020 tablet to each RFID tag, which provides a list of nearby components for drivers to inspect. The interactive EVIR app prompts them to look for specific component damage. It can also track when drivers started their inspections and when they completed them.

Laumann says, “Shortly after we began installing Zonar in our equipment, we were again audited by FMCSA. This audit, as we expected, showed improvement in compliance safety regulations and safety performance. Our staff in the safety department can, through the use of Zonar, very easily monitor driver’s performance and compliance, as well as better monitor maintenance issues. We continue to see steady improvement in our safety performance, and that improvement is reflected in our constantly improving CSA scores, especially in the areas of hours of service and maintenance.

“Avoiding CSA violations and overall safety performance work hand-in-hand,” concedes Laumann. “Within any company everyone needs to be involved—including top management, staff, maintenance, operations and drivers—to be successful. Change is not always easy, but it is often necessary.”