News
Enhanced Communication Tech Could Increase Driver Satisfaction, Retention
A groundbreaking technology company, Ten5 Inc., has entered the trucking industry, introducing an innovative communication tool designed to enhance driver safety and retention. The company’s hands-free voice assistant leverages proprietary voice technology and artificial intelligence to facilitate secure communication between drivers and fleet back offices while on the road.
CEO Drew Ryder highlighted the shortcomings of current fleet communication methods, predominantly text-based or phone calls, citing their inefficiency and potential distractions. Ten5’s voice platform eliminates these barriers, providing a streamlined communication experience for drivers.
“The main goal here was that we wanted to make it completely hands-free with no level of distraction so they’re not having to look down at the device and touch things,” Ryder said.
Accessible through an app on any Android device, such as a tablet with an ELD in the truck’s cab, the voice platform is activated with a simple “Hey Ten5” command, akin to popular voice assistants like Alexa or Siri. Drivers can then specify the message type – urgent, comment, or complaint – and articulate their message. The platform, detecting the completion of the message, replays it and seeks confirmation for sending.
Once a driver sends a message, it reaches the dispatcher or fleet manager, who can respond or forward it to relevant administrators like safety directors, maintenance managers, or HR personnel. Back-office staff can access the platform via a web browser, requiring only a computer with a microphone and speaker.
Addressing the challenge of managing large groups of drivers assigned to a single dispatcher, Ten5’s platform offers two fleet-initiated communication methods: direct messages to a single driver or broadcast messages to a group of drivers. This addresses communication gaps that can lead to safety and retention issues.
“If I’ve got 50 drivers and 10 of those all wanted something from me at the same time, they’re going to get frustrated because you can’t get to all 10 at the same time,” Ryder said.
The platform categorizes messages into urgent, comment, or complaint, enabling fleet managers to prioritize responses. It provides analytics on message types, recording reception times and issue resolution durations. Ryder emphasized the platform’s value in maintaining the chain of custody for messages, ensuring promises made to drivers are visible and facilitating better organization and access to conversations.
“That for us is a key metric in driver satisfaction and reducing frustration because from everything we’re seeing and hearing, the main reason drivers are leaving fleets is because they just don’t feel they’re being heard; if they have a concern, it’s not being acknowledged enough, and there’s no communication,” Ryder said. “If the driver has said something, and a promise was made to them, that’s all available for everyone to see, and now there’s less, ‘I forgot about that. I didn’t get to that’ because the platform enables managers to be more organized with better access to conversations.”
Beyond improving retention by fostering a sense of team inclusion and issue resolution, the platform enhances safety through its entirely hands-free design. Evidence suggests that frustrated drivers are less safe, exhibiting more aggressive behavior and reduced care for equipment and customer service. The platform’s broadcast communication method allows fleets to send mass messages on safety, fuel efficiency, traffic alerts, or company-wide bulletins. It also enables scheduled messages, surveys, and aggregated response reports.
“We humanize the connection with the driver and fleet management,” he said. “We believe voice is a critical method for communication because it’s very personal, particularly if it’s in the voice of a leader. We convey a lot more than just words with voice. There’s also emotion; people can pick up on nuances.”
Furthermore, Ten5’s platform aids in connecting fleets with new drivers, allowing back-office staff to send personalized or mass messages throughout the crucial first 90 days of employment. This proactive engagement helps reduce turnover, and drivers can respond to these messages.
Ryder highlighted the platform’s potential for expansion and evolution based on fleet feedback, emphasizing its capacity for deeper analysis of daily conversations.
“Our voice experience right now is pretty basic; it just messages back and forth,” he said. “To do some of that analysis that I referred to earlier, we’re essentially building this domain-specific large language model behind it with the idea being that whether you’re a driver or a back-office person, you can simply query that to get an answer to a question … and it just will allow faster access to information so they can make decisions.”
While planning aggressive product enhancements, Ten5 aims to stay within the communication and business intelligence segment of the trucking industry.
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
Supply Chain Turmoil Hits Drivers as Costs and Shortages Persist
“Due to the exorbitant cost of shipping, we have had to raise prices to our customers as well as order eight months’ worth of inventory, eight months in advance.” — Hanna from The Crown Choice
The anticipated recovery year turned into ongoing supply chain disruptions, with raw material shortages and factories in China operating on limited schedules. The cost of shipping containers has skyrocketed, impacting small businesses and their ability to order inventory effectively.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
Shipping costs are at an all-time high, which could mean higher operating costs for you as a driver. If you’re hauling goods for small businesses, expect them to pass these costs along in the form of higher order rates or delayed payments.
Fuel costs are also likely to be affected as ripple effects from supply chain disruptions impact pricing. Keep an eye on fuel surcharges and budget accordingly to avoid surprises in your expense sheet.
If you’re relying on contracts with big retailers, be prepared for potential delays. Mass retailers are struggling with empty shelves, which might lead to fewer loads as they adjust to the new normal.
Load availability may shift as businesses look to diversify their supplier base. Stay flexible and ready to adjust your routes based on changing demand and supply scenarios.
How are shipping costs affecting my job?
High shipping costs are driving businesses to increase prices, which may lead to fewer shipments or altered contracts. Be prepared to adjust to these changes.
Will this affect fuel prices?
Yes, supply chain disruptions can influence fuel prices, so keep an eye on trends and potential surcharges that may affect your operating costs.
What about load availability?
Load availability could fluctuate as businesses adjust their supply chains. Flexibility in routes and contracts will be crucial to maintaining steady work.
How can I prepare for potential delays?
Keep in close contact with your logistics partners and clients. Understanding their challenges can help you anticipate delays and adjust your schedule accordingly.
Is there anything I can do to mitigate these costs?
Consider renegotiating rates and contracts to account for increased costs, and explore new markets and clients who may offer more stable opportunities.
Key Strategies for Effective Remote Worker Time Management
Remote work has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to technological advancements and changing attitudes towards work-life balance.
The article discusses various strategies and tools to enhance time management for remote workers. It covers setting expectations, choosing appropriate time tracking tools, and maintaining accountability to improve productivity in a remote work environment.
What This Means for Your Wallet and Your Miles
For drivers who also manage remote workers or work remotely themselves, the right time tracking tools can streamline operations and improve productivity. This could potentially reduce overhead costs and increase efficiency.
Setting clear expectations regarding availability and communication can help avoid misunderstandings and reduce downtime, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks and deadlines.
Establishing a routine can help you make the most of your work hours, allowing more time for driving or managing logistics without affecting performance.
Regularly reviewing and adjusting your time management practices can help identify inefficiencies, allowing you to make changes that enhance productivity and ensure a steady flow of income.
How can I improve time management for my remote workers?
Set clear expectations for work hours and communication, use effective time tracking tools, and establish routines to optimize productivity.
What are some recommended time tracking tools?
Popular options include Toggl, BuddyPunch, RescueTime, and Harvest, each offering different features suited to various needs.
How often should I review my time tracking practices?
Regular reviews, ideally monthly, can help identify areas for improvement and ensure your practices remain effective and aligned with goals.
Why is accountability important in remote work?
Accountability helps maintain productivity and motivation, ensuring that tasks are completed efficiently and on time.
What should I do if my current routine isn’t working?
Be flexible and willing to adjust your routine or try new tools and strategies to find a setup that maximizes productivity and fits your work style.
An Illinois-based trucker, Moath Musamih, from Orland Park, has been formally indicted in Ohio on grand theft charges for allegedly avoiding nearly $22,000 in turnpike tolls. The indictment, filed on April 21 by a Williams County grand jury, accuses Musamih of a fourth-degree felony relating to unpaid tolls, with potential penalties including up to 18 months imprisonment, a $5,000 fine, and restitution.
Prosecutors assert that Musamih’s truck was monitored with open-road tolling technology for close to two years. Despite receiving multiple payment notifications, the tolls remained unpaid. The indictment also includes a clause to confiscate the 2012 Freightliner Cascadia allegedly used in these offenses.
County Chief Investigator Andrew Skiles noted that the Ohio State Highway Patrol had been keeping tabs on Musamih for some time due to the unpaid tolls. According to Skiles, Musamih is an owner-operator whose vehicle, reportedly registered under his wife’s name, was regularly tracked traveling extensive distances on the Ohio Turnpike using an E-ZPass transponder.
An Ohio State Highway Patrol officer encountered Musamih at a service plaza on eastbound Interstate 80, where an incident report was filed for “Theft by Deception.” The report included accusations of theft without consent and engaging in corrupt activities.
Williams County Prosecutor Katherine Zartman opted for criminal proceedings against Musamih due to the significant total of approximately $21,991 in unpaid tolls over an extensive period from April 2024 to April 2026. The decision to pursue a fourth-degree felony charge was influenced by Musamih’s alleged repeated offenses and the proposed forfeiture of his semi-truck as it was deemed contraband linked to the criminal activity.
The Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission, through its advanced open-road tolling system launched in April 2024, identified Musamih. Executive Director Ferzan Ahmed emphasized the aim to maintain optimal conditions on the turnpike while highlighting the challenges posed by companies that fail to settle their toll liabilities, despite numerous reminders and collection attempts.
In a broader context, the commission recently disclosed a list of 315 trucking companies accused of evading $5.2 million in tolls over the past two years, indicating a widespread issue with rogue operators.
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