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How Technology Can Improve Truck Driver Safety
Jun 17, 2021

Keeping our drivers safe should always be the primary concern of fleet managers. We work tirelessly to provide safe vehicles, safe routes, and safe procedures to our teams. We equip them with safety tips for truck drivers. But as the trucking industry advances, more and more technology emerges to help us achieve this goal, like predictive maintenance algorithms and driver monitoring systems. Let’s take a look at a few pieces of technology that can help improve truck driver safety.

Predictive Maintenance Monitoring

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: proactively dealing with potential maintenance issues is one of the most effective, strategic moves you can make in fleet management (Link to Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember).


Brake problems show up on the FMCSA’s list of the top 10 causes of truck driver accidents. Monitoring the performance and condition of your commercial vehicles allows fleet managers to proactively respond to potential mechanical problems in their trucks. If your fleet management software doesn’t include this type of vehicle monitoring (more on driver monitoring systems in a moment!), look for a system that can integrate with yours so that all of your fleet analytics are in one place. Predictive maintenance does more than just reduce the likelihood of accidents (though driver safety should be #1 on your mind at all times). It also reduces vehicle downtown and optimizes vehicle life, which both result in cost savings.

Driver Monitoring Systems

Electronic logging devices (or ELDs) are an excellent use of driver monitoring systems. Fatigued driving is another cause of accidents per the FMCSA’s top ten list, so monitoring your drivers’ hours on the road is important. Not only does this help you remain in compliance with the government’s regulations, it also reduces the likelihood that your drivers are too tired to do their jobs safely and effectively.


Many fleet managers are moving past ELDs and on to more extensive truck driver monitoring systems. Dash cams keep your drivers accountable, providing a detailed record of their behavior both in and out of the cab. It’s one of the trends taking over the trucking industry (link to 8 Fleet Management Trends), as it reduces the prevalence of distracted driving due to cell phone usage, eating, or other distracting activities while behind the wheel.

Emerging 5G Technology

5G technology is sending the whole trucking industry abuzz. Industry professionals across the spectrum are discussing the widespread benefit we’ll all see when this new mobile network becomes widely available. Smart trailer systems use sensors to communicate with the trailer for data transfer. This provides insight into tire inflation, cargo status, door openings, taillights, and antilock brakes. 5G will expand these capabilities by improving the speed at which data is transferred and aggregating the collected data in a meaningful way.


5G improves driver safety because it makes drivers more aware of their truck’s current status, but it will also have an incredible impact on the “smart” functionality of vehicles. Vehicles will have improved capabilities related to lane maintenance, speed detection, and eventually autonomous driving.

Autonomous Commercial Vehicles

It’s impossible to talk about technology in the trucking industry without mentioning autonomous commercial vehicles (Will Truck Driving Be Automated?). While many are worried about how autonomous vehicles will steal the jobs of truck drivers, the current applications have an incredible benefit for driver safety. Most current versions still require a driver to be present while automating basic driving functions in the right driving conditions.


This new technology will greatly reduce the frequency of human error, which attributes to most of the accidents we see across the world. Traffic flow interruptions, speeding, fatigue, and unfamiliarity with the roads are all entries onto the FMCSA’s top 10 accident causes list, and they’re all things that autonomous vehicles can overcome. Wondering how other changes to the trucking industry will impact driver safety, fleet management, and your team? Check out 8 Fleet Management Trends that are changing the way we do business.

Your Guide to the Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program

17 Jun, 2021
It’s impossible to think of the trucking industry without considering Amazon. In 2019, the company delivered 4.5 billion packages in the United States . Their Amazon Delivery Service Partner Program enables anyone with some startup capital the opportunity to get involved in their massively successful business venture. There are pros and cons to becoming an Amazon DSP, but the steady stream of work is certainly eye-catching to start-up trucking companies. Amazon lays out some of the most important information , but let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions.

Your Guide to DOT Background Check Requirements for Drivers

17 Jun, 2021
A thorough, compliant background screening program for your drivers should be the backbone of your hiring strategy. Background checks ensure that your new drivers have all of the qualifications necessary to do the job well and to best represent your company out on the road. Background checks also, of course, weed out any drivers with disqualifying criminal histories, a history of driving violations, and substance abuse problems. That’s why they should be a standard part of your fleet safety program anyway (link to “Fleet Safety Program: 4 Important Things to Remember”). In our regulated industry, a DOT background check is required. Here’s how DOT background check requirements differ from standard employment screening.

Will Truck Driving Be Automated?

17 Jun, 2021
It’s the question on the minds of truck drivers, owners, and delivery companies everywhere: will truck driving be automated? Automated trucks have been a conversation point for years now, with many worrying that technology advances will put millions of people out of work. Despite these concerns, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 5% growth for trucking employment in the coming years. While other industries struggle to adapt to new technology, the trucking industry is greatly benefiting from it. There are a range of opinions when it comes to this question, though most truck drivers seem confident that their jobs can’t (or at least won’t) be done by machines any time soon. Before getting into the trucking industry, it’s important that you take a look at the landscape and make an educated decision about it—but remember there will always be a need to move goods from one place to another, and the explosion in online ordering suggests that need is only going to expand. Let’s take a look at the current state of automated trucks as we dive into the question: will truck driving be automated?

What Is Carbon Neutral Shipping & How Do Companies Become Carbon Neutral?

17 Jun, 2021
Trucking and logistics is no longer just about getting materials from point A to point B. Much like consumers want to buy their products from socially responsible corporations or boycott businesses that don’t align with their beliefs, many companies want to work with trucking companies that prove they care about the environment. Whether due to their personal beliefs, to the corporate responsibility goals they’re mandated to meet, or to a desire to please their own customer base, you’re serving clients who will ask about your carbon neutral shipping practices sooner rather than later. Now is the time to start taking this topic seriously. Do you find yourself asking “what is carbon neutral shipping anyway?” Are you wondering why carbon neutral shipping might be a benefit? Curious to know how companies become carbon neutral? Keep reading to discover the answers to all of your questions about this climate-responsible approach to business.

What Do I Need to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
The trucking industry landscape is largely made up of small businesses—with over 90% of companies operating fewer than seven trucks—so there is room for you if you’re considering starting a small trucking business. Whether you’re a professional truck driver already or you’re just a prospective business owner looking to cash in on the projected growth in the industry, you can get on the road toward a successful business with our help. What do you need to start your own trucking business? Just a little bit of insight from Gold Star’s experts.

The Facts & Figures: How Much Does it Cost to Start a Trucking Company?

17 Jun, 2021
Are you ready to work for yourself? Find yourself wondering how much does it cost to start a trucking company? Some estimates anticipate between $10,000 and $20,000 to get started with a small trucking company, assuming you don’t have to factor in the average cost of a semi truck. What goes into the cost of starting a logistics company? Let’s take a look.
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