SmartDrive

Daimler gets FMCSA to consider rule changes for windshield cameras

Federal regulators will consider revising rules for windshield-mounted cameras in trucks that would make filing for exemptions unnecessary.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposal, made at the request of Daimler Trucks North America and scheduled to be published on Tuesday, would increase the area within which a vehicle safety technology device – also known as an Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) – can be mounted on the inside of a truck windshield, from 4 inches to 8.5...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/daimler-gets-fmcsa-to-consider-rule-changes-for-windshield-cameras

Nonprofit startup targeting owner-operators for safety investments

Small trucking companies looking to up their safety game at more affordable rates now have another option.

The Independent Carrier Safety Association (ICSA), an Arizona-based nonprofit [501(c)(6)] startup, is providing training and education for small carriers, which includes offering reduced rates for investments that improve safety.

“The whole concept of our organization is to get small carriers and independent truckers into a safety mindset and providing them cost-effective tools that they may...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/nonprofit-startup-targeting-owner-operators-for-safety-investments

The Daily Dash: Rates are rising

The Daily Dash is a quick look at what is happening in the freight ecosystem. In today’s edition, spot rates are climbing quickly across the country as capacity continues to tighten. Plus, a specialized hauler thrives during COVID-19 and Omnitracs gets a ratings review following its announced acquisition of SmartDrive.

Runaway rates

Freight rates continue to rise, with nearly half the lanes in the country seeing per-mile rates above $3. That means carriers are being more selective about what they...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/the-daily-dash-rates-are-rising

Two agencies cut Omnitracs’ debt rating after SmartDrive purchase

Telematics and ELD provider Omnitracs has had its debt rating downgraded by both S&P Global Ratings and Moody’s because of its acquisition of SmartDrive.

But the news wasn’t all negative. The downgrade essentially comes down to math, with new debt taken on by Omnitracs pushing its debt metrics to a level that essentially required a downgrade. But both S&P Ratings and Moody’s were mostly positive in discussing the long-term impact of the Omnitracs purchase. 

The reports on the downgrade also...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/two-agencies-cut-omnitracs-debt-rating-after-smartdrive-purchase

‘Convergence’ key to Omnitracs’ acquisition of SmartDrive

Omnitracs’ purchase of SmartDrive, announced early Wednesday, is going to create a “new, converged category” by putting together the video services of SmartDrive with Omnitracs’ current telematics capabilities.

That was the description of the value of putting the two companies together in a deal whose price tag is unknown. 

Talking about convergence is nothing new at SmartDrive. In a video interview last year, SmartDrive CEO Steve Mitgang used that term to discuss his company’s strategy.

Responding...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/convergence-key-to-omnitracs-acquisition-of-smartdrive

Breaking News: Omnitracs acquiring SmartDrive

Fleet technology provider Omnitracs is acquiring SmartDrive, a company known primarily for video technology in trucks but that has attempted to push into other telematics-based applications in recent years. 

The price of the purchase was not disclosed.

“SmartDrive’s proven video-based safety program integrated with Omnitracs’ best-in-class driver workflow and complemented by the companies’ unmatched years of collective transportation intelligence present an opportunity to streamline and enhance...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/breaking-news-omnitracs-acquiring-smartdrive

SmartDrive releases new driver alert systems: Bad weather and parked vehicles

SmartDrive is rolling out two new products aimed at increasing driver safety, but unlike its other safety-focused core product, the new ones won’t involve cameras directly.

Instead, they will be fed by actual and virtual sensors, combining data to provide drivers with information on safety hazards they might encounter on the road.

The first product, SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions, will be powered by data that combines changing information on weather conditions with the contours of the...

https://www.freightwaves.com/news/smartdrive-releases-new-driver-alert-systems-bad-weather-and-parked-vehicles

Nuclear verdict prevention: Is there any hope for fleets?

Nuclear trucking verdicts

Over the past few years, there has been a surge in nuclear verdicts against the trucking industry. Nuclear verdicts are jury judgments that award penalties over $10 million. This warrants a focus by trucking fleets on risk management, as such verdicts can force companies to declare bankruptcy, adding to the distress already prevalent in the industry today. Effective risk-management strategies potentially can lead to lower insurance premiums as well.

One of the primary reasons for such massive...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/nuclear-verdict-prevention-is-there-any-hope-for-fleets

Preventing trucking fleets from falling prey to nuclear verdicts

Preventing trucking fleets from falling prey to nuclear verdicts (Photo: Jim Allen/FreightWaves)

Over the past few years, there has been a surge in nuclear verdicts against the trucking industry. Nuclear verdicts are jury judgments that award penalties over $10 million. This warrants a focus by trucking fleets on risk management, as such verdicts can force companies to declare bankruptcy, adding to the distress already prevalent in the industry today. 

One of the primary reasons for such massive verdicts is the lack of exculpatory evidence on the part of the trucking companies, making it a...

https://s29755.pcdn.co/news/preventing-trucking-fleets-from-falling-prey-to-nuclear-verdicts