Exceptional driver performance builds high-performing fleets

Solera uses the power of telematics, video, AI and machine learning, and cloud-based technologies to monitor driver behavior. Driver efficiency, on-time performance, adherence to regulations, fidelity to assigned routes, fuel usage, violations, and incidents are among the metrics observed and analyzed. The data is used to create benchmarks, score driver performance, inform training programs, and track the results. 

Metrics should include safety, fuel efficiency, on-time performance, adherence to regulations, and customer satisfaction. Excess fuel usage often indicates excess idling or risky driving habits like fast acceleration, speeding, and hard braking. Telematics can provide specific information on those behaviors. Safety performance, road violations, and accident rates are key performance metrics. Working within HOS (Hours of Service) requirements, meeting delivery schedules and customer expectations, and timely vehicle health reporting are all key driver performance indicators.

 Telematics can capture driver performance in real time, taking note of speeding, hard braking and fast acceleration, unsafe cornering, tailgating, seatbelt usage, and distracted driving. It also tracks fuel consumption and idling time, issues in-cab alerts, monitors fatigue indicators, detects crashes, and tracks Hours of Service. Additionally, telematics can detect adherence to assigned routes and time spent per stop. Telematics can also create Driver Scorecards, encompassing Safety Scores, Fuel Efficiency Scores, and Productivity Scores.

Driver performance tracking software can log the specific activities that use fuel inefficiently and issue reports for training or other efforts to mitigate those behaviors. Driver behaviors that use excess fuel include speeding, fast acceleration, hard braking, and excess idling. Tracking adherence to assigned routes that have been system-designed for fuel efficiency and the driver’s performance of basic maintenance steps, such as checking tire pressure, also reduces fuel consumption.

Driver performance should be evaluated regularly. Monthly evaluations of fuel metrics, driving habits such as speeding or hard braking, HOS compliance, and on-time performance can address immediate issues. Quarterly evaluations can help monitor trends, such as accident and safety records, telematics-derived scorecards, and customer feedback. More comprehensive reviews should be performed annually, covering all driver performance metrics. Special reviews should be conducted in response to road incidents, and serious or frequent violations, and after completing training to see what has changed. For new hires, a review should be conducted at the end of the probationary period. 

The most important tools for improving performance are those that closely monitor driver performance and accurately report deficiencies, errors, incidents, and other training opportunities for fast and effective remediation. Driver Scorecards on safety, fuel efficiency, productivity, and other measures provide an excellent basis for customizing driver training programs. A driver performance software system can create benchmarks for standardizing driver performance measurements across the fleet and tracking progress toward improvements.

For a driver rewards program to be successful, it must be based on standardized benchmarks so it’s perceived as fair and objective. Fleet management can choose whatever form it thinks will be most appreciated and thus most effective, such as cash bonuses, paid time off, gift cards or actual gifts, or Employee of the Week, Month, or Year citations. Rewards and incentives can be tied to safety, customer service, fuel efficiency, or other driver performance metrics.