Carter Express Selects SmartDrive Program

Carrier Reduced Risky Driving by 67% During Pilot Program

SmartDrive Systems, a leader in video-based safety and transportation intelligence, today announced Carter Express, an international motor carrier and logistics company, is deploying the SmartDrive^® program across its entire fleet of more than 750 vehicles. Company leaders selected the SmartDrive program following a thorough competitive review, citing the 67% decrease in unsafe driving behavior achieved during a head-to-head pilot, along with excellent customer service and innovative platform approach, as reasons for the decision.

“Before we began exploring video-based safety, we had seen an increase in speeding across the fleet, which was affecting our CSA BASIC score,” commented Doug Warnke, risk manager at Carter Express. “Putting safety first every time is at the heart of what we call Carter PRIDE, and it led us to turn to video as a way to make sure our drivers get home safely every night. Since adopting the SmartDrive program, we’ve significantly reduced speeding frequency and look forward to focusing on other opportunities to reduce risk.”

Headquartered in Anderson, Ind., Carter Express was founded in 1980 with three trucks. The company quickly grew and developed its Shared Milkrun—a large network of routes, partners and facilities that work together to create greater supply chain efficiency—which is a key differentiator for the fleet. Today, the Carter family of companies includes Carter Logistics, as well as facilities in Texas, the Midwest and Mexico.

With a growing roster of customers requiring continued focus on operational efficiency, as well as an ongoing focus on safety, company leadership sought a technology solution that would not only identify risky driving behavior, but also ensure a collaborative, constructive approach to driving improvement. When Warnke and his team started looking at video-based safety, they initially decided to pilot two systems. Shortly after launching the program, drivers began to express their appreciation for the company’s concerns about their safety, willingness to invest in additional technology and the opportunity to engage in constructive coaching sessions enabled by the SmartDrive fully managed program.

“Here at Carter, we treat every team member with respect and also seek to create safe roadways for members of the broader communities where our fleet operates. We tested two video safety systems and SmartDrive was the clear favorite,” continued Warnke. “We picked the SmartDrive program due to the high quality of the hardware, superior customer service and clear driver benefits. Our drivers appreciate the privacy mode, accessible keypad and dual cameras that provide flexibility to avoid recording the drivers’ berth.”

Recognizing the importance of ensuring driver buy-in for the overall success of the SmartDrive program, Carter managers and executives worked diligently from early in the rollout planning to communicate the benefits of the SmartDrive safety program and, specifically, how this program would benefit the drivers. Communications included multiple safety meetings, a letter to all drivers explaining the decision to deploy SmartDrive, various newsletter articles about the cameras and multiple opportunities for drivers to provide feedback. As a result, there was very little pushback as drivers understood how the program would benefit them and improve their everyday safety.

“Carter Express is a growing fleet that recognizes the value of video-based safety and turned to SmartDrive because of our demonstrated commitment to outstanding service, innovation and value,” stated Steve Mitgang, SmartDrive CEO. “Doug and the Carter Express team put the SmartDrive program to the test and quickly realized the SmartDrive Promise is more than words on a page. Every day, we put our customers first; deliver video in minutes, not days; safeguard drivers and business; and protect companies’ technology investment, saving fleets money and more.”

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