SmartDrive Systems announced that Pottle’s Transportation has deployed the SmartDrive video-based safety program throughout its fleet.
“After consulting with other commercial trucking companies and industry professionals — and evaluating two systems in a head-to-head pilot program — we chose to adopt the SmartDrive video-based safety solution to better protect and exonerate our drivers,” said Chelsea Pottle Demmons, vice president of Pottle’s Transportation. “While still growing in popularity, it’s only a matter of time before video becomes industry standard. There’s no better way to know exactly what happens on the road or in the yard, and having this actionable insight is invaluable.”
Founded in 1962, Pottle’s Transportation is a family-owned and operated business with second and third generation family members currently in key management positions. The company provides truckload, logistics, yard management and warehousing services primarily in the eastern United States, with terminals located in Allentown, PA and Bangor, ME.
“As opposed to focusing on punitive action, the SmartDrive program is clearly designed to reward good drivers, as well as offer tailored coaching to those who need it,” continued Demmons. “This was a major factor in our drivers being so accepting of the new program; they understand it’s for their safety and protection. Some drivers have even shared with management that they are more conscious of their driving skills when making certain maneuvers such as wide turns and exiting highways.”
The SmartDrive system allows video to be offloaded and sent to a driver’s mobile phone within minutes of a collision, which can be used to exonerate drivers on the spot. Similarly, Pottle’s Transportation noted savings on vehicle maintenance, since worn tires and other maintenance issues can be detected with video.
Pottle’s Transportation is actively involved in organizations including American Trucking Associations (ATA), Truckload Carriers Association and Maine Motor Transport Association. Barry Pottle, president and CEO of Pottle’s Transportation is the current second vice chairman of the ATA, and will assume the role of first vice chairman at the ATA Management Conference and Exhibition in October 2017, and the role of chairman the following year.
