Bulkmatic implemented the SmartDrive program in 2014, and has since achieved a 50 percent reduction in the number of DOT-recordable accidents. The company now maintains a DOT-recordable accident rate 40 percent below the national average, and says the program has exonerated its drivers in more than 90 incidents.
“Based on both the immediate results we achieved following our initial rollout of the SmartDrive system, as well as the sustained safety improvements we’ve realized, the decision to continue our partnership was an easy one,” said Terry McAdams, vice president of safety at Bulkmatic Transport. “The SmartDrive program has allowed us to proactively identify risky driving behavior, coach our drivers and eliminate associated risk. The results are indisputable; you need only look at the significant reduction in our accident rate.”
A privately-owned company founded in the 1970s, Bulkmatic has nearly 500 vehicles that operate in the United States and Mexico to provide logistics for bulk food grade, plastics and dry chemical products.
“When we initially installed the SmartDrive program, the numbers were eye-opening. Three years later, the numbers still remain reduced. That’s invaluable,” added McAdams.
Bulkmatic has received the National Tank Truck Carriers Safety Improvement Award for the past eight years.
“Many companies have policies concerning speeding, following distance, etc., but unless you have something in place to actually assess how you’re doing, the effectiveness of the policy can’t easily be evaluated,” stated McAdams. “For example, we have a prohibition on texting or dialing when driving. Cameras allow us to monitor actual behavior and confirm the many behaviors our drivers are doing right, and work with them on correcting any behaviors that pose a risk.”
The video-based safety program has also supported the company’s new business development efforts, by helping to ensure compliance with customers’ rigorous safety standards.
“We’re proud of our nearly 100 percent customer renewal rate,” said Steve Mitgang, SmartDrive CEO. “Bulkmatic joins many other fleets in citing SmartDrive’s outstanding service, as well as the results we deliver to fleets, as the basis for their decision to renew.”
