Technology makes it possible for motor carriers to put tight controls on load planning and routing and to keep close tabs on driver safety and performance. The downside of having such high levels of virtual control is that drivers can feel micromanaged and may choose to work elsewhere.
That’s why many fleets are looking for ways to strike a harmonious balance by using technology for operational control while giving drivers more flexibility and an overall better work experience.
Several announcements this week from technology suppliers highlight a trend of new tools that can help restore balance to both sides of the equation.
Flexible trip planning
Eleos added new route planning tools to its customizable mobile driver workflow app. Fleets that use the Eleos platform create their own company-branded version of the app.
Fleets now can specify on a per-load basis a maximum for out-of-route miles and toll costs. If a driver adds a stop in trip planning that results in a route that exceeds the maximum, the app will alert the driver to change the route plan to comply.
The new tools, Max Miles and Max Route, capture drivers’ intent to help fleets better plan and protect their load profitability by setting the maximum limits.
