Trimac Transportation has completed a six-week pilot program testing hands-free technology aimed at improving driver safety and dispatch efficiency, the company announced in a news release.
The pilot, conducted in Fairburn, Ga., involved 15 drivers using a third-party voice-activated messaging app to send and receive texts using only voice commands. The system eliminates manual device use, allowing drivers to remain focused on the road while receiving updates, adjusting routes, or responding to unexpected changes in real-time.
“I like that you can communicate without texting or pulling over—it’s just safer than a phone call,” said company driver Shelton Davison in the release. Fellow driver Billy McDonald added, “You’re not taking your eyes off the road. You are staying focused. In my opinion, it’s just a lot safer doing it this way.”
Trimac dispatchers also reported improvements in efficiency. “Using the software has been fantastic because it allows me to communicate with drivers while they are in their cabs, eliminating concerns about their safety during those interactions,” said dispatcher Braxton Johnson. “It has also improved communication with some of my less tech-savvy drivers, enabling me to quickly relay important information to them.”
The voice-activated solution integrates with Trimac’s existing in-cab electronic logging devices and does not require additional hardware or software. Based on the pilot’s success, the company has approved a phased rollout, starting regionally before expanding to the local level.
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