Routeware is on a mission to bring happiness back to the cab. How exactly?
We create technological solutions that are loved by drivers because they make their jobs easier and safer. Don’t take our word for it! We are proud to share some examples of successful tech adoption by very happy drivers.
The Big Ideas
Productivity
Drivers face many productivity barriers. From the predictable tasks of filling out reams of paperwork, manual notes for each stop, and pre- and post-trip checks to the less predictable challenges of, dealing with unhappy customers or route changes, drivers’ days often become a lot more hectic and complicated than necessary.
On residential routes in particular, returning for missed pick-ups is a huge productivity drain for drivers. Fortunately, a fully integrated in-cab solution and back-office solution providing service verification and driver exoneration is key to reducing go-back inefficiencies. For example, Waterloo, IA has eliminated go-backs utilizing one-touch service verification — and now has the proof to fight incorrect and unreasonable customer complaints, making driver’s lives easier.
With a connected platform in place, your team can push back on customer requests for a go-back when the container wasn’t out, showcasing photographic evidence of the missed pick-up. And where collections were actually missed, dispatchers can quickly reschedule pick-ups or assign helper routes to maintain productivity and keep customers happy.
Consider how this kind of tech adoption removes barriers for drivers, so productivity goes up without them having to work harder or longer. It’s a much more sustainable strategy, both for fleet expenses and labor retention.
Onboarding & Route Changes Simplified
On-board computers that provide complete route information and turn-by-turn directions offer guidance and eliminate guesswork, allowing new and veteran drivers alike to feel confident about their work. With the use of tools such as these, driver training in Loveland, CO, has been reduced from three months to just two weeks.
“We can train a person to run a trash truck in two weeks, and after that, we can just let them go,” said Crew Supervisor Nathan Rasmussen.
Route optimization is also helping Loveland, CO drivers complete their routes faster. “Drivers used to finish so late, they weren’t able to do daily maintenance.” Now they finish earlier, complete daily maintenance, get home to their families, and keep their vehicles safe.
Similarly, new drivers in can run any route after one week of training using in-cab tablets. As John Settlemyer, Operations Supervisor for Solid Waste in Waco, TX explained, “It’s easier to train a driver when all they need to do is follow the dots. The tablet helps by telling them where to turn and makes them more efficient along the way.”
Similarly, drivers in Lexington, KY, had unequal workload, leading to some finishing much later than others and having to do much more work than others. We fixed that, equalizing driver workload across routes–and now Eddie Dean, IT Manager for Lexington’s Division of Waste Management, relies on Routeware for route optimization over the city’s one million monthly service points.
Communication, Collaboration and Trust
Day-to-day waste collection can be an adventure.
When help on routes is needed, our technology helps supervisors quickly iron out issues by dragging and dropping stops and work orders from truck to truck.
Without truck tech, fleet supervisors often rely on senior drivers to manage additional routes. With it, any driver can access the information they need to complete a route effectively, saving everyone time and sharing driver responsibilities more equitably
“You take the drivers who aren’t there that day and the trucks that are down, and you plug another truck in,” says Rasmussen of Loveland’s approach. “In organizing the day-to-day, it’s a game changer.”
Thanks to communication tools that connect team members on the street and in the office, real-time collaboration and transparency also get a boost. Plus, GPS helps supervisors keep tabs on trucks’ locations throughout the day, allowing them to monitor progress and manage workloads on the fly.
And when drivers encounter problems at the curb, they can easily capture a photo, automatically note the location, and pass it by — knowing without a doubt that their judgement will not be called into question.
At Pride Disposal and Recycling Company in Oregon, in-truck technology not only helps new drivers do their jobs; it also shows potential hires that the company is forward-thinking and innovative. “New drivers think it’s cool that we’re way more technologically advanced than they expected,” said Kristin Leichner, President.
Ownership & Pride Up, Stress Down
Drivers who use service confirmation tools take greater personal ownership of their routes and customers. They go the extra mile for their customers and take pride in their work, seeing the value of their effort is being recorded and knowing they have the resources to deliver excellent service consistently.
Meanwhile, route planning and optimization tools allow drivers to provide feedback on schedules and routes. This collaboration helps create routes that work in the real-world and significantly increases driver buy-in. Engaging drivers in the route design process enhances their investment in the job and supports retention. At Casella Waste Systems, a lack of driver visibility into routing changes created challenges with uptake and buy-in. Our enhanced transparency improved communication and driver confidence.
On the flip side, real-time service data and video eliminates conflicting accounts of events by providing a common set of facts. Drivers can confidently share accurate information with supervisors and customers, reducing misunderstandings and arguments. This clarity helps maintain a more positive and productive work environment. At Gaeta Green Environmental Services, a private hauler located in New York, cameras give drivers 360° views around vehicles and provide evidence in case of incident or accident, keeping drivers safe and out of trouble.
Data-Driven Driver Reward and Coaching Programs
The traditional approach to finding drivers is to offer one-time driver incentives, such as signing bonuses or assistance obtaining a CDL.
But in the long run, these measures are not changing current reality: career drivers are aging out and retiring, but fewer new drivers are taking their place. Even as demand is increasing, the labor pool is decreasing.
Instead of relying on dated compensation efforts to reduce driver turnover, fleet operators can use technology to better reward and motivate drivers.
With tools for fleet automation in place, supervisors have indisputable metrics and easy-to-understand visualizations based on objective data. This means they can reward drivers fairly and equitably. By focusing on rewarding drivers for profitable actions on an ongoing basis, a company can become an employer of choice for drivers.
And for the drivers who aren’t performing, we know that penalizing drivers for lack of performance doesn’t work.
What does work? Coaching.
Fleet automation tools allow haulers to approach driver management from the position of coach. The data collected by these tools can help driver coaches create clear expectations and provide individualized feedback to drivers for improvement in service and safe driving techniques.
What if a driver feels uncomfortable about being monitored? Rasmussen says it’s wise to address the elephant in the room. In Loveland, CO, supervisors proactively discuss the “big brother” aspect of technology, and drivers know they aren’t monitored unless there’s an issue.
In addition, drivers know that photo and GPS evidence collected through onboard computers can support and protect them in case of an accident.
Lastly, with personalized data and targets, drivers can strive for their own “personal best” against known targets.
In turn, these targets can drive employee rewards, benefits, and compensation in a fair, transparent, and engaging way, thus reducing driver turnover.
Takeaways
Routeware technology makes life easier for drivers by streamlining their workflows, simplifying their daily tasks and responsibilities, and getting them home earlier in the day.
Every driver deserves access to the tools they need to do a job they can be proud of. Our software for digital fleet operations empowers drivers to do their best, to communicate more seamlessly, and to work more effectively as part of the solid waste team.
Interested in learning more about what we can do for you? Get Started today with your initial quick and free consultation.
