In this video, Russ Salo interviews Kelly Mac, Operations Manager for the largest and highest grossing garbage bin delivery and disposal franchise in North America – 1-800-Got-Junk.
Here are the main takeaways from the video:
Why did you decide to install GPS fleet tracking?
We opened the first franchise in Toronto, in 1999. We have a fleet of 22 well-maintained trucks, and we typically hire young drivers aged 20-30, who are not professional drivers. They are college students who are personable and work well with our customers.
We are committed to providing great service, and we have the highest revenue in the franchising system currently.
What were some of the challenges you wanted to overcome by installing GPS?
We have younger drivers, having GPS truck tracking let’s them know that there’s accountability, that if they’re speeding, or if they’re not where they’re supposed to be, or not on time, we know.
We wanted to make sure our drivers were reporting on time for service; they drive better because they know they’re being monitored. The Ministry of Transportation is happy with our performance and we have seen better results in the Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration (CVOR) system.
The CVOR system tracks the on-road safety performance of large trucks. The goal of the CVOR system is to improve road safety for all users of Ontario highways by having an effective monitoring and intervention system for all carriers. Poor performance may result in the loss of privileges to operate commercial motor vehicles. – Ministry of Transportation
We opted not to perform the Geotab hidden installation as it required that the truck either go offsite, or that all trucks be present in our lot. This didn’t work with our business model, so plugging in the Geotab tracking devices was far easier and simpler. Besides, the fact that the drivers know they’re being tracked is enough to make them be more diligent drivers.
What improvements have you noticed since the Geotab tracking devices were installed?
Our drivers have been on time, the day-to-day dispatching operations are smoother because we have a better sense of where everyone is. Now we don’t have to call drivers and distract them anymore – we can just look at the screen and know where they are, if a driver is on their way.
We have a centralized dispatching system, an internal software sale center that coordinates all our dispatches. So even if customers book online, or via the mobile site, the app or via the phone, the bookings pop up on our screen.
We get bookings from locations all over the city, so if we know that a job could be more suited for a truck that’s in a closer geographic zone, Geotab helps us redirect the truck, and we can dispatch the truck driver that is closer to the job.
What are some other surprising benefits to using Geotab/GPS?
We originally thought about hiding the Geotab GPS from our drivers, so they wouldn’t see it. But it’s ok, the drivers are fine knowing that they’re being monitored. There hasn’t been a real push back with this new technology. A lot of our drivers are young and very comfortable with technology. What if a truck gets stolen? Where did you leave the truck? Our drivers see the value in having GPS installed.
This is just one of the many customer stories on how GPS fleet tracking can improve your business – making you more efficient, offer better customer service, promote safer driving, and more. Try out our fleet tracking system with our easy $50 trial offer; no contract, cancel anytime, purchase whenever you’re ready and get the $50 credited. Easy as that.
Happy tracking,
Russ Salo, President
GPS to GO, now you know
