Limiting damage claims thanks to intelligent AI dashcams

Accelerating work processes is also part of this

To set up work processes more efficiently, improve daily contact with drivers and optimize road safety on the road, Roelofs Transport partnered with Samsara. The company installed AI dashcams in the trucks to gain insight into the drivers' driving behavior and also made vehicle and transport data accessible via the Connected Operations™ Cloud to accelerate work processes.

Over the past three decades, Hans Roelofs, founder of Roelofs Transport, has seen his family business grow into an international transport company with a fleet of more than 50 Scania trucks. They operate on routes between the Netherlands and Italy. Roelofs' telematics system, which was used to stay in touch with drivers and manage them effectively, proved unable to cope with the rapid growth. A new system was needed that not only monitors whether the drivers adhere to the legal driving and rest periods, but also provides insight into their driving behavior. Roelofs faced incidents that resulted in significant costs due to repairs, cargo damage and higher insurance premiums. After searching for an advanced solution to track its growing fleet, gain insight into driver behavior, and address problems effectively and in real time, Roelofs Transport finally arrived at Samsara.

Integration with TMS

The company initially chose Samsara's front-facing AI dashcams, but quickly saw the broader potential for improving safety and reducing risk to vehicles and cargo. Samsara installed the cameras in Roelofs' fleet of vehicles, providing in-depth insights into driver behavior with minimal disruption. Incidentally, the Vehicle Gateway not only transmits the video images but also provides diagnostic vehicle data, enriching operational insights. In addition, Samsara provided the customization process for integration with Roelofs' Transport Management System (TMS) to better comply with complex regulatory requirements.

Safety and coaching

Monitoring driver behavior is just one of the benefits of dual-facing dashcams. They also protect drivers in incidents caused by other road users. In Italy, for example, a motorist cut off a Roelofs truck, forcing the driver to suddenly brake hard. The truck and its load sustained €16,000 in damage. Dashcam video footage left no doubt as to who was at fault, after which the Italian police prosecuted the motorist. 

Roelofs Transport also uses the cameras for AI-driven Virtual Coaching. This real-time feature gives drivers instant feedback on incidents, already bringing attention to driving behavior on the road. Virtual Coaching also improves driver safety by alerting drivers to risky behavior such as tailgating or not wearing seat belts. This coaching on the road is popular with Roelofs' drivers. With Samsara Virtual Coaching, they evaluate incidents on the same day or during the next stop, improving driving behavior almost immediately. The AI dashcams with virtual coaching have reduced the number of non-fault claims by 60% and the drivers, who are sometimes on the road for up to two weeks, do not have to attend time-consuming training sessions in the office.

Mobile Experience Management 

Another Samsara feature recently tested by Roelofs is Mobile Experience Management. It allows the office team to tailor mobile device use to the situation in the cab and the productivity needed in the field. Roelofs can easily create and change device policies so that drivers have access to the right apps and settings for their jobs. But Roelofs can also restrict access to non-essential apps and mute notifications when a vehicle is moving and drivers need to keep their attention on the road. 

Fewer work processes

Samsara's impact extended beyond safety to include efficiency and cost effectiveness. Samsara's Vehicle Gateway provides Roelofs with enhanced telematics functions that optimize routes, improve customer service and reduce fuel waste. They also impacted operational work at Roelofs by streamlining work processes and improving productivity. Roelofs was able to significantly reduce the number of processes. Whereas a delivery from order receipt to delivery previously consisted of 88 processes, that number has been reduced to 4 thanks to the various Samsara integrations. With some 400 orders in the week, that means enormous time and cost savings.

Innovation through collaboration

The partnership has enabled Roelofs Transport to fully exploit the potential of the Connected Operations™ Cloud, resulting in benefits such as improved efficiency, reduced fuel wastage and streamlined work processes. Real-time insight into driver behavior leads to improved driving behavior and safe transportation of cargo, increasing delivery reliability. As Samsara continues to roll out innovative features, visionary companies like Roelofs Transport will be able to offer their customers many more benefits over time.