At Challenger, managing data and utilizing technology in order to make sound business decisions is becoming more important in our day-to-day operations. The daily operations environment changes significantly each and every day due to the many challenges that we face such as inclement weather, road closures and delays at shippers (loading and unloading freight), causing hours of service delays and mechanical equipment issues. Without the use of technology to help provide visibility and knowledge, operations would be making decisions without knowing the outcomes and how they would impact our People, our Customers and our Profit. At Challenger, we have a wide range of technology providers and tools and I wanted to share some for them with you:

Satellite tracking is a key technology that we utilize on all our company and owner-operator units. With satellite tracking we are able to locate all of our tractors quickly and efficiently, we have direct messaging, history of routes travelled, where they trucks have stopped, driver ELOGs and electronic vehicle inspections reports. Currently, in cab scanning and printing, using satellite technology, is being trialed. Through our satellites, we are also provided with important safety information and truck performance data, such as miles per gallon, speeding, following too close, hard braking and many more key behaviors are being tracked to help improve safety. This information is used to inform us on how best to coach and improve our drivers’ habits on the road.

We have also recently implemented a new web-based tool that provides us the ability to manage MPG, productivity, service, safety, turnover and empty miles. With the implementation of this tool we have the unique ability to see all driver-based details in one location to help improve retention, improve safety and reduce costs.

The last item that I would like to talk about is a new tool that will provide our drivers directions where to fuel and how much fuel to purchase. Fueling locations will be on the current route that the drivers are travelling and will take into consideration the fueling location’s driver amenities, fuel pricing and taxes. With fuel being one of the top expenses, real time management is a key area to focus on.

At Challenger, we embrace innovation and are always looking for ways to improve our service and performance. As supply chain industry leaders, we have embraced new technology on many occasions foreseeing how it can help unite our company into an even better driving force, thereby creating more logical, productive and economical supply chain solutions.

Shawn Novak
Central Regional Manager