M&W Transportation Adopts SmartDrive Fleetwide to Improve Safety and Incentivize Drivers

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- SmartDrive Systems, a leader in driving performance solutions that reduce collisions and improve fuel efficiency, announced today that M&W Transportation Company, Inc. (M&W), a family-owned, asset-based truckload carrier, specializing in milk runs, reverse logistics, local shuttling and delivery, has deployed SmartDrive's video-based safety program across its fleet. While still early in deployment, M&W already credits significant progress in improved driving skills and safety to the program, with the overall SmartDrive safety score improving by 51 percent since the rollout.

M&W implemented SmartDrive's safety program to help protect its drivers by identifying what actually happened on the road when an incident occurred, highlighting areas for improvement and recognizing good driving. The company selected SmartDrive due to its open platform technology, as well as input from its insurance captive and feedback from existing SmartDrive customers about the positive impact the program had on their safety results and overall operational performance.

"Safety is at the core of our business," said Mike McFarlin, CEO of M&W. "We see SmartDrive's video-based program as a perfect complement to our philosophy, and a powerful tool for improving safety and protecting our drivers. In addition to hearing about the positive effect of SmartDrive's technology from our industry peers, we are already seeing significant improvements in safety, and have started using it in our safety incentive and reward program for drivers. We believe that when we are able to provide incentives along with our coaching, driving skills will take another giant step forward in a positive direction. It's great to reward our drivers for being safe."

SmartDrive's video-based safety program identifies unsafe driving with an open platform that captures video, vehicle, audio and driving data, and automatically offloads footage for expert review and analysis. Once the videos are scored for risk, drivers are prioritized for coaching, identifying good driving skills and those in need of development.

Within just six weeks of implementation, M&W has seen a 51 percent improvement in the SmartDrive overall Safety Score—a key performance benchmark to measure progress, at the driver, site and company level. In addition, risky driving has been significantly reduced—88 percent reduction in close-following, 69 percent improvement in stop sign compliance and 59 percent reduction in speeding. McFarlin notes that most of the drivers are already seeing the program as a valuable tool, enabling them to develop their skills and protect their interests.

"We applaud M&W Transportation for their approach to safety, leveraging video to identify, acknowledge and reward great driving," said Steve Mitgang, CEO of SmartDrive. "Setting goals and integrating video into an overall incentive program helps facilitate positive dialogue and partnership with drivers, while also substantially improving safety. M&W's proactive approach demonstrates that video-based safety can be a win-win for drivers and the company, and we are proud to welcome them as a customer."

For more information on SmartDrive Systems, please visit www.smartdrive.net.  

About M&W Logistics Group (www.mwlginc.com)

M&W, a 3PL company headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., with hubs in Memphis and Indianapolis, began in 1973 and remains family-owned and operated with a simple operating philosophy: Listening to their customers and providing the best possible solution to meet their needs in a cost-effective manner, valuing safety and professionalism. M&W takes the time to make sure all employees are equipped to meet the demanding needs of today's supply chain market. More information on the company can be found on our website at www.mwlginc.com and to learn more about our amazing drivers and to find out why we are industry leaders in retaining our drivers go to www.drivemw.com. #homewardbound

About SmartDrive Systems

SmartDrive Systems gives fleets and drivers unprecedented driving performance insight and analysis, helping save fuel, expenses and lives. Its video analysis, predictive analytics and personalized performance program help fleets improve driving skills, lower operating costs and deliver significant ROI. With an easy-to-use managed service, fleets and drivers can access and self-manage driving performance anytime, anywhere. The company has compiled the world's largest storehouse of more than 70 million analyzed risky-driving events. SmartDrive Systems is based in San Diego, Calif., and employs more than 400 people worldwide.

Follow SmartDrive on:

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/smartdrivesystemsinc
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/smartdriveinc
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/smartdrivesystemsinc
LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/smartdrive-systems

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140923/148038

SOURCE SmartDrive Systems