Plastic Express Collaboration Improves Fleet Safety with Data-Driven Solutions
In a world where fleet management and logistics demand razor-sharp precision, it’s no surprise that companies are leaning heavily on cutting-edge technology to keep their operations running smoothly.
One such organisation is Plastic Express, a veteran-owned third-party logistics (3PL) company, which, through smart partnerships, has set a new standard for fleet safety and efficiency. By collaborating with industry heavyweights like Netradyne, Geotab, and Gridline, Plastic Express has drastically improved driver behaviour, reduced safety incidents, and refined operational efficiency. Here’s how these partnerships have revolutionised their fleet operations.
Elevating Fleet Safety
Since its founding in 1970, Plastic Express has grown to become a major player in the plastics transportation industry. With 250 semi-trucks, over 4.2 million square feet of warehouse space, and 30 bulk truck terminals spread across the U.S., the company prides itself on ensuring the safe and efficient movement of plastic resin. But managing such a large fleet comes with its own set of challenges, particularly around safety. Enter Netradyne, Geotab, and Gridline—the powerhouse trio that worked closely with Plastic Express to develop a data-driven solution that focuses on driver safety and operational efficiency.
Recognising the need to prioritise safety, Plastic Express initially sought a partner who could help them integrate cutting-edge camera technology with their fleet operations. That search led them to Gridline, a leading fleet safety and telematics company. Gridline facilitated the integration of Geotab’s telematics system and Netradyne’s driver and road-facing cameras, offering a holistic solution that not only tracks driving behaviour but provides real-time feedback to help drivers improve on the go.
“We’ve elevated safety to a value as part of our I-ACT-Safe initiative,” remarked David Edgarton, AVP of Environmental Health and Safety at Plastic Express. “Gridline analytics allowed us to combine Geotab and Netradyne systems at a technology and customer service level. It’s hard to remember what it was like ever dealing with paper logs.”
Revolutionising Driver Accountability
At the heart of this transformative safety solution are Netradyne’s driver-facing and road-facing cameras. Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing, these cameras do more than just record footage—they actively analyse driving behaviour, providing insights that can help correct risky actions like tailgating, distracted driving, or drowsiness.
Through Netradyne’s GreenZone® Score, drivers receive a tangible measure of their performance, based on key safety metrics. And the results speak for themselves. In just six months, Plastic Express achieved a 13% reduction in severe driving alerts. Speeding, stoplight violations, and other traffic infractions have also dropped significantly, giving both management and drivers peace of mind on the road.
“Everything we do at Netradyne is rooted in a driver-first approach with a mission to make every mile safer,” noted Adam Kahn, Chief Business Development Officer at Netradyne. “Collaborating with companies like Geotab and Gridline to deliver one seamless, integrated technology solution allows us to deliver on that promise.”
The Backbone of Data-Driven Insights
While Netradyne’s cameras provide the eyes on the road, Geotab’s telematics system is the brain behind the operation. Leveraging advanced analytics and AI, Geotab gives Plastic Express comprehensive insights into fleet performance, including fuel efficiency, idling, and compliance with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. By aggregating this data into a single platform, Plastic Express is able to manage its fleet with surgical precision.
Geotab’s tablet interface has been a game changer for drivers, enabling them to efficiently handle key tasks like HOS logging, pre-trip inspections, and driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) with ease. In fact, terminal managers now have real-time visibility into driver activity, which allows for instant coaching and feedback through Netradyne’s Driver•i mobile app.
“At Geotab, we believe that collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of fleet safety and operational efficiency,” said Stephen White, AVP of Business Development at Geotab. “Our partnership with Netradyne and Gridline has allowed Plastic Express to safeguard their drivers while also streamlining their operations.”
The Hub That Ties It All Together
What makes this collaboration so successful is the seamless integration enabled by Gridline Analytics. By bringing together data from Geotab and Netradyne, Gridline has created a comprehensive, unified platform that allows Plastic Express to monitor both vehicle and driver performance in real time. This single-pane view of fleet operations has enabled management to make informed, data-driven decisions that not only improve safety but boost efficiency.
Scott Tenney, Co-Founder of Gridline, put it best: “Gridline Analytics simplifies how our customers manage telematics and camera data by bringing together Geotab and Netradyne insights in one place. This unified approach has led to a significant reduction in safety events and greater efficiency in managing both driver and vehicle performance.”
Driving Safety Forward
The results of this collaboration are nothing short of impressive. In just a few months, Plastic Express has seen a marked improvement in driver behaviour, fewer safety incidents, and a more efficient fleet overall. The company’s safety-first culture, bolstered by data-driven insights from Geotab and Netradyne, has not only improved operational efficiency but also enhanced driver satisfaction.
Geotab’s platform continues to offer significant benefits, including:
- Enhanced fuel efficiency and reduced idling time
- Real-time driver feedback and coaching
- Comprehensive compliance with HOS and other regulatory standards
- Integrated insights from both telematics and cameras, creating a holistic view of fleet performance
Netradyne’s GreenZone Score has also had a profound impact, with drivers actively engaging with the system to improve their performance. The company’s driver-first approach means that safety doesn’t just come from the top down—it’s embedded in the culture.
A Bright Future for Fleet Safety
With the success of its collaboration with Netradyne, Geotab, and Gridline, Plastic Express has set the stage for a safer, more efficient future. The company’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to protect its drivers, improve performance, and create a sustainable fleet operation stands as a model for the entire logistics industry.
As fleet safety continues to evolve, partnerships like this will be the driving force behind further innovation. By staying ahead of the curve with AI, telematics, and real-time analytics, companies like Plastic Express are not only protecting their most valuable assets—their drivers—but also paving the way for a safer future for everyone on the road.
