Boyle Transportation Leverages Technology for Enhanced Safety
The transport industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the need for enhanced safety and efficiency. For companies like Boyle Transportation, this transition presents both challenges and opportunities, particularly in maintaining high standards during leadership changes. When a long-standing compliance leader retired, Boyle faced the crucial task of preserving decades of expertise while innovating to uphold its top-tier safety record.
This was not merely a matter of personnel; it was a test of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly evolving sector. Michael Lasko, the Vice President of EHS and Quality at Boyle, recognized the urgency: “We don’t have the bandwidth to figure things out as we go. We needed a system that could maintain our standards without disruption.”
Building a Legacy of Safety and Compliance
Boyle Transportation has been recognized as one of North America’s safest carriers, specializing in the transportation of pharmaceuticals and military materials. The company boasts ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications and has maintained a record of zero preventable accidents since 2019. This safety track record is a result of a deeply ingrained culture of discipline, precision, and continuous improvement.
The operational backbone of this culture was supported by experienced leaders who possessed an intricate understanding of regulations, audits, and risk management. The departure of one such leader posed a significant risk, as it threatened to disrupt the operational integrity that had underpinned Boyle's safety-first reputation.
As Lasko succinctly put it, “It’s not like you can just hand over a binder and expect the next person to perform at the same level. The knowledge transfer in safety and compliance is incredibly complex.” To overcome this challenge, Boyle had to rethink its approach to knowledge retention and operational consistency.
Leveraging Technology to Preserve Knowledge
Instead of allowing a decline in performance during the transition, Boyle opted to embrace technology. The company had already experienced positive results from using Bestpass by Fleetworthy for toll management and Drivewyze by Fleetworthy for weigh station bypass. These tools simplified operations and improved driver satisfaction.
Building on this foundation, Boyle expanded its partnership with Fleetworthy to adopt a comprehensive fleet management technology suite. The objective was not to replace personnel but to embed Boyle’s high standards into a scalable, automated system.
“We wanted technology that could preserve and enhance the excellence we built,” Lasko emphasized. Among the key tools implemented at Boyle are:
- Driver Safety & Compliance Solutions: These tools manage qualification files, automate Hours of Service (HOS) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) compliance, and provide 24/7 incident response.
- Vehicle Safety & Compliance Systems: Centralizing vehicle maintenance, inspections, and permitting to streamline operations.
- Toll Management: Reducing the administrative burden with consolidated billing and automated violation management.
- Weigh Station Bypass: Enhancing efficiency by utilizing the largest bypass network in North America, thus keeping trucks moving.
- Safety+ In-Cab Alerts: Providing alerts to drivers for sudden slowdowns, weather hazards, and other upcoming risks.
Through these technological advancements, Boyle was able to standardize the expertise of its seasoned safety leaders, transforming their knowledge into processes that the entire team could utilize effectively.
Immediate Results: Efficiency and Improved Driver Experience
The results of this technological integration were swift and impactful. Automation replaced many tedious manual processes that previously consumed substantial staff hours. Tasks such as mailing registrations and chasing down paperwork were streamlined, allowing the safety team to focus on more proactive measures, such as coaching drivers and incident prevention.
“Now we can spend time with drivers before accidents happen, instead of chasing paperwork after the fact,” Lasko explained. This shift not only benefited the internal operations but also the drivers, who experienced tangible improvements in their daily routines.
The enhancements included:
- Smoother tolling processes, leading to reduced wait times.
- Fewer delays at weigh stations, allowing for a more efficient driving experience.
- Proactive in-cab alerts to mitigate risks on the road.
These improvements contributed to an industry-defying driver turnover rate of just 15%, in stark contrast to the average churn rates of over 90% seen across much of the trucking sector. Furthermore, Fleetworthy’s systems aligned seamlessly with Boyle’s ISO certifications, reinforcing the company’s commitment to continuous improvement.
Insights and Broader Implications for the Trucking Industry
The narrative of Boyle Transportation underscores a significant trend within the trucking industry: the generational transition in safety and compliance leadership. A new wave of safety directors and compliance managers is emerging, inheriting a landscape filled with advanced data and tools. This shift presents unprecedented opportunities for driving measurable improvements in safety and operational efficiency.
For these new leaders, technology serves not just as a safeguard, but as a catalyst for change. The focus has shifted from whether to adopt technology to how best to leverage these tools to capture best practices and make them repeatable. This strategic approach enables fleets to navigate transitions effectively and capitalize on them as opportunities for operational enhancement.
“Time is our most valuable resource,” Lasko reflected. “Consolidating our providers under Fleetworthy gives us time back, and that helps us protect our drivers, customers, and reputation.”
In conclusion, the journey of Boyle Transportation illustrates a successful adaptation to modern challenges through the strategic integration of technology. As the trucking industry evolves, such examples will become increasingly valuable for companies seeking to enhance their safety and operational standards.
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