Dive Brief:
- Missouri-based Safe Fleet acquired the Canadian company FleetMind for an undisclosed sum on Monday.
- FleetMind specializes in onboard computing systems for collection vehicles and Safe Fleet now plans to expand into the waste and recycling market.
- Safe Fleet is the parent company to 10 brands and has more than 1,000 employees.
Dive Insight:
FleetMind's software is already being used in thousands of waste collection vehicles and has potential to play a key role in the industry's ongoing conversation about safety.
According to FleetMind, roughly 20% of all fleet vehicles are involved in accidents. The company's software helps dispatchers plan more efficient routes and also helps monitor driver performance and vehicle maintenance.
While some of these services as beneficial, not everyone is interested in the complexities of new fleet technology. A recent survey of more than 500 executives and managers by Fleet Advantage found that 45% of respondents were unsure if new technologies had led to operational savings. The National Transportation Institute has also raised concerns that electronic logging devices and other new regulations may reduce productivity.
Despite these concerns, the overall trend toward installing safety technology seems clear - especially at a time when many fleets need to be updated to meet changing emissions standards. FleetMind has been viewed as a leader in this market and their technology will likely be a valuable addition to Safe Fleet's portfolio.
