Truck Safety Joins the Supply Chain Tech Revolution

The impact of technological change is apparent in every corner of supply chain management - including safety.

The tech revolution sweeping supply chain management has a new frontier: driver and fleet safety. From artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to predictive analytics and smart cameras, the same innovations transforming logistics operations are now making roads safer for drivers and the public alike. Penske Logistics is at the forefront of this change, using technology to make truck driving safer for everyone on the road.

Innovation in Many Forms

At Penske, the belief is simple: drivers are the most advanced technology on a truck. That's why investing in advanced safety features is a priority - giving drivers more to perform their jobs safely and confidently.

Many of these investments focus on making trucks safer machines to operate. Penske vehicles are equipped with a growing suite of safety devices, including backup alarms, stability controls, parking brake alarms, lane departure warnings, and tire pressure management systems. The number and sophistication of these devices continue to grow year after year.

How drivers interact with their vehicles and working environment is another key area of focus. Penske continues to push the envelope with new and improved tech-based solutions. Here are some notable examples.

All-seeing cameras: Cameras mounted externally on vehicles and inside cabs are a well-established safety feature in trucking -- but the technology is advancing rapidly, both in sophistication and in how captured footage is used. As part of a video-based safety program, Penske has installed nearly 4,000 camera units with plans to add more. Video footage is used to coach drivers on safety, identify correct behaviors and highlight skills that need improvement -- much like reviewing game film to improve an athlete's performance. The program has delivered measurable results: fewer total incidents, fewer DOT recordable accidents, improved safety scores and significant savings in injuries, vehicle repairs and liability claims.

Camera footage is also used to evaluate other technologies. For example, footage of a collision mitigation system in action can be studied to assess its effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.

AI/ML's steep learning curve: AI and machine learning are being deployed to spot driver performance patterns and learn from real-world operational experience -- a capability that becomes especially powerful when combined with camera technology.

One ongoing program targets driver fatigue -- one of the most serious and preventable risks on the road. Penske's pilot program uses AI/ML models to analyze images of drivers, detect fatigue-related behavior patterns and identify when tired drivers are most susceptible to distractions. It's a long-term commitment, driven by the recognition that the increasing demands of daily life continue to affect how well-rested drivers are behind the wheel.

Back to the future with predictive analytics: Penske uses predictive analytics to look in the rearview mirror in order to see more clearly over the hood. Analyzing a driver's incident history, for example, can reveal which risk areas they are most prone to and how to intervene before a future incident occurs.

Scorecards show the way: Penske's Safety Performance Scorecard evaluates performance at both the corporate and location levels. It distills overall performance into a single score and highlights the key metrics driving safety improvements -- giving teams a clear, actionable picture of where they stand and where to focus.

While some of these advances were introduced in response to government regulation, many were adopted in anticipation of mandates -- or simply because Penske chose to act. In fact, Penske's proactive approach to fleet safety technology puts the company years ahead of federal regulations.

Tech Advances Accelerating

The use of technology to improve driver safety will only continue to advance. A major opportunity lies in the convergence of data from multiple sources -- such as vehicle electronic logging devices and truck-mounted sensors -- into unified, actionable insights.

The growing role of automation in trucking will also drive the adoption of more sophisticated safety technology. As drivers' roles evolve alongside the digital transformation of the industry, new safety challenges will emerge that demand equally innovative solutions.

Investment in safety technology will be critical to meeting those challenges. Beyond creating a safer environment for drivers and other road users, these investments deliver measurable business returns: lower driver turnover, reduced operational risk and fewer liability claims.

The convergence of data, automation and advanced safety technology is reshaping what's possible in fleet safety -- and the pace of change will only accelerate. For Penske, staying ahead of that curve isn't just about adopting the latest tools. It's about building a culture where safety drives every operational decision, and where continuous investment in technology means every driver has the best possible chance of ending every shift safely.