With over 2,500 locations and a team of more than 220,000 dedicated employees, Loblaw Companies Ltd. has been a pillar of Canadian retail for over a century. As a homegrown institution with 90% of Canadians living within 10 kilometres of a Loblaw location, the organization is driven by their steadfast commitment to safety, efficiency, and continuous innovation.

For Stephanie McEachern, Senior Transport Maintenance Analyst at Loblaw, delivering grocery and pharmacy goods on time is just one part of the equation. Managing cross-border logistics, maintaining equipment, optimizing inventory, and preparing for audits are critical responsibilities that ensure seamless operations across their vast network.

At a recent customer event, I had the chance to speak with her about the value of working with a technology partner that truly understands Loblaw’s needs. By leveraging innovative solutions, Loblaw has not only streamlined operations but also unlocked new levels of efficiency. Here are three key ways they’re transforming their fleet with technology:

“The best part about partnering with Samsara is the ability to provide input on the direction of the product. Samsara values our feedback and designs their products thoughtfully, to serve our actual needs."

Stephanie McEachern, Sr. Analyst, Transport Maintenance at Loblaw

1. Simplifying paperwork and improving efficiency with Connected Workflows

The last thing that drivers want to worry about is filling out complex, paper-based forms. With Connected Workflows, Loblaw has transformed time-consuming paperwork—ranging from inspections and audits to payroll forms—into a seamless digital experience. By integrating these workflows into the Samsara Driver App, Loblaw’s drivers can easily complete HOS compliance and DVIRs, capture pre- and post-trip photos, and provide instant proof of any concerns. 

“Connected Workflows is so easy to use,” said McEachern. “We were able to take our HOS and the digital form of our payroll sheet and put the two together to easily verify drivers’ information—all via the Driver App.”

Loblaw also created their own CTPAT compliance form, allowing for improved accuracy during trips to and from the US—all while saving time and administrative costs. “We run a lot of cross-border trips, so we used Connected Workflows to build a CTPAT form for our drivers,” said McEachern. “Now they can automatically submit the load ID, truck numbers, seal photos, and locations through the Driver App. And I can pull a monthly report of all CTPAT forms to identify any gaps, save us time, and prepare for any future audits.”

By digitizing and automating essential processes, Loblaw is not only making life easier for drivers but also improving accuracy, compliance, and overall operational efficiency.

2. Preventing accidents, delays, and fines with real-time ABS Monitoring

For a company with thousands of trucks on the road daily—in all kinds of weather—keeping drivers and vehicles safe is critical. With detailed fault codes and real-time alerts, ABS Monitoring enables Loblaw to identify and diagnose ABS issues promptly—helping prevent brake failures that could lead to serious accidents.

“Drivers may not always notice the ABS fault light,” said McEachern. “With Samsara ABS Monitoring, we instantly know if there’s an issue and can contact the driver manager to quickly address it. ABS Monitoring helps us avoid delays, fines, and most importantly, accidents.”

By detecting faults early, ABS Monitoring allows Loblaw’s teams to take action before minor issues escalate into costly repairs. This proactive approach keeps braking systems performing at their best and extends their lifespan—reducing downtime and keeping Loblaw’s extensive fleet running smoothly.

3. Reducing equipment loss and improving inventory accuracy with Asset Tags

Keeping track of small yet essential equipment across a vast fleet is no small feat. While Loblaw tried using a commercial tracking solution to locate misplaced items, limited connectivity and single-user access made them impractical for a company of Loblaw’s scale. To streamline inventory management, they turned to the Samsara Asset Tag —attaching them to mission-critical items like cold walls, bulkheads, and ice cream containers in their reefers. Now, Loblaw can track assets directly from their dashboard, reducing losses, improving visibility, and optimizing resource allocation.

“If it wasn’t for the Asset Tag, we would run short on product or have to buy more when something goes missing,” said McEachern. “Now, we can easily track our inventory and save time and money.”

Since Samsara’s Asset Tags share the same powerful, reliable network as Loblaw’s other Samsara hardware, connectivity is never an issue—even in remote areas like Northern Alberta. “The Samsara Asset Tag is a game changer,” said McEachern. “It’s the best thing since sliced bread.” 

By eliminating guesswork and improving asset visibility, Loblaw is saving time, reducing costs, and finding mission-critical equipment while keeping their supply chain running seamlessly.

Whether you're looking to streamline operations, improve safety, or gain better visibility into your fleet, Samsara can help. Join industry leaders like Loblaw and see how our technology can transform your business.

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