We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Samsara Connected Operations™ Awards. The awards recognize leading fleets, operations, government entities, and individuals transforming their operations and creating impactful outcomes in safety, efficiency, performance, sustainability, and innovation. We received a record number of submissions this year showcasing impactful stories of physical operations organizations improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability with technology. Our Awards Committee extends their gratitude to all applicants for taking the time to submit their stories and share their accomplishments. 

At Samsara, we have the great opportunity to collaborate with the organizations that power our world. Spanning the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the UK and Ireland, this year’s winners modernize and build new infrastructure, move and deliver our goods, and keep us connected to our family and friends.  

We're proud to stand alongside our customers as they push boundaries and shape the future of physical operations. Join us as we celebrate the achievements of the 2024 Samsara Connected Operations Award winners and learn about their remarkable journeys.

• Safest Operator (Americas): The Home Depot

• Safest Operator (UK and Ireland): FM Conway

• Excellence in Systems Efficiency: Sterling Crane

• Most Sustainable Operations (Americas): Frontier Communications

• Most Sustainable Operations (UK and Ireland): Otto Car

• Digital Transformation of the Year: Primoris Services Corporation

• Most Innovative Workforce: Estes 

• Excellence in Performance (Government): Memphis Light Gas & Water

• Excellence in Performance (Education): Canyons School District

• Ecosystem Partner of the Year: RUBICONSmartCity

• Technology Leader of the Year: Kevin Thomas, Sysco

• Industry Innovator (UK and Ireland): AO

• Excellence in Driver Engagement (UK and Ireland): Lanes Group plc

• Top Driver (Americas): Perry Hawkins, Ecolab

• Top Driver (UK and Ireland): Eddie Burns, Midland Tyre Services

• Excellence in Physical Security: Trayecto

Safest Operator (Americas): The Home Depot

The Connected Operations Award for Safest Operator (Americas) recognizes organizations that protect employees, safeguard communities, and prevent incidents. This year's winner is committed to prioritizing safety and understands how technology can help protect their employees and the communities where they work.

The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement retailer with more than 2,300 stores and 465,000 store associates in North America. Together with their appliance delivery and installation company, Temco Logistics, The Home Depot leveraged Samsara Video-Based Safety to build a robust safety program. Now, they promote safe driving behaviors, recognize employees, and boost the company brand as a leader in safety. Temco Logistics' partnership with Samsara led to a significant financial impact as they’ve scaled to more than 80 locations in recent years. Notably, they reduced auto incidents by 80% over three years, decreased harsh events by 40% in one year, and continuously protect their drivers through exonerations.  

In one year since deploying Samsara’s technology for distracted driving management, The Home Depot experienced many accomplishments across multiple divisions. The Home Depot Equipment Services division experienced a 29% decrease in both mobile phone use while driving and preventable vehicle incidents, resulting in a 50% reduction in total auto liability claims. In The Home Depot Rental division, they saw a 34% decrease in both speeding and mobile phone use while driving, a 65% reduction in total auto liability claims, and a 62% reduction in total claims costs. 

Finalists: Maxim Crane, Paquetexpress

Safest Operator (UK and Ireland): FM Conway

The Connected Operations Award for Safest Operator (UK and Ireland) recognizes organizations that protect employees, safeguard communities, and prevent incidents. This year’s winner leveraged data to identify the root causes of incidents and combined technology with coaching to lead drivers toward a safer mindset.

FM Conway is an essential infrastructure partner working with network operators, local authorities, and private clients. They supply a variety of services that keep the nation operating efficiently including highway maintenance, civil engineering, and traffic management. FM Conway set a new standard of safety and gained insight into driver behavior with Samsara Vehicle Telematics and Video-Based Safety. Now, proactive driver coaching tools and individualized data enable drivers to improve safety habits at scale.

As a result, FM Conway reduced moderate speeding by 80% in one year, achieved a 21.9% reduction in road accidents, and reduced potential life-changing harm across the 16 million miles they drive annually. In the event of an incident, AI Dash Cams enabled FM Conway to provide more data and evidence to insurance providers, resulting in cost savings of £212,000 and a 12% reduction of third-party claims. 

Finalists: Countrystyle Recycling

Excellence in Systems Efficiency: Sterling Crane

The Connected Operations Award for Excellence in Systems Efficiency recognizes organizations that make data go further by transforming systems to improve operational efficiency, utilization, and productivity of fleet and equipment. This year's winner modernized their fleet operations, leading to significant efficiency gains in compliance and maintenance less than a year into deployment.

Sterling Crane is one of the largest mobile crane rental companies in Canada with over 900 cranes and auxiliary equipment serving the industrial, infrastructure, power, and commercial sectors. With a network spanning 16 branches and over 650 employees across Canada, they bolster their dedication to safety, service, and performance with Samsara’s Vehicle Telematics, Video-Based Safety, Equipment Monitoring, and Platform solutions. 

Sterling Crane improved driver productivity and HOS compliance to save over $1.2 million using Samsara’s ELD solution and Driver App. Furthermore, they saved over $517,000 in annual labor costs with accurate vehicle data and $129,000 in one-time hardware and labor costs by switching to Vehicle Telematics. They also expect to save over $2.5 million annually in major maintenance costs for their on-road and off-road fleet using Samsara to inform their proactive maintenance program.

Finalists: Interstate Waste Services

Most Sustainable Operations (Americas): Frontier Communications

The Connected Operations Award for Most Sustainable Operations (Americas) recognizes organizations that drive reductions in fuel waste, carbon emissions, energy usage, and food waste. This year's winner has used telematics to reduce the environmental impact of its fleet.

Frontier Communications is the largest pure-play fiber internet provider in the U.S. The company is bringing fiber-optic technology—which requires less energy than broadband alternatives—to millions of consumers and businesses across the country. Sustainability is at the core of the company’s strategy and guided by its purpose—building the digital infrastructure that the country needs to thrive today and into the next century. 

As part of its commitment to sustainability, Frontier is using Samsara technology to optimize fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs. Frontier completed the installation of telematics across all 8,100 vehicles in its fleet in 2023, enhancing driver safety and efficiency through intelligent rerouting. The company also identified idling as a key source of fuel waste, enabling managers to coach technicians on fuel-saving practices. 

With the help of Samsara, Frontier saved 320,156 gallons of fuel in 2023, which equals an estimated 6.243 million pounds of carbon. As a result, the company decreased overall fuel costs by approximately $1.2 million. Frontier plans to increase EV adoption, informed by Samsara data.

Finalists: Artur Express, Gordon Food Service

Most Sustainable Operations (UK and Ireland): Otto Car

The Connected Operations Award for Most Sustainable Operations (UK and Ireland) recognizes organizations that drive reductions in fuel waste, carbon emissions, energy usage, and food waste. This year’s winner successfully partnered with Samsara to work towards the single, purpose-driven goal of improving air quality for the next generation.

Otto Car is Europe’s largest provider of electric vehicles to private-hire drivers. They offer easy access to reliable cars and support more than 5,400 rideshare drivers. From car ownership to driver coaching, licensing to claims advice, Otto helps drivers to become their own boss.

Samsara Vehicle Telematics enabled accurate vehicle tracking, including battery health, state of charge, and miles driven, allowing Otto Car to manage and reduce its CO2 emissions. As a result, Otto Car avoided 50,000 tons of CO2 emissions across their fleet. Using Samsara’s sustainability solutions, they continue to invest in and scale electrification. Currently, their EV fleet has driven over 100 million miles, equivalent to the amount of CO2 absorbed by 2 million trees annually. 

Finalists: WeFlex

Digital Transformation of the Year: Primoris Services Corporation

The Connected Operations Award for Digital Transformation of the Year recognizes organizations that are turning outdated, manual processes into cutting-edge technologies for revolutionized operations. This year's winner overhauled their safety program using AI-based insights and coaching to improve driving habits at scale.

Primoris Services Corporation provides a range of critical infrastructure services to the utility, energy, and renewables markets throughout the United States and Canada. They deliver a range of engineering, construction, and maintenance services that power, connect, and enhance society. With an expansive operation of over 8,000 vehicles and 25,000 assets, Primoris initially implemented Samsara Vehicle Telematics for GPS tracking, fleet management, preventative maintenance, and fuel efficiency. They soon identified a significant opportunity with AI Dash Cams to enhance employee and public safety and reduce insurance costs.

Throughout 2023, Primoris reduced total safety events by 66%, severe speeding by 33%, and crashes by 42% using In-Cab Nudges and manager-led coaching to correct unsafe driving behavior. They estimate this decrease in crashes and related claims will save $2 million in insurance costs annually. Now, they’re working to integrate all Samsara data into PowerBI to better enable each division and easily identify opportunities for coaching and improvement.

Finalists: Buckeye Power, AWP Safety

Most Innovative Workforce: Estes  

The Connected Operations Award for Most Innovative Workforce recognizes organizations that modernize the user experience to improve workforce performance and solve critical challenges. This year's winner harnessed the power of Samsara’s integrated solutions to achieve significant operational enhancements. 

Estes is the fourth largest LTL carrier in the United States and the largest privately held freight transportation company in North America. Employing more than 10,000 drivers within its nearly 23,000 employee workforce to support their fleet of 10,400 tractors and 40,000+ trailers, Estes puts innovation at the forefront of everything they do, contributing to their industry-leading reputation. Estes’ proactive use of real-time data and advanced integrations drives substantial improvements in compliance and operational transparency. 

As a result, Estes saved an estimated $3 million using the Samsara Platform to report on and train drivers to reduce idling events. Samsara forward-facing AI Dash Cams and Mobile Experience Management (MEM) promote safer driving behaviors and reduce potential incidents on the road, helping Estes improve Driver Safety Scores by 25%. They also leverage location data from Vehicle Telematics to improve the accuracy of their operations, leading to better service delivery and efficiency with a 40% increase in ETA predictability. By integrating Samsara technology into their dispatch system, Estes reduces the volume of manual dispatch calls, enabling dispatchers to focus on more critical tasks.

Finalists: NexTier

Excellence in Performance (Government): Memphis Light, Gas and Water

The Connected Operations Award for Excellence in Performance (Government) recognizes organizations that leverage technology to provide top-notch services to states, cities, and local communities. This year's winner demonstrates their dedication to continuously improving their constituents’ experience through their innovative use of safety technology. 

Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) is one of the three largest utility companies in the United States, providing energy to more than 400,000 customers in the Memphis and Shelby County communities. When outages occur, they ensure efficient and safe responses with their fleet of 1,800 vehicles. Keeping their accident rate down is a top priority for MLGW—as they keep accident-related costs down, they also maintain low utility rates for their citizens. MLGW built a robust safety program focused on reducing risky behaviors with Samsara Vehicle Telematics and Video-Based Safety, leveraging an ESRI integration to streamline issue resolution. 

MLGW experienced a 99% reduction in speeding events where the vehicle was traveling over 80 mph and a 92% reduction in speeding events where the vehicle was traveling 15 mph or more over the speed limit using in-cab alerts to coach behaviors in real time. They also decreased preventable crashes by 20% using AI Dash Cam footage to exonerate drivers involved in not-at-fault incidents. In addition, they are using dash cam footage in their training materials to recognize examples of safe driving. 

Finalists: City of Lakeland, Utah Transit Authority

Excellence in Performance (Education): Canyons School District

The Connected Operations Award for Excellence in Performance (Education) recognizes organizations that demonstrate improved service delivery for students and their communities using technology. This year's winner is committed to upholding the strictest safety and productivity standards for their students and greatly improved communication between their drivers, the back office, and parents.

Canyons School District (CSD) is one of the largest school districts in Utah, serving five communities with innovative programs that lead students to educational and personal success. CSD is using Samsara’s Vehicle Telematics and Video-Based Safety solutions in their school buses to provide visibility into driver behavior and improve safety and efficiency for the students who depend on CSD’s bus system. 

In just one year, CSD experienced a 50% reduction in accidents and saved $80,000 in claim payouts through driver exonerations using AI Dash Cams. They also improved time spent pulling footage for event review by 75%, enabling efficient investigation and action. Vehicle Telematics help substitute drivers navigate unfamiliar routes, ensuring they stay on course while providing real-time, accurate location data to dispatch, offering parents peace of mind regarding their children's location.

Finalists: Mobile County Public Schools 

Ecosystem Partner of the Year: RUBICONSmartCity

The Connected Operations Award for Ecosystem Partner of the Year recognizes organizations that integrate technologies to enhance the Connected Operations Ecosystem. This year's winner exemplifies a collaborative effort between two complementary solutions in the realm of smart city operations and fleet management.

RUBICONSmartCity is a platform designed to help city governments run more effective waste, recycling, and municipal fleet operations. After collaborating to meet and exceed the complex needs of several cities, RUBICONSmartCity and Samsara’s partnership demonstrates a unique approach to operational innovation by integrating RUBICONSmartCity’s solid waste management solutions with Samsara Vehicle Telematics. Their combined efforts have streamlined operations, reduced costs, and enhanced service delivery in multiple cities, showcasing a model of collaboration and innovation.

In El Paso, Texas, the integration of RUBICONSmartCity’s routing and Samsara’s telematics data contributed to a 27% reduction in average stationary time per hour and saved approximately 8,000 miles per year, avoiding 45,000 pounds of CO2 emissions. In Austin, Texas, this integration helps the city ensure its public service vehicles are efficiently maintained and optimally routed in order to best serve its citizens. 

A key aspect of the partnership’s success is its contribution to sustainability efforts. By optimizing routing, reducing idle times, and enhancing fleet operations, the partnership directly supports cities' goals to reduce their environmental footprint and promote greener, more sustainable urban environments.

Finalists: Fleetio

Technology Leader of the Year: Kevin Thomas, Sysco

The Connected Operations Award for Technology Leader of the Year recognizes a leader who has spearheaded digital transformation, driving safety, efficiency, and sustainability gains across their organization’s operations. This year's winner acts quickly and with precision to make widespread organizational improvements using the latest technology available. 

Sysco delivers food products to about 725,000 customer locations in the foodservice and hospitality industries. As the second largest private trucking fleet in the United States, Sysco embraces technology to meet operational goals. With the help of Samsara technology, Sysco keeps goods delivered on time and enables drivers to return home safely. A key driver of Sysco’s safety achievements is Kevin Thomas, Vice President of Global Environmental, Health, Safety, Security, and Asset Protection. He is a law enforcement veteran passionate about the safety of his team at Sysco and the greater communities they live and work in. 

Thomas unlocked opportunities to improve safety quickly and at scale. After spearheading the implementation of Samsara’s AI features to detect distracted driving, Sysco saw significant safety improvements in just a few months. Samsara’s Video-Based Safety solution—including dash cams, in-cab alerts, coaching, and reports—enabled a dramatic reduction in safety events and accidents. Three weeks after turning on in-cab alerts, they reduced driver inattentiveness, mobile usage, and distracted driving, ultimately helping colleagues get home safely every day.

Finalists: Janette Purdy from Goettl, Tavo Vildosola from Mexicana Logistics

Industry Innovator (UK and Ireland): AO

The Connected Operations Award for Industry Innovator recognizes organizations that have achieved a digital transformation by introducing new technologies, integrating data to uncover new insights, and delivering a measurable shift in operational performance. This year’s winner introduced new technology to drastically cut down costs, reduce accidents, and drive efficiency gains across their fleet. 

AO's mission is to become the UK’s most trusted electrical retailer, delivering household appliances and electrical goods to over 2.5 million customers annually. AO partnered with Fraikin as their full-service, contract-hire fleet provider for over 1,000 commercial vehicles, inclusive of MYSMARTFLEET connected technology services. The collaboration enhances efficiency and reduces costs for their business. Fraikin uses Samsara’s Vehicle Telematics and Video-Based Safety solutions—including in-cab alerts and driver training tools—to encourage safer driver habits.

By using Vehicle Telematics and the Samsara Platform to monitor vehicle and driver performance, AO has saved millions of pounds to date. They report fewer monthly accidents, resulting in cost savings, a decrease in insurance premiums, fewer vehicle damage claims as well as lower maintenance costs. Additionally, by digitising paper-based processes with the Samsara Driver App, AO saved thousands in printing costs and provided a more intuitive experience for drivers.

Finalists: Reynolds Logistics, Kelly Fleet Services Ltd

Excellence in Driver Engagement (UK and Ireland): Lanes Group plc

The Connected Operations Award for Excellence in Driver Engagement recognizes organizations that have achieved outstanding driver engagement programs, empowering drivers to build safer habits, protecting them from false claims, and delivering improved driver engagement scores. This year’s winner identified driver pain points within the business to create an incentive program that enables drivers to form safer habits for the long term. 

Sapphire Utility Solutions is a company within Lanes Group plc, the leading wastewater utility solutions provider and the largest independent drainage specialist in the UK. By implementing Samsara AI Dash Cams and the Driver App, they gained a 360-degree view of their operations and incidents, using this information to form a strong driver engagement strategy. 

Since rolling out AI Dash Cams and the Driver App, Lanes Group plc improved driver safety across the board, increasing the number of drivers with a Driver Safety Score of 90+ by 180% in just eight months. Lanes Group plc used AI Dash Cams to identify risky driver behaviors, reducing mobile phone use while driving by 92%, severe speeding by 25%, and camera obstruction by 67%. Leveraging the Driver App to assign vehicles to the right driver at the right time, Lanes Group plc decreased DVIR administrative manual processes by 100% as result of automation with Samsara.

Finalists: Core Highways, Olleco

Top Driver (Americas): Perry Hawkins, Ecolab

The Connected Operations Award for Top Driver (Americas) recognizes a professional driver who has an outstanding record behind the wheel and champions safety. This year's winner showcases an unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism, going above and beyond to deliver the best experience for his customers.

Ecolab is a global sustainability leader of water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions that services 40 industries. With a fleet of 4,000 vehicles, Ecolab’s Certified Delivery Specialists are more than drivers—they transport specialized goods that require advanced training and handling care. Over his 49-year career, Perry Hawkins consistently prioritizes safety both on the road and while executing technical deliveries for customers, earning him widespread respect and admiration throughout the company.

With an exemplary track record, Perry has driven over 3.7 million miles without a single accident or incident, earning him multiple Driver of the Quarter accolades. His commitment to safety extends beyond personal achievement—he dedicates himself to mentoring junior drivers to ensure they return home safely to their own families at the end of each shift. With Samsara, Perry not only achieved but maintained a perfect Driver Safety Score of 100 throughout 2023, without a single coachable safety event, a testament to his skill behind the wheel.

Finalists: Johnny Garza from ProFrac, Richard Mills from CFI 

Top Driver (UK and Ireland): Eddie Burns, Midland Tyre Services

The Connected Operations Award for Top Driver (UK and Ireland) recognizes a professional driver who has an outstanding record behind the wheel and champions safety. This year’s winner spent his 20+ year career proving his dedication to safety as an exceptional driver and role model to his fellow drivers. 

Midland Tyre Services is Ireland’s largest independently owned tire supplier, providing the highest quality tire services to the commercial vehicle industry. By using Samsara Vehicle Telematics and AI Dash Cams, Midland Tyres set a new standard of safety enabled by Driver Safety Scores and individualized reporting. They use this data to inform their coaching program that encourages safer habits among drivers. 

Eddie Burns, driver at Midland Tyres, champions Samsara technology and driver training. He maintained an impressive Driver Safety Score of 99 in the last year and continues to aim for 100. Eddie motivates his entire team to achieve perfect Driver Safety Scores of their own through in-person training. Midland Tyre Services’ average Driver Safety Score is currently a remarkable 96. Midland Tyres also reduced road accidents by 54% in two years using AI Dash Cams, which helps them renegotiate insurance premiums to keep costs low. 

Finalists: Liberty Group

Excellence in Physical Security: Trayecto

The Connected Operations Award for Excellence in Physical Security recognizes organizations that drive positive impact within communities while safeguarding assets and protecting teams. This year's winner ensures the safety of their workforce and builds customer loyalty within the communities where they operate. 

With 75 years of experience, Trayecto is the largest transportation company in Mexico with 8,500 employees and 50 branches. This year, their fully-owned fleet will reach 11,000 trailers and 5,000 trucks. Known for securely transporting their customers’ goods, they use several Samsara solutions to standardize operations across their 14 companies and ensure the safety of their drivers, cargo, and units. 

To ensure the security of their trucks and trailers, Trayecto deployed several Samsara security solutions including AI Dash Cams, Vehicle Telematics, the Panic Button, and more to reduce vehicle and equipment recovery time by 83% and increase asset recovery by 90%.

Finalists: Nadro, Garcías’s Trucking

Congratulations to our 2024 Connected Operations Award Winners.

The 2024 Samsara Connected Operations Award winners are leading the way to a better, connected future in physical operations. We’re honored to support these organizations as they provide the services and products that keep the world running, and we're excited to continue our partnership with these customers as they drive even more innovation to transform the future of physical operations.