Safety is a constant concern for logistics and transportation companies, but the topic of fleet safety is anything but static. This fact was clear at the recent National Safety Council (NSC) Safety Congress & Expo in Orlando, Florida. This year, the event featured more than 100 educational sessions on how to address new and emerging workplace safety issues. 

I was honored to speak at the event and I attended several sessions where other leaders in the field shared their industry experiences and expertise. It was inspiring to hear participants share their passion for safety, particularly how they are using technology to reduce accidents, lower insurance premiums, improve their reputations, and ultimately protect human lives. 

I've been in the logistics industry for nearly three decades, and there is always something new to learn. With that in mind, here are my three biggest takeaways from the 2024 NSC event. 

1. The use of in-vehicle safety technology is growing quickly.

The transportation and logistics industry is evolving rapidly, and technology is playing a central role in transforming fleet operations. From GPS tracking and telematics systems, to driver-assistance technology and automated safety features, in-vehicle technology advancements are reshaping how companies manage their fleets and drivers. 

In-cab safety technology was of particular interest. According to my informal poll at the NSC conference a majority—70%—said they have implemented some form of in-cab safety solution, such as dash cameras or AI detections to detect risky driver behaviors. It was encouraging to see fleet managers and drivers come to a consensus on in-cab safety measures and gain a critical mass of users. 

2. Early adopters are helping to drive comfort with new technologies. 

While more organizations are using in-cab safety technology, there is still room to drive adoption for a range of other time-saving solutions, such as AI, virtual coaching, and digital forms. Early adopters at the event shared their experiences and explained how these technologies can boost efficiency, promote sustainability, and improve safety.  

These forward-thinking leaders also shared their optimism for ongoing widespread technology adoption across the industry. Their enthusiasm was infectious and inspired other attendees to explore implementing these technologies within their own organizations. 

3. Beyond technology, change management is critical for success.

New technology can significantly improve fleet operations, safety, and efficiency, but success requires more than just installing new devices or deploying new software. Adopting these innovations requires careful planning and execution. 

At the event, attendees discussed how a structured change management process can help ensure new technologies are fully integrated into daily workflows with minimal disruption. For example, implementing dash camera or AI capabilities can make drivers anxious, especially when they don’t understand why new technology is being used. 

A plan that includes clear “what’s in it for me?” communications, proper training, documentation, and avenues for feedback is just as important as the technology itself. With these in place, the transition to using new solutions will likely be much easier. 

I also learned that, for a significant number of organizations, incentivizing drivers is another crucial part of change management. In group discussions, I discovered about 25% of the attendees had developed reward systems—including cash and semi-valuable prize programs—for drivers who achieve quarterly, yearly, and long-term accident-free performance. When the interests of drivers align with company objectives, organizations can operate much more effectively. 

A final takeaway for me is that there is still so much work left to be done. According to the NSC, there are 115,000 large-truck accidents every year in the United States, and these vehicles make up 6% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes. As we work to make the roads safer, remember that every challenge is an opportunity for growth and innovation. Stay curious, stay determined, and trust in your ability to drive meaningful change. Together we can turn inspiration into action and create lasting impact.