As AT&T and other telecommunication companies end the life of their 3G networks, fleet managers are upgrading or searching for new telematics that comply with 4G.
Searching for a new telematics provider can be a daunting and time-consuming task with so many options on the market. Fleet managers have to consider features and functionalities, cost, installation, training and more.
The Truckload Carriers Association recently held a “Switching Telematics Providers Without Going Crazy” webinar, and the experts said it’s worth the time it takes to research which software is best for your fleet with a “you get what you pay for” mentality.
Telematics provider Geotab hosted the webinar, joined by two trucking company leaders and a shuttle and charter bus company leader, to give insight into the process and provide tips on best practices when considering a shift to a new vendor.
Anthony Meloy, training and recruiting manager at Trailiner, and Ryan Steagall, vice president of information technology at Big G Express, Inc., said the transition from 3G to 4G was a top reason their companies were looking to make a switch. Meloy said other factors included customer service issues with Trailiner’s previous provider as well video resolution and equipment training for drivers. Gregory Hendricks, vice president of compliance and operations at Salt Lake Express, said his company was having issues with hardware reliability in which it couldn’t keep the units working from a back-office standpoint and the vendor’s website was frustrating to navigate.
Hendricks and Meloy made the switch to Netradyne Driveri. Big G Express made the switch to Geotab after searching two or three years in advance of the 3G sunset, Steagall said.
Meloy said that’s one thing he wishes he had done differently: an ample amount of research on the different telematics vendors.
