Get ready to shift gears on safety with FedEx Ground's latest update on Video Event Data Recorder (VEDR) systems.
You love it when it's on your side, hate it when it isn't. Here's the lowdown for when it isn't in a format that's easy to scan.
The New Roadmap
Forget about the old Key Indicators (KIs) focusing on ops managers and supervisors. Now, it's all about you, the drivers. Stay sharp because one slip on a KI may mean a red flag for the month and lost income.
First, describe FedEx Ground's policy on driver KIs for TSPs.
Know Your Numbers
FedEx™ has a limited number of monthly free KI events calculated on active tractors for the whole company (TSP) as a TOTAL NUMBER. They do not break out individual driver behavior. They know that many unavoidable events, like when four-wheelers rub your front bumper, cutting in front of you, happen often, and you may be unable to create a gap in time to avoid being flagged. It's essential to begin to slow down right away. This action will help a lot.
So, for a company with ten active tractors, here is what the company can score in total for each KI.
- Speeding: 2 x a month = 10 x 2 or 20 total company KI events
- Distracted Driving: 2 x a month. = 10 x 2 or 20 total company KI events
- Seat Belt not Secured: 2 x a month. 10 x 2 or 20 total company KI events
- Following Distance: 5 times a month. 10 x 5 or 50 total company KI events
So, as far as FedEx™can be concerned, a single driver could accumulate all these points and the other drivers none, and they would be ok with that. Why? It's the law. You don't work for them. They vigorously maintain a gap between themselves and directly managing drivers. It helps to reduce liability.
You work for a subcontractor.
Your company may be even more restrictive for drivers. The company I drive for and many of the companies our members drive for score drivers in the following way for each driver. Yours may vary.
Example for each driver: (Max. permitted to get a $200 safety bonus.)
(It's Interesting that the above program would statistically achieve better results if it matched FedEx Grounds KI's.
If you know why, drop your answer in the comments.)
Did your company lay down the law?
Policies aren't just paper. They're your playbook. Make sure you know it by heart.
Key Indicators (KI) Breakdown
- Speed Demons Beware (KI 1): Speeding over 10 MPH above the limit? That's a no-go. You've got a couple of chances per, but don't push your luck, especially in those tricky zones.
- Eyes on the Road (KI 2): Ditch the distractions. Holding your phone is like having a ticking time bomb. Use those hands-free gadgets and keep the phone in its cradle.
- Buckle Up (KI 3): Seat belts are your best co-pilot. Don't let anyone in your rig skip this essential step, or it's points off your score.
- Keep Your Distance (KI 4): Tailgating for football games, not the freeway. Maintain a safe following distance to avoid adding unwanted events to your tally.
Check Your Progress
- Daily Dashboard Dive: Keep an eye on your VEDR dashboard. It's like it's your fuel gauge; it's your best tool to stay in the green.
- First Offense: We get an email along with a video. You hit the play for a 90-second coaching session with an AI humanoid. The training videos focus on the KI at hand.
Do You Disagree with Being Flagged for an Incident?
Ai hallucinates, sometimes often. Suppose a penalty doesn't add up, like speeding, and throw the challenge flag promptly. Request that your safety person contact the VEDR vendor to provide proof of speed limit signage. VDERs use state-supplied geo-fences to detect speed limits. These can frequently be wrong. How? They don't match where the speed zone changes and where the roadside signage is placed. I-75, above Knoxville, TN, is a good example. You drive across geo-fence long before you see a sign. Apps like Google Maps use state-supplied geo-fences to tell you the speed limit and provide an excellent way to confirm your suspicions. If you see it change without a sign, get them to correct it.
Final Lap: Stay proactive and align with FedEx Ground's safety standards. A well-oiled driving machine doesn't just run smoothly; it passes the KIs with flying colors. Ready, set, drive, and take care.
Here are links for Common FedEx VEDR Providers and FedEx Ground Privacy Policy (It's the law to tell you they're watching and collecting information on you. It's a privacy thing.).
Motive
Lytx
How tractor camera (VEDR) information is being collected and used by your TSP and FedEx Ground