The NZ Transport Agency’s tougher stance on regulatory compliance is seeing more fleet operators seeking professional advice.
Insurance provider NZI is among firms reporting an influx of enquires as a result of NZTA’s new enforcement crackdown.
NZI commercial motor national manager Ian Taylor says some operators are aware they are being monitored and this has resulted in “a call to action”.
The company’s Fleet Fit programme has been running for more than two years and helps fleet operators manage risk and minimise costs.
Fleet Fit works by taking a “holistic view” of customer needs rather than a blanket approach across the whole transport sector, Taylor says.
NZI has a team of four full-time fleet risk managers who also work alongside other service providers in achieving the best outcomes for fleet operators when it comes to safety and compliance.
NZI uses the services of fleet performance company CCS Logistics which helps transport operators analyse and interpret GPS driver data for better safety and performance.
Results can highlight areas of improvement and can help customers determine the best driver training solutions.
Improved telematics and GPS technology is giving operators more and more information to work with, but knowing how to use this data is the key.
“What we always say is you don’t suddenly get an insurance premium discount because of this technology but a reduced price over time … fitting technology does nothing unless you’re using it properly.”
A partnership with Autosense to provide Guardian driver monitoring face tracking software is also deployed in a bid to tackle driver fatigue and distraction.
NZI customers can carry out free trials of the Guardian system to see how it works for them before making any commitments.
“Our trained consultants analyse a company’s performance and make recommendations as to how they can reduce their risk.
“We provide support to our customers with driver performance, efficiency, and crash management to help them perform better and be safer on and off the road.
“One of the innovative programmes NZI offers uses the Guardian system’s lifesaving technology to prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue and distraction,” Taylor says.
Another programme is Traction which works to provide insight on the health and safety culture at particular organisations.
This includes employee and employer behaviours and attitudes to safe work practices and it helps identify areas for change to minimise risk.
The results are gathered anonymously online and are analysed to identify risks.
The team works with organisations to develop specialised resources and programmes as a result.
Another benefit of the Fleet Fit programme is its potential to tackle the driver shortage problem.
Taylor says there is anecdotal evidence that the companies taking the most proactive approach when it comes to compliance and driver safety experience better staff retention.
“These guys never ask you to break the law or put driver licences on the line … that’s the sort of thing that attracts good drivers.”
Taking the first steps to manage risk is the best strategy, he says.
“Don’t wait for NZTA to come to you to see what you’re doing.
The problem is, the insurance industry is very difficult to deal with if you’ve come into trouble with the regulator.
The insurer doesn’t have to insure you.”
