Quality Carriers, one of North America’s largest liquid chemical haulers, recently partnered with Isaac Instruments to install electronic logging devices (ELDs) and use the company’s driver-centric fleet-management solution across Quality’s entire fleet of more than 2,500 trucks.
Each of those Quality Carriers’ trucks—driven by the fleet’s company drivers, affiliate drivers, and owner-operators—will be equipped with the Isaac technology by the end of 2022. Isaac also announced it will work as an innovative technology partner to the fleet, supporting its digital transformation aimed to cater to the needs of drivers and customers.
“The promise of an enhanced driver experience and a simplified driver interface is exactly what we were looking for,” said Randy Strutz, president of Quality Carriers. “ISAAC’s responsiveness during the selection process, as well as its leading technology, made this an easy choice for Quality Carriers."
Based in Tampa, Fla., Quality Carriers has more than 100 company-owned and affiliated facilities throughout the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The company considered multiple technology providers to enhance their drivers' in-cab experience, it said. The 46th largest for-hire fleet in the U.S., according to the 2021 FleetOwner 500 For-Hire, Quality Carriers is the second largest for-hire tank truck fleet in the country. Along with more than 2,500 tractors, the fleet has more than 6,400 trailers operating in North America.
"Quality Carriers was searching for an in-cab solution that could harness all available technology to best optimize our most critical resource, our drivers’ time,” said Don Benoit, Quality's VP of operations. “The Isaac solution puts technology's most valuable capabilities at the fingertips of all of our QC drivers, optimizing their time and enhancing their experience."
See also: CSX, Quality disrupt bulk logistics
Quality conducted focus groups, polls, and face-to-face conversations with drivers during the selection process. Based on the feedback, the fleet determined its previous ELD didn’t offer enough to support drivers, according to the company announcement.
"We at Isaac are honored to be partnering with a fleet the stature of Quality Carriers. It is a testament to the innovation and automation Isaac puts into its solutions," said Jacques DeLarochelliere, president, CEO, and co-founder of Isaac. "We look forward to working closely with Quality Carriers to provide drivers with an improved experience while ensuring worry-free compliance, safety, and efficiency."
In comparison, Isaac’s solution will provide a more centralized, single solution supported by stable and reliable technology. For Quality Carriers’ drivers, this is a chance to have an ELD with an improved user interface and intuitive technology. Isaac also provides drivers with the tools they need for a smooth workflow, like the scanning solution, remote login issue resolution, and navigation.
"The goal of this partnership is to improve the QC driver experience through technology,” said Nicole Gabel, vice president of process improvement for Quality Carriers. “Isaac offers a driver-centric platform that allows us to fully integrate the many facets of a driver’s day through a single solution. We will be able to offer additional functionality while reducing the administrative effort by the drivers, so they can focus on what they enjoy most about their job—driving."
For carriers based in the U.S. and Canada, a solution such as Isaac’s can help a fleet remain in compliance and optimize overall operations, according to the company. More than 40% of the largest carriers in Canada rely on Isaac’s solution that automates workflows and increases operational efficiency. The Canada-based transportation technology company has recently expanded its focus on U.S. fleets.
Isaac Instruments already has received mandatory third-party certification in Canada for its ELDs that automatically track hours-of-service requirements. In 2021, the company opened an office in Cleveland to manage its growing presence in the U.S. market.
