TEAMS Transport saves CAD $1 million with AI-powered fleet safety

TEAMS Transport has reported a significant reduction in high-risk driving behaviour and insurance claims after deploying Samsara's AI-powered safety technology across its Canadian fleet operations.

The company, based in Winnipeg, manages more than 230 trucks, 300 drivers and 550 trailers, and had previously faced difficulties in achieving accurate, real-time data using legacy systems. In response, TEAMS Transport replaced these older technologies with Samsara's AI Dash Cams, Asset Gateways, and Driver App to create a unified operations platform.

Since integrating the Samsara system, TEAMS Transport has reported a 48% reduction in high-risk driving incidents and a 39% decrease in insurance claims, alongside more than $1 million in insurance-related cost savings over a twelve-month period.

Fleet management improvements

In addition to enhancements in driving safety, TEAMS Transport has seen operational efficiencies across its maintenance and dispatch functions. Data from the company indicates a 63% reduction in Hours of Service (HOS) violations, $389,000 saved in maintenance and tyre costs by utilising photo-enabled Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs), and a full recovery rate for misplaced equipment, avoiding costs of more than $19,000 in pallet jack replacements.

Robert Cousins, Safety Manager at TEAMS Transport, described the impact of the new platform on daily operations:

"Every part of our operations relies on Samsara in some way - dispatch, safety, maintenance, customer service, even our customers themselves. It's integrated into everything we do. Samsara was incredibly easy to implement - from installation to training, everything was so simple. If you can use a cell phone, you can use Samsara. That ease of use was a big reason we chose it."

The Samsara platform includes features such as real-time video footage that can be used for driver coaching and to exonerate drivers following incidents where they were not at fault. Dispatchers have also used the technology to make operational decisions such as monitoring road conditions and rerouting drivers during adverse weather in the winter months.

Safety and automation

TEAMS Transport reports that the integration provides a single source of operational data for drivers and back-office staff alike. Workflows that were previously manual and paper-driven are now automated, contributing to the company's overall efficiency targets and supporting its safety objectives. The company also noted a 26% improvement in its Manitoba Carrier Profile safety score since adopting the system.

Liz Klein, Director of Regional Sales Canada at Samsara, commented on the partnership:

"TEAMS Transport's incredible results demonstrate the power of connected data in building a safer and more efficient operation. We are proud to partner with them as they leverage our platform to not only achieve a remarkable return on investment but also to reinforce their deep commitment to driver safety and customer service. Their success is a testament to what is possible with a truly unified platform."

The asset tracking features of the system have helped TEAMS Transport achieve full equipment recovery rates, which the company attributes to Samsara Asset Tags. This has also contributed to reducing the need for replacement purchases and the associated costs.

Technology roll-out and impact

The company states that the roll-out process for Samsara's technology was straightforward, with installation and training requirements described as minimal. The move to a fully integrated solution has enabled TEAMS Transport to unify safety, maintenance, and dispatch operations onto a single platform, providing live insight into fleet performance and encouraging a more proactive safety culture across the business.

The introduction of AI-enabled photo reporting in daily vehicle inspections has also allowed the company to address maintenance issues before they lead to roadside breakdowns, which has supported both cost savings and operational reliability.

The reported results include reduced driving risk, cost savings in insurance and maintenance, improved safety scores, decreased policy violations, and full equipment recovery, all of which the company attributes, in part, to the comprehensive integration of Samsara's technology in its operations.