4 Ways Technology at MATS Can Better Driver Retention

admin | March 27, 2018 | bluetooth, GPS for Trucks, MATS, MATS 2018, New GPS, truck show, trucking industry, TruckLogics | No Comments

The Mid-America Trucking Show, better known as “MATS,” is the largest annual heavy-duty trucking event in the world. MATS attracted thousands of attendees and focused its efforts on driver retention and technology this year.

Incorporating vital trucking information, live entertainment, and intriguing truck displays, this year’s show was one for the books and one that we’re glad we didn’t miss! We made the drive from our office here in Rock Hill, SC up to Louisville, Kentucky, for the 47th Annual MATS.

Being that we know a few things about technology, we wanted to share the 4 ways the technology at MATS can better driver retention for the trucking industry this year. (And no, we’re not affiliated with any of these tools, but we’re always open to making new friends!)

Jim Park has posted a few photos from the floor of the Mid-America Trucking Show in Louisvile, Ky. #MATS https://t.co/hj8n0KNQBb pic.twitter.com/Tv1tBmteXj

— Today’s Trucking (@Todaystrucking) March 23, 2018

4 Ways Technology at MATS Can Better Driver Retention For The Trucking Industry

To retain drivers, technology must constantly evolve in order to serve the industry better. These advances should better your driver retention.

New Trucker GPS by TomTom

TomTom, the global leader in navigation, traffic and map products, recently launched the new TomTom Trucker, specifically developed for use by truckers. This was an interesting technology find for us.

TomTom boasts that it is perfect for truckers of any size fleet; the TomTom Trucker guides drivers to selected points of interest such as fuel stops and travel centers and is compatible with Google Now as well as Siri voice recognition software.

To make the deal even sweeter, drivers will also be alerted of traffic issues on highways and secondary roads, including notifications of stopped traffic, accidents, and locations of where the most common accidents occur. For more info, click here.

New Bluetooth Headset by Plantronics

At MATS, we saw the new Plantronics trucker-oriented headset was unveiled last week. Voyager 104 is an over-the-head headset that has awesome features such as 24-hour talk time, noise-canceling technology boom mic, and a windsock for drivers to use during windy weather conditions.

With a Bluetooth range of 60 feet plus a memory foam earcup and headband, this headset should be pretty great!

Have you tested this one? What’s your favorite headset?

Newly Updated Trucking App by Love’s

While we love all of the truck stops equally, we really like that this update helps out drivers with keeping up with fuel expenses.

Love’s has recently updated its trucking app to include several new perks. The Love’s Connect mobile app has a new design and features that you are sure to enjoy. Love’s Connect app enhancements include:

-Starting diesel pumps and paying for fuel from your cab [professional drivers only]

-View and share transaction and loyalty receipts

-Better management of stops

-Improved roadside assistance screen linked to nearby Love’s Truck Tire Care, and more.

DAT Load Board App

When we ran into Chad Boblett at the show, he was presenting for DAT.

Chad is the owner and driver of Boblett Brothers Trucking, and founder of Rate Per Mile Masters Facebook group.

At the DATs booth, he was dispelling trucking myths.

Chad’s passion is for using technology to get drivers their own authority and connect with brokers so they can go into business for themselves!

48th Annual MATS

We are anxiously awaiting the 48th Annual MATS and look forward to the new changes in the trucking industry. Did you go to MATS? Tell us about your favorite things in the comments below.