TRANSPORTATION

2020 has been the year of the unknown. For me, this was true in many ways. COVID-19 has the world in a state of unknown. Ajax employees are no different. We’ve been fortunate to keep working, but always wondering, “When may Covid strike me?” Wondering how this is going to affect my family, my income, decisions, and so forth. Coming off a great 2019, I ask myself these questions, especially still being very new to Ajax. The questions are not always about the virus, but generally speaking about Ajax.

The Transportation Division has a new concept in 2020. I’ve visited many plants, jobs, and offices. I realized how passionate people at Ajax are about Transportation. Trucking is key to “paving the way”. I also learned many people were wondering, “Who is Josh Campbell and what is he doing?” 2020 has been a transformative year for Transportation. Under the guidance of Ajax President Vince Hafeli, we’ve implemented multiple new technologies. My team of Dejan Vujaklija and Chuck Matukaitis (Trucking Superintendents), and Todd Johnson (Trucking Foreman) have led the way in implementing the below Transportation Division improvements.

All Ajax trucks (big and small) now have an outward facing camera.

Trucks also have the capabilities to create an automatic Electronic Log Book.

Using GPS technology, we can locate an asset in real-time, read mileage, check fuel consumption, and more remotely. We can be current scheduling preventative maintenance and recordkeeping without having to call or wait for someone to let the shop know.

Plant integration helps with real-time transportation issues.

Many of our updates benefit the whole asphalt delivery process at Ajax. Construction has more transparency with trucking. Having these abilities allows Ajax to make informed decisions daily. We can also learn from our mistakes to prevent us from making them in the future.

In closing, 2020 was a great year filled with unknowns. The Transportation Department got stronger with information, technology, and people. With 2020 coming to a close, I’m even more excited for 2021 and the bright future of Ajax.

Josh Campbell, Transportation Manager

Dashboard Cameras Dashboard Cameras

IN 2020 Ajax added dashboard cameras to the entire fleet of trucks (big and small). Vince Hafeli, Mandy Kustra, and Josh Campbell researched multiple companies and safety program options to ensure whichever solution Ajax selected would be the best fit for the company and its employees.

Initially, we were focused on a dash cam offering, but when we started learning about Smart Drive’s managed service, where safety events are reviewed, prioritized and queued up for coaching on their behalf, it changed our perspective. After an extensive review, we decided on SmartDrive and the value of the managed service program. Other areas that helped in Ajax’s decision were SmartDrive’s easy coaching workflow, and the safety score platform.

In addition to the safety benefits, we also wanted to use one suppler for its productivity and compliance needs. We wanted to eliminate other platforms, not add more. SmartDrive’s convergence solution was the perfect choice. Using SmartDrive as the single hardware platform that powers video safety, compliance and productivity, the Transportation Division is able to

streamline all the data coming from the vehicle’s cab. The result will be a lower total cost of ownership, better business insights, improved operating efficiency and a safer fleet. Ajax is also getting telematics capabilities that will enable us to track vehicles, review historical trip data, define custom rules, and set alerts to quickly respond to situations that are most important to us.

With SmartDrive we eliminate the riskiest driving that leads to collisions and drives costs up. We save time and deliver more effective driver coaching. Our fleet reduces collision frequency, lowers fuel consumption and operational costs, and brings our drivers home safely – everybody wins.