Concerns About Onboard Devices Persist

By Greg Johnson, Staff Reporter

This story appears in the Nov. 21 print edition of Transport Topics. Click here to subscribe today.

Although many motor carriers have readily embraced onboard computers and electronic onboard recorders — largely because they provide easy communication between trucks and company terminals — they have some concerns about the devices, fleet managers and industry observers said.

“One thing I don’t like about EOBRs is that it forces us to move away from the personal side of the business,” said Billy Cartright, director of safety and driver recruitment for Con-way Truckload, Ann Arbor, Mich. “When it comes to driver communication, there needs to be a balance of electronics and personal conversation. We do a good job of balancing the two.”

And even if some onboard computers come with what many would call all the bells and whistles, there isn’t a model that has every feature or function that all drivers or fleet managers want, said Tom Davis, safety manager for Cox Petroleum Transport, Bakersfield, Calif.

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