Swift, the third largest commercial carrier in the United States, has announced that it will be outfitting all 6,000+ company vehicles with driver-facing cameras.
Lytx DriveCams are the systems Swift has decided to install. They work by using both forward-facing and driver-facing cameras to record constantly. Then, when the system detects a “safety critical event” such as a hard stop or an accident, it stores the 10 seconds of footage gathered before and the 10 seconds after that event occurred.
While Swift stresses that the cameras will not be used to watch or monitor truck drivers in real time, many drivers have voiced concern in the past about a camera that is constantly recording – even if it doesn’t store that data unless there’s a “safety critical event.”
In their announcement video sent to drivers, the president and COO of Swift, Richard Stocking, claimed that the cameras would be used as an “in-cab coach,” to help correct bad habits and make drivers safer. In the event that an accident does occur, the footage from the system can be used to help exonerate drivers of blame when the crash is not their fault.
Stocking says that Swift’s trucks will start being outfitted with the system next month, but that they won’t be present in every truck until the end of next year.
Next Story: The Battle Over Mandatory 65MPH Speed Limiters
Shogun says
Swift recruiters better get ready for an overwhelming increase in applications. Who wouldn’t want to drive for a company that does that?
Larry says
Some have already installed the cams in their trucks. JBS out of Colorado uses them.
JohnS says
Swift’s whole problem is hiring weak, unskilled drivers. Putting camera’s in trucks is just a way to weed out the one’s the probably should not have hired in the first place. A forward facing camera is something that is a good thing. But if you can’t trust your driver to do the right thing under electronic logs as Swift has. Then you have a fundamental issue of vetting qualified drivers.
Larry says
Exactly! One may as well go back to working an inside job, there freedom of not having a boss staring them down all day will be taking away.
Ted says
Wow….awesome idea! NOT! Really where do these idiots come up with these ideas “In the name of safety?” Maybe if Swift hired more experienced drivers from the start they wouldn’t have to spend so much money for worthless technology. Recruiting has been and will always be an issue for those large carriers, now Swifts putting in driver facing cameras in their trucks. Excellent recruiting tool Swift, I’m sure you will lose many drivers who have been with the company awhile over this.
Jim says
Why don’t they just put an end to all this nonsense and create driverless trucks. Wouldn’t that be awesome!? Then drivers could retire and be supremely happy.
Trucking firms could all rest easy and never have any problems. Course then the truck manufacturers would be sued for faulty automatic driving systems. There would probably be accidents all over the place!
mike says
they already have driverless trucks.
Rich says
There are ZERO, count em, zero driverless trucks on the road. Nevada is the only state to approve the German computer assist codriver truck, so what good would they be if you can’t leave NV?? And please tell me, who will scale the loads, open the doors, chock the wheels, wash out or broom the trailers, etc., etc. There will never be driverless trucks! And like the Rand McNally truck GPS always takes you on truck routes? Good luck with that!!
john sidor says
If you put a camera to show the driver you also need to put one to show the front view also just to see how the driving public is and they have no reguard of a truck on the roads in America. 90% of the public have no idea of what these trucks need t stop when loaded. Just because they have 18 wheels and breaks that we can stop on a dime the public need to go through a safety course with truck and car accidents. the truck driver does not be at fault here it is always the car that is the cause. And really it is 100% of all truck car accidents fault of the auto
Mark Perez says
Are you serious in saying that there is never an accident where it is the truckers fault?
Robert says
How can you say that 100% of all auto truck accidents are the cars fault? I’ve seen truck drivers cause accidents because the pull out in front of someone. If I was to believe what you say then the truck that pulls out in front of a car and gets hit is automatically the cars fault. Now how can that be if the car is doing the speed limit? Better yet how about the truck driver that falls asleep at the wheel and rubs head-on into a car in the other lane? That’s the car’s fault too then according to your thinking. I will say that about 90% of the truck and car accidents is the fault of the car and not the truck.
Larry says
The cams are two-way.
Wayne says
Uhh, the system we have in our trucks is always recording. In the event of an accident or something to set off the sensors, it backtracks before the event up to 30sec
Robert says
The sensors they are talking about go on every time you hit a pot hole or a rail crossing. I would not drive for a company that had in cab camera unless I the driver had the on off switch for the driver to turn on. If your going to run outside cameras record constantly so you can see the a-hole who started the sequence of events. If the camera is on inside the truck it would require me to drive with my middle finger pointing up constantly and I may get a finger cramp. Plus I think it is best if my attention is on the road not the camera.
john says
It’s a good tool to have. But it is worthless for the company. CREngland try this 2 years ago and it last only 6 months
Shogun says
Lance N, did you install that system in the trucks or are you in charge of monitoring the fleet? If not, I would be hesitant to say they cannot monitor a camera that is linked to a network remotely. In my former line of work we used cameras, and its not unusual for the management to not be completely honest in the system’s capabilities in order to catch employees misconduct.
Jeremy says
Anyone working for a company that puts cameras in trucks facing you needs to quit and find a better job.I tried it once and watched them kick the camera on everyday right as my 10 hour was up and several other times daily.Its the ultimate disrespect to a driver.Do not support it or allow it in your truck.
rodney says
Umm..just a deep thought from a shallow mind. But, wouldn’t the whole argument about helping avoid litigation or prove fault during an accident be better served if the cameras were pointed outward? I mean..watching a driver scratching his nuts or picking his nose at the time of impact might be entertaining to some perverted executive. But how is that going to help in court. I say put one in my truck. And I’ll give you great footage that would definitely be you tube worthy. What a joke!
Ant says
They do also point out. Read more than headlines man. You may learn something.
Retired Driver says
They had installed cameras in the trucks prior to my exit at the last company. The CEO thought it was hilarious when they switched one on in a particular truck. Apparently they witnessed the driver singing away. They talked about that one for a while. George Orwell’s 1984 is here. Cameras are not here to make things safer or prevent anything, just another way for master to spy on, keep track of the slaves……………..
GA Driver says
Used to drive for another carrier when they installed these cameras. Same storyline, only used in “critical event”, can help us coach you, blah, blah. Never had a critical event, but suddenly started getting messages about remembering to put on my seatbeat, using my headset, etc. Also, system had an interior mike that remained on for 1 hour after shutdown. I quit, got a better job, as far as I’m concerned, this is a control game by management, just leave these companies and drive for someone that trusts you to do your job.
Robert says
So since they are not monitored they won’t mind if you cover the inside facing lens? That’s also a good way to find out if they are watching you. Just uncover it when the truck goes in the shop.
John says
I left my previous job because they installed cameras in all the trucks. They tell you its for your “own protection” but then they would write drivers up for not coming to a complete stop at a stop sign. It was a small company with 18 drivers and 5 quit including me within 2 months of the camera being installed.
mike says
if you run a stop sign aren’t you just as likely to run a stop light? They both have the same meaning , STOP.
Chad says
Not coming to a “complete ” stop is not the same as “running” a stop sign. Der Duh der
mark says
Cool swift here I come all 360 lbs in my thong dancing in front of your camera. .
john holt says
Wouldn’t drive for any co.that puts cameras in a truck,sounds like the insurance co. Is on the company s ass with its accidents record,seems like these companies are gonna have a lot of drivers quit,seems if my memory serves me correctly they still made bubble gum and duct tape ! Lol
Big D says
Swift is (or was) self insured so that rules out pressure from the insurance company. They are just control freaks who don’t give a damn about their drivers and are looking for any reason to fire someone.
Elton Hammonds says
Roehl Transport has those cameras and have been known for recording video of their female drivers naked after emailing the better looking videos around their corporate offices.
mike says
thats when you take a shirt or hand towel used for wiping your mirrors and toss it over the camera , but you must say nighty night first.
guy says
That is lie. I used to work there and have friends in the office. They can’t trigger the camera and watch it like a tv. When you say things as serious as that. You better have proof to back up you lie.
Dan says
National Freight Industries, NFI, (No _ Idea) has has these cameras in there trucks since late last year.
JRV says
VERY SAD DAY……..FINALLY HERE…..THE REST OF THE COMPANIES WILL FOLLOW FOR SURE.
Tim says
Paradoxically, in addition to being impossible, it now also seems inevitable, for the quality of Swift’s applicant pool to drop.
Philip says
Cameras will not be used to constantly monitor drivers, but will be used to help drivers correct bad habits? So how will they do that inless they are constantly monitoring their drivers.
I guess Schneider better brace for an influx of driver applications. Lol.
Les_gvt says
On your truck today. In your car tomorrow. So the insurance company can “give advice” on driving tips and the state can see if you smoked a cigarette with the kids in the car (do note-a joint or xrack oipe are perfectly fine)
bob g says
I’d quit when I saw the installer walking towards my truck. I hope they have an overwhelming negative response. Any driver that puts up with this is betraying all driver’s
W C Legere says
So since Swift is a private company they feel it is perfectly legal to invade their driver’s privacy? Can the cameras be turned off when the truck is not running? Because I don’t think I would want my shiny big old back side on camera when I change clothes. Where are the civil rights attorneys on this??? Oh . . . That’s right, drivers don’t have any effective representation on civil rights issues so these big corporations can do whatever they want. Can you say, Class Action Lawsuit? I’d sure hate to be a female driving for Swift now.
Bob Abouy says
Where have you been for the past 2-3 years? Swift is a publicly traded company. Stock symbol is SWFT
mike says
Why can’t people understand that your truck, cab included, is a workplace and you have no right to or expectation of privacy. Maybe it isn’t right but until something gets put into law equating it with the same rules as restrooms you’re S.O.L. Get in the sleeper and close the curtain if you are undressing or put something over the camera. If you want to continue working at any given company then follow the rules or leave. Besides, drive the way you’re supposed to and it doesn’t matter what they see you doing or not doing.
David says
I think UPS has them and there are several other large outfits that are using them. As upset as I was when we first got them I realize that they are here to stay. It really doesn’t make sense to quit a good paying job for this one issue to hop somewhere else because your new job may be getting them and eventually you will just be without a job.
Ronvalkyrie says
If I pay for the truck then it’s mine. Yes it is still classified as an office but as long as I’m paying the rent then it’s my office and I will not, with my wife on the truck with me, accept a hackable and remotely controllable device in my truck. And yes they all are remotely controllable meaning the administrator can turn them on or off remotely from his or her laptop at home.
Ronvalkyrie says
I know first hand because I was first sergeant for a civilian security company and we had these exact cameras installed in our patrol vehicles.
Gitta says
Hell, no! Its against the privacy act! Swift will loose many good drivers now and has to do with illigals and others.
rob S says
The usage of gatorade bottles will decrease
Mikie says
Swift you need to put the camera facing forward too. Then you can see what’s happening and then you can make it safer .
Bob Abouy says
I’ll rip that G__ D____ thing right off of the dash!!!
Bob Abouy says
I’ll rip that damn thing right off the dash.
guy says
I understand each of your complaints and concerns. I drive for paper transport. They installed these cameras in our trucks. Many of us complained. However I can say honestly many of your concerns don’t need to be. The camera activates when a event happens. A sudden stop, a pothole can activate it. When it records a event 12 seconds before, 8 seconds after, it is stored. Each day if anything is recorded it is sent to the company that monitors the camera. Potholes, and things that happen such as that are erased. If the driver is recorded texting, or doing stuff that makes them unsafe then it is sent to the company. Remember, most of us don’t own these vehicles , they ask us to be safe. As we have these I don’t even think about it anymore. But I know that we had 2 accidents that showed our driver wasn’t at fault, the driver in both cases were at fault but blamed our driver. You all know us drivers are always blamed . We are guilty until proven innocent. Both these drivers are still driving and feeding their families. If those cameras weren’t there they might be out of a job or going through hell trying to prove their innocence. I’ve actually triggered mine to show a drunk driver in front of me just in case. With more drivers out there driving cars. And with texting, or calling and busier roads we must change our mindset and think of it as a form of protection.
JJ says
I will give them a scene they wish they never installed that damn camera in a truck I drive..I will jack off right in front of that s.o.b..and think nothing of shooting jizz all over it…ha ha ha..I dont care what side they wanna see..I will give them an x-rated show for sure…hahahahaha…I could care less aout the a-holes
mike says
No other way to get your point across? Disgusting.
David says
My company installed them about a year ago. We had about 4-5 drivers quit immediately out of a pool of about 50+ drivers at our terminal. The rest kind of stuck it out with gritted teeth. We have a no phone while driving policy even with a headset so we get drivers being called to the carpet for this although no one has actually been fired that I am aware of. We use Smart Drive and I believe they all work the same as far as the ten second rule and the critical event. I personally have gotten used to the camera and if I happen to use the phone I watch the lights on the unit and as long as I don’t have a hard brake or other critical incident I’m fine. Don’t believe the line they will probably give you that they can’t watch you unless there is an event because our terminal manager has looked into a truck via his office computer to make sure it was on and working. THEY CAN WATCH YOU! This is the wave of the future and more companies are signing up for this tech every year. It can be a little unnerving at first but after awhile you don’t really notice it. There is a code we can enter on the keypad to deactivate the camera and audio as long as the truck is not in motion on our units.
hergie1982 says
I installed my own camera when driving for swift. But it was for my protection when I had trainees. The thing saved my butt twice once when a city cop said i made a rolling stop. Made him eat his words on the spot. Second is when the trainee got cocky and rubbed a telephone post during a turn recorded the whole incedent kept them from firing or even writing me up.
Craig says
Here’s an idea. Coach new drivers BEFORE you turn them loose with a truck. That’s just another layer of respect for drivers wiped away. There already wasn’t many left.
robin says
the thing that I hate about these electronic monitoring system is that it tells the driver that there is an event long after it happens. example, Driving for Schneider, on my annual review, I was told that I had two near rollover events. Huh??? gee, it would be helpful to know that at the time instead of months later. oh, but events, I was bob tailing and I drive like an old lady, because I am.
James says
Have the cameras in the company trucks where I work but when a truck goes up for lease purchase they take it out. Now I have set the camera off several times especially pulling into a rough loading area but only got one call from a hard brake. They told us we could cover the inward facing lense when we stopped for the day. I never did I figure if some pervert at their center wants to watch me change let em.
Daryl says
I’m starting to think that the companies that install these cameras are based out of north Korea. I know that there is a big argument about proving the driver not at fault but the company I work for just installed these camera’s and already seen that they are looking at you all the time. The manager has one in his company pick-up and they dinged him for yawning. There was no sudden stop or big pot hole just driving down the road no problems so if they are only watching trigger events then how did they know he was yawning? Big brother is here.
jeff says
Someone best check facts. Swift is the largest US comercial carrier with almost 20,000 company vehicles
mike says
You all miss the point. These cameras are not used to spy on you nor are they for your safety. These driver facing cameras are for trial litigation purposes. Corporate lawyers for large truck companies have found that if the can prove you were doing something negligent during the time of the accident most of the blame can be shifted to you therefore substantially reducing their fines and law suit expenses. It will ease the mitigation process. Let’s say you’re text messaging or holding the phone while talking and you drift off the road just far enough for the soft soil to jerk you into a ditch. The video will reveal it, you won’t be able to deny it and therefore will be on the hook for any private property you destroyed. Here is my sugestion if a camera is put in your truck , drive naked.
Steve says
Wal-Mart is getting ready to test the video cameras in their fleet trucks.
Douglas Kirk says
Here’s the big chance for every Swift driver to be a hero: quit. Right now. Help normal people put a stop to this bullshit before it goes any farther. What comes next? A camera up your ass so they can tell what you ate last night? Mandatory green sock days? Purple hat days? Where does it end? Stand up for your rights while you still have some to stand up for. This stuff makes me puke.
Chuck says
Amen !!
S B says
I work for swift and I hate the cameras. They have the technology to read your mind and thoughts as well. They are continousally monitoring me. They tell you to cover up the drive cam facing you to make you think your not being watched. But have several other cameras facing you monitoring you.
G. Davis says
The better drivers will not need to work for bottom feeding companies like this and will move on…
notmyname says
The main problem I’ve had with cameras facing me is when your in a tight situation your more worried about the little green light turning red than what’s happening on the road. The fact is the company will lie to you and say they just want to know what happened if there’s an accident. Then they start threatening to fire you if they catch you doing something they don’t like like talking on a cellphone that your not supposed to be doing anyway. Then they install more stuff in the truck to keep you from using a cell phone in anyway including a cb.radio or they will fire you. If you have a smartphone they want to make you put an app on that so it won’t work even though they have already threatened to fire you with the camera. Getting reprimanded for following to close is common. Even though the truck that just past you came back over to your lane if 8 seconds passes and you hit the brake to hard the red light comes on you get in trouble for following to close. Best advice I have is go slower than the speed limit if you hit a pothole or dip at end of a bridge. Maybe the g force sensor won’t trigger the camera. Keep both hands on the steering wheel, your mouth closed at all times. And you’ll just have to get used to running red lights to keep the red light on the camera from coming on.
MountainMan7 says
Driver shortage for Swift coming up. Swift exodus…
Mikextc says
Every Swift driver needs to turn their keys in and find another job,but of course that wont happen,the drives today will tolerate anything thrown at them.
Joe Bartman says
Wish these 6,000 cameras were directly linked to YouTube. It would provide hours of entertainment.
Chuck says
Wow! Way to go SWIFT !!
You have achieved the ultimate award for micro management!!
Great Job SWIFT!! Hahaha
RoadClosed says
If Swift goes through with this act of Privacy invasion, then every swift driver should AT THE SAME TIME (SIMULTANEOUSLY) park their trucks for as long as it takes for the Mormon mafiosos to realize that their drivers dont want this. As a professional drive on these United State Roads you will not want this, I guarantee every bump, every slightly faster than normal turn, every curb eaten, every sudden brake due to thoughtless drivers, will result in a recording of this system, and if, and if Mr Moyes has his way, will also result in a fine that will cost you as a driver money out of your pocket.
Ever current driver will also need to be weary of their driving because if the safety nerds in the office, and you know who you are, Steve, have their way, an increment of X amount of recordings will result in your termination.Every prospective driver will also subsequently be even more stringently considered for positions, all in the name of saving the company a few insurance dollars?
There’s a more sinister play here.
!!!!Swift Drivers and all Professional Drivers!!!! for that matter Please, consider the consequences of going along with this blatant act of industrial totalitarianism. You have been warned
Fuscia says
Must be getting a government kick back of some sort. Plus big government job creation. How am I supposed to pick my nose, and sing to the radio? Seriously though, this is like having a camera in your bathroom or bedroom since we live in our trucks for 12-14 days or more at a time. And what was one reason why we become drivers, to not have the boss man looking over our shoulder all the time. Well now they’re literally staring at us in the face.
Jim Anderson says
I started at swift 8 yrs ago. They gave me a shot when no one else did. All of you and I mean all of you did not wake up with a cdl in your back pocket. You had to learn for somewhere. I see guys with nice trucks 200k rigs and can’t back up a lick. I think the focus should be in front of the truck rather than the driver… That’s where it counts. You can tell what the driver is thinking as a situation is occurring. Since I’ve left Swift and developed my own fleet. If you think simple you’ll end up with simple results.
Andrew says
These cameras don’t show the back of the truck, which is where many of Swift’s accidents are. Whether being rear-ended, or backing into things at truckstops or warehouses.
Jake Tijsma says
Stay away from Swift now they are taking away your privacy
Michelle says
Enjoy your Nanny Cams Swifties. I would never drive for a company that thinks I need to be watched. That’s one of many reasons I got into trucking, no boss looking over my shoulder or in this case, in my face. If this ever becomes another one of the pencil pushing Feds regulations, I will go be a door greeter at WalMart.
sue says
Front facing cameras, in my opinion, if installed correctly (catching both hood mirrors) are most all the data you need to determine fault. I mean good grief, let drivers pick their nose and lip sync Taylor Swift in peace. I am a o/o and am in favor of forward facing cameras but, driver facing should only be used if there has been a problem.
Macgyver says
This is 100% bull. I have already heard documented stories about these cameras footage being used to “cull” drivers from fleets with footage from months past, and no critical event was recorded. this is just another setup to destroy the industry. You want a camera to be pointing at me? there will be a few stipulations. 1) There will be a dashcam pointing OUTWARD first. 2) there will be an amber EVENT button to record 30 seconds back and forward and upload any event that the driver sees that may be threat, and a red PANIC button that will go back 15 MINUTES and then solidly forward until remotely deactivated, and a EMERGENCY EVENT signal sent back to the carrier’s main office where a SAFETY OFFICIAL will be able to WATCH AND WITNESS the EMERGENCY EVENT, be it an ACCIDENT or a TRAFFIC STOP. The resulting video MUST be used by the company to DEFEND as well as PROSECUTE.
The control of this system should be up to the driver, as well as the company.
Simply put, there are too many cherry-pickers out there that love to exacerbate anything they can, and therefore none of the companies that utilize these technologies can be trusted, just like they cannot trust us.
Have fun trying to fill those seats.
Ed says
Until drivers unionize, they will continue to have less and less. Start a Union. Forget OOIDA. They are ok, but until drivers all band together and force the govt to stop ALL driver harassment nothing will change. Every driver needs to start getting on social media and organizing a new driver’s union. Organized boycotting of every state that won’t cooperate. Simply have all drivers agree to participate in all union functions or be faced with slowdowns at fuel islands, public roadways, and potentially their customers. This is all legal. Boycotts and heavy picketing is legal. Get on board or get out of trucking. It’s your choice.
Ronvalkyrie says
I’m with you on the union. Been thinking about trying to get one started but the problem is getting the new guys to get on board. Just like the strikes that never were last year. A few guys parked their trucks but the foreign drivers and all the new guys were waiving as they passed. It’s not impossible but it is going to be God awful difficult.
John says
I would think a camera facing towards you would be more of a distraction than a help. This industry gets more and more foolish. I know we need some rules and regulations but some of its ridiculous. It’s micro management at its finest. I also agree with unionization. I don’t know what they’ll all have to do when all trucks are driverless. Hopefully they get rid of a bunch of them also.
Robert says
I work for Swift on a dedicated account and we just got these. I really wasn’t against it too much based off them saying “it only records during hard braking and critical events.” I’ve only had 2 hard braking events and no ciritical events in the last 2 years so I wasn’t really concerned. Well I’m here to tell you that this records every time you hit the tiniest of bumps or if you have to make ANY steering adjustments at all at highway speeds it does the recording. It is extremely distracting because anytime you go to check your blind side mirrors the damn thing is flashing some combination of lights because it decided the change in road surface was too much and started recording. So obviously they are using this more as a baby monitor than as a tool to actual improve driver habits. My plan was to stay with Swift until I got to my 3rd year mark but this is making me strong reconsider
chuck says
Typical, swift thinks this will make safe drivers. It won’t. How about better training? Which costs less? Better training or cameras?
ruptured lepricaun says
camera is no different than your boss sitting next to you. You should be able to turn off when ” off – duty “. Be safe and content!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Steve says
The safest fleet in the country is getting ready to test the video cams on their fleet trucks.WMT.
Anon says
I’ve been with Swift for 7 years. No accidents. No tickets. Camera was just installed in my truck couple months ago. The camera went off this week without me noticing. I just got called in for “coaching.” I was driving, minding my own business. Another truck drifted into my lane, so I moved away from it. “Lane departure!” Now you’re being punished for 20 seconds of nothing!
Bernard Buttemere says
Drive cams are for weeding out bad drivers, trouble making drivers, and for an excuse to rid of someone. It’seems good foreason collision investigations. But it’seems main purpose is to get rid of people.
Tommy says
I have a feeling swift will be looking for alot of drivers in the near future🙄
Sojourner holmes says
These cameras will be the death of american trucking. I drove straight truck for 5 years and company did this. I left all of my former co drivers bitch and moan as driver coordinator nitpick them now. Here is one driver that wanted to make the transition to OTR and probably won’t happen now because of these. Trucking companies are shooting themselves in the foot. But then again that is fascism at its finest
Also i strive in life to do unto others as i want done to me.
It’s about making America sedentary, so they can “rewild” america
This is part what happens when a country turns from God, they trust in the works of their hands. America has turned from God for at least 150 years.