SAIA driver cam question, what parameters will trip it?

Discussion in 'Motor Carrier Questions - The Inside Scoop' started by McUzi, Jan 20, 2019.

  1. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    I assume that the camera system records things like following too closely, hard braking etc.

    I’m curious as to what the algorithm for following too closely is. Something like 3 second following distance at 55mph+ for 3 minutes or a variant of that?
     
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  3. SteerTire

    SteerTire Road Train Member

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    If it works like ours does. It tracks the distance, speeds, and length of time before it tattles on you. Then it grabs a select time frame before and after the event to be reviewed. The settings are usually determined by your company. But presets are used also.
     
  4. Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    The truck will yell at you for following distance alert. Then you just let off. It’s below 3 seconds. I haven’t set it off the cam for following distance since I’ve been here. If someone cuts you off and your backing out of it and the cam catches it you won’t get in trouble. The TM’s look at the video and go over it with you and uses common sense. Their looking for the aggressive drivers. Like the Supertruckers that have to tailgate you for 10 miles before passing you.

    You have to pretty much have to slam the brakes to get the cam to go off. Like a jerk slam. I still haven’t did that. I did it once at Mclane cause I was coming out of a parking lot and a car caught me off guard. If you got your seatbelt on and was doing everything possible and not tailgating no worries.

    Following too close is the main key here they preach. Which as a professional driver you shouldn’t follow too close anyways.

    My buddy does city. Cause of the cams he chooses to drive slow. There’s no absolute rush here to be honest. You do what you can safely. Even if you can’t get it all done. They pretty much leave you alone. He told me he watched a YRC guy race car into a parking lot smaked into a curb to get into a dock. All because he had to rush. Drivers like that are the reasons for companies to protect themselves from drivers beating on equipment.

    There’s a lot of misconception on the cams. They were very strict at first then realized they can’t be like that. Cause drivers will leave. LTL is pretty competitive between drivers. So they have honestly been way more lenient cause they need drivers. Unfortunately the damage has been done. So it’s hard for them to find drivers.

    Drivers that work here have continued to be bitter though cause of the cams even though they have lightened up a lot. So take some of the reviews with a grain of salt when talking to a senior driver.

    I’ve been here 90 days on the bumpiest interstate with the worst 4 wheel drivers and haven’t made any videos. Goes to show they have lightened up with the cam sensitivity a lot.
     
  5. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    My brother has been with Saia over a year now, he quickly got used to the camera and they don't bother him at all. Coming from a 25 year owner operator that was quite an adjustment.

    In a year he has had exactly 1 video end with a review and after he watched it with the TM and explained his side there was no discipline or other action needed.
     
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  6. RoadRooster

    RoadRooster Road Train Member

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    At 55, what's the difference in your ETA if you are 3 second behind the guy in front of you or 17 seconds behind?

    The answer is 14 seconds. Use common sense on which is safest. Then the algorithm doesn't really matter.
     
    McUzi, tinytim, speedyk and 4 others Thank this.
  7. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    Thanks. I was suggesting Saia to s friend of mine that lives closer to the Saia terminal than FXF terminal I’m out of. He’s dying to get off his OTR gig but had concerns about the camera system. Seems like no big deal.
     
  8. brian991219

    brian991219 Road Train Member

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    Being that they are just now opening in Mass it is a great time for him to get on board. He will be near the top of seniority, new equipment and a little extra leeway as they get operations rolling. My brother is a complete pain in the arse, yet he thrives at Saia. If he can anybody can!
     
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  9. Radman

    Radman Road Train Member

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    It takes around 5 years or less to get a day time shift on linehaul at my barn. Places like Od and such takes twice as long in my area. If it’s a new terminal a daytime linehaul run could take less time if they have them.
     
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  10. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    How recently have they expanded into MA? Never gave them a look, so I didn’t think they were new to this crummy state.
     
  11. McUzi

    McUzi Road Train Member

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    I wouldn’t wish daytime linehaul on anyone here in the Northeast. Great way to guarantee your drive clock being burnt up in silly traffic.
     
    Radman Thanks this.
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