Who Is Stacy and How Is She Helping Truckers?

Back in the earlier days of trucking, truckers planned out their routes using paper logs, atlases, and maps. Everything was done by hand, including noting when they took their rest breaks. Today, most of this is done electronically, and the technology is only getting smarter.

Meet Stacy, part of the “new wave” of electronic logging device (ELD) innovation. Stacy is a new, AI-based copilot for truckers who, per FreightWaves, “speaks every language, reminds you of your appointments, tells you the best routes as well as the weather, and can answer any one of your questions about hours of service, regulations and company policies. And — watch out — she can issue warnings when you break the rules.”

Stacy is the brainchild of CJ Karman’s EZlogz company, which offers a digital logbook truckers can use instead of paper logs, along with other services like “dashcams with real-time monitoring alerts of risky events and driver behaviors and even a load board that also allows companies to reliably and securely access volume.”

How does Stacy work?

Using EZlogz’s existing system, Stacy works as a sort of co-pilot to truck drivers, helping them along on their routes and providing the information they need to cut down on the risk of dangerous commercial truck accidents. Per Karman, “Through the type of data coming in, the system will understand driver behavior and even emotions. It takes in parameters like how the driver reacts, what time of the day and how the driver communicates with the system. The system will be able to learn the driver’s pattern of behavior.”

Stacy will examine all of this information and offer interactions based on the driver’s experience. She has three levels – Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

• Basic is for driver trainees who do not yet know about hours-of-service regulations (HOS). On this level, Stacy helps drivers every step of the journey and teaches based on the data she collects from the engine control module and dashcam. For example, she may recommend a place to stop for a rest break, explaining why the driver legally needs to take the break.
• Intermediate is “suitable for an individual who understands hours of service and has a better grasp of how to use an ELD.” Stacy will offer tips, guidance, and troubleshooting advice.
• Advanced allows the driver to ask Stacy even higher-level questions related to their job duties, including questions about HOS, safety issues and compliance, pre- and post-trip inspections, and more.

Although AI-based systems like Stacy are not currently required in commercial trucks, Karman sees a big future: “I believe AI will be bigger than dot-com and the logistics industry will change drastically in the next 12 months. People that are integrating with AI will be able to significantly save money and move ahead of others that are not looking at AI as a promising tool for the industry.”

How could AI like Stacy help Minot truck drivers?

Per Vision Zero North Dakota, a heavy truck crash occurs every 12 hours, with one fatality about every 33 days. Anything that can cut down on truck accidents and injuries sounds like a good idea to us.

Artificial intelligence can potentially help truck drivers with a variety of tasks, which can help them better focus on the road and, in turn, cut down on the number of deadly accidents each year here in North Dakota. AI has the potential to significantly assist truck drivers in various aspects of their job, enhancing efficiency, safety, and overall working conditions.

• For example, one application of AI in the trucking industry is route optimization. Advanced AI algorithms can analyze real-time traffic data, weather conditions, road closures, and other variables to suggest the most optimal routes for truck drivers. This not only saves on time and fuel costs, but also reduces the stress associated with navigating through unfamiliar or congested areas.
• Additionally, AI-powered predictive maintenance can play an important role in keeping trucks in optimal condition. By analyzing sensor data from the truck, AI systems can predict when certain components are likely to fail or require maintenance. This proactive approach helps prevent breakdowns on the road, reduces downtime, and contributes to safer driving conditions.
• AI can also be utilized for driver safety. Fatigue and distraction are common concerns among truck drivers, which can lead to accidents. AI can monitor driver behavior and physiological indicators to detect signs of fatigue or distraction, providing alerts to drivers and fleet managers. This can help prevent accidents and promotes overall road safety.
• Communication and coordination within the trucking industry can also be improved through AI-driven platforms. AI-enabled logistics solutions can help truck drivers better coordinate their schedules, deliveries, and pickups, streamlining the entire supply chain process. This enhances efficiency and reduces idle time. Better efficiency means fewer truck drivers trying to rush to make up time or get in more trips during their shifts.
• Further, AI-driven analytics can aid trucking companies in gaining valuable insights from the massive amounts of data generated during operations. These insights can help companies optimize their fleet management strategies, identify trends, improve resource allocation, and make informed decisions that positively impact not just their bottom line, but overall safety in the industry.

If you or someone you love were injured in a commercial truck accident, get an experienced personal injury attorney from Larson Law Firm P.C. on your side. Call or complete our contact form today to schedule a free consultation. We handle accident cases on a contingency fee basis. We have offices in Fargo, Bismarck, and Minot.