CALGARY, Alta.—Trimac has completed a six-week pilot program testing a hands-free communication technology aimed at enhancing driver safety and operational efficiency. Conducted in Fairburn, Ga., the pilot evaluated a third party voice-activated messaging application enabling drivers and dispatchers to communicate without manual device interaction.

The pilot involved 15 drivers using the technology to send and receive text messages via voice commands. This hands-free solution eliminates the need for manual device interaction, enhancing real-time communication, route adjustments, updated arrival times and responses to unexpected conditions—all without drivers needing to take their eyes off the road.

Our team of professional drivers within the pilot test found benefit in the tool.

“I like that you can communicate without texting or pulling over—it’s just safer than a phone call,” said Company Driver Shelton Davison.

Company Driver Billy McDonald echoed this sentiment.

“You’re not taking your eyes off the road,” he said. “You are staying focused. In my opinion, it’s just a lot safer doing it this way.”

Dispatchers also reported improved communication efficiency.

“Using the software has been fantastic because it allows me to communicate with drivers while they are in their cabs, eliminating concerns about their safety during those interactions,” said Dispatcher Braxton Johnson. “It has also improved communication with some of my less tech-savvy drivers, enabling me to quickly relay important information to them. This is a significant step forward in implementing safety.”

The technology requires no additional hardware or software and integrates with in-cab electronic logging devices installed across Trimac’s company-owned and operated fleet. Trimac approved a phased rollout of the technology, beginning with regional implementation before expanding to the local level. Hands-free communication solutions represent a significant step toward reducing distractions and improving safety and real-time connectivity—reinforcing Trimac’s desire to drive meaningful change within the transportation industry.

About Trimac
Trimac is an industry-leading bulk transportation company that provides a diverse range of transportation and logistics services across Canada and the United States. Founded in 1945 in Moose Jaw, Sask. and based in Calgary, Alta., Trimac has grown from a small family trucking company to one of the safest and most efficient transportation service companies in North America—with over 140 operating branches and unparalleled expertise in responding to service demands in critical bulk commodity sectors.