Tenstreet this year added new capabilities to its software offerings that connect carriers and drivers, using the latest generative artificial intelligence technology to improve communication with drivers and to improve productivity for fleets.

In developing the new technology, Tenstreet explored the question of, “What can we do with all the technology that’s just ubiquitous today, in the driver's pocket, in the cab?” said CEO Tim Crawford in an interview.

“And how do we connect these islands of technology in a way that makes for a better experience for drivers, better outcomes for carriers, and connecting in ways that maybe weren't possible a few years ago?”

AI Communication with Tenstreet Pulse+

Pulse+ is the company's new communication platform that leverages generative AI to automate processes, freeing up recruiter time to build stronger connections while at the same time enabling instant after-hours and weekend replies to engage applicants.

Another communication feature, pre-application messaging, lets job seekers ask carriers questions before submitting a job application, helping the driver determine if the company is a good fit and helping the carrier engage more quickly through AI and automation, converting conversations to full applications with less noise. 

“One of the things we see, especially in the job search process, drivers have the issues that are most important to them. And they tend to fall into about six or seven categories," Crawford explains. 

"So we built some generative AI to give carriers the ability to respond to those standard questions, automatically.”

And if there’s enough data for the AI to learn from, he says, the AI can automatically answer routine questions from prospective drivers such as, “How often am I going to get home? What are the pay rates I can expect? What is your pet policy?”

If a driver's job preferences and the carrier's job requirements are a match in Driver Pulse, the tool will even generate an immediate connection message to indicate to both parties that they are aligned.

Geolocation and AI Open up New Features

New Driver Pulse geolocation features, powered by TruckMap, support new on-the-road efficiencies and communication. Drivers can share routes with carriers, shippers, and loved ones, allowing for greater transparency around delays on the road.

Location-dependent actions can be triggered based on a driver's coordinates, like a Welcome Back message when a driver returns to the terminal to provide relevant information. 

“When a driver ends up back at your home terminal, why not send that driver a video that says, ‘Hey, welcome back to the terminal. Here’s where the washer and dryer are, here's the code to the Wi-Fi, and if you're having issues getting connected, tap here,’” Crawford explains as an example. 

Customizable, more complex processes can also be initiated. For instance, carriers could craft a weigh station message to a driver who has been at a weigh station for an extended period, encouraging them to communicate if an issue has come up at inspection.

Automatic Communication to Head Off Problems at Shippers and Receivers

Another example Crawford offers is reminding a driver about something specific related to a customer location.

“Say a vital customer is really particular about a no smoking rule," he says. "How do you remind that driver in the right context? Not with one line item in some of the shipping documents at the start of the trip, but right when as they're pulling into the dock, you can send them an automatic reminder."

And if a driver is at a shipper or receiver more a certain number of hours, Crawford says, "Why wait for the driver to get so frustrated that they’re calling dispatch unhappy? Why not automatically ping the driver and say, ‘It looks like you're detained. We’re really sorry. Here's a gift card for dinner on us when you do finally get out of there. And if there's anything else we can do for you, tap here’ and make that human connection with a driver.”

Route Conditions messages, powered by Drivers Legal Plan, warn the driver when approaching a high-traffic enforcement area. 

Tenstreet has also integrated with Bluewire LLC, a company that helps carriers to identify vulnerabilities that fuel severity risk and exposure.

Dig deeper into the new features on Tenstreet's website.

Watch the full HDT Interview with Tim Crawford: