Dashcam systems paired with telematics are quickly becoming essential tools for bulk hauling companies. As the industry faces growing demands for safety, efficiency, and compliance, more fleet operators are turning to advanced technology to streamline operations and cut costs.
Lack of cameras is one of the things that costs hauling companies more than they realize. Every day, bulk haulers deal with challenges like rising fuel expenses, driver safety concerns, and strict regulations.
A single accident or compliance issue can result in costly delays, legal trouble, or damaged reputations. That’s why dashcams integrated with telematics are more than just “nice-to-have” as they are becoming a necessity.
With the wide variety of dashcam systems, how do you choose the system that is right for your fleet?
In this guide, we’ll explore the top benefits, must-have features, and some of the best products on the market to help you make an informed decision.
Dashcam systems have become a game-changer for bulk hauling fleets. These compact cameras, installed in trucks, quietly capture everything happening on the road and inside the truck too. But they’re not just there to record accidents. Today’s dashcams are smarter, offering insights into driver behavior, road conditions, and even cargo safety.
Whether it's a near-miss or an unexpected incident, they’ve got it recorded. And for bulk haulers, that footage can be invaluable, not just for insurance claims, but also for coaching drivers and improving safety.
There are a few different types of dashcams you’ll typically see in fleets:
Gone are the days of bulky cameras with grainy footage. Modern dashcams are sleek, reliable, and deliver crystal-clear video—even in low light or bad weather.
The global market for telematics is booming. According to Allied Market Research, the global commercial telematics market was valued at $16.87 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $63.89 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 14.3%. As more companies invest in these systems, finding the right solution for your fleet is more important than ever.
If dashcams are the eyes of a fleet, telematics is the brain. It’s the tech that connects trucks to dispatchers, sending real-time data about everything from a vehicle’s location to how hard the driver hit the brakes at that last stoplight.
Here’s what telematics brings to the table:
In simple terms, telematics is a system that combines GPS tracking, vehicle diagnostics, and driver behavior monitoring, all in one package.
Individually, dashcams and telematics are powerful tools. But together? They’re a fleet manager’s dream.
Here’s a scenario to consider: A driver slams on the brakes to avoid a sudden stop in traffic. The telematics system logs the event, capturing speed, location, and braking force. Simultaneously, the dashcam records video of the entire incident — from both the road and inside view. Now, you’ve got both the hard data and the footage to see exactly what happened.
This kind of integration gives fleet managers a complete, real-time view of their operations. It’s not just about safety alone but also about efficiency, accountability, and protecting your drivers and assets.
For hauling companies, where heavy loads and tight schedules are the norm, having this level of insight can make all the difference. It helps prevent accidents, resolve disputes, and even lower insurance premiums.
With today’s tech, setting up a combined dashcam and telematics system is easier and more affordable than ever.
Managing heavy-duty trucks, ensuring driver safety, and keeping loads secure are all part of the job. But with dashcam systems integrated with telematics, these challenges become easier to manage.
Here’s how dashcam systems with telematics can make a real difference for bulk hauling companies.
Driver safety is a major concern in bulk hauling. Heavy loads and long hauls increase the risk of accidents, and one bad move can have serious consequences. Dashcam systems with telematics help reduce that risk.
Telematics tracks how drivers handle their trucks — things like speeding, hard braking, and sharp turns. Dashcams capture video of the road and driver behavior. Together, they give fleet managers a complete picture of what’s happening behind the wheel.
If a driver starts showing risky behaviors, managers can step in with real-time coaching. AI-powered dashcams also detect issues like distracted driving or drowsiness, alerting drivers before something goes wrong. And when accidents happen, dashcam footage can clear up any questions about fault, protecting both the driver and the company.
While drivers may resist this level of monitoring, isn’t getting them home in one piece what is important?
Fuel costs eat into profits, especially when trucks are hauling heavy loads over long distances. One of the biggest culprits? Excessive idling. The EPA estimates that idling trucks waste about 1 billion gallons of fuel each year.
Telematics tracks idle time, helping managers spot trucks that are burning fuel unnecessarily. It also flags inefficient driving habits like rapid acceleration or hard braking, which use more fuel than needed.
With this data, fleet managers can coach drivers on better habits and optimize routes to avoid traffic-heavy areas. This helps lower fuel costs and more efficient operations.
Keeping up with Hours of Service (HOS) rules and other safety regulations is a constant challenge in bulk hauling. Paper logs are time-consuming and prone to errors, which can lead to costly fines.
Telematics systems with built-in Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) handle this automatically. They track driving hours, rest breaks, and mileage without the need for manual logs. According to the FMCSA, drivers can spend up to 20 hours per year filling out paper logs — time that could be spent on the road.
These systems also help with vehicle inspections and maintenance tracking, ensuring trucks stay roadworthy and compliant with safety standards. And since the MAP-21 act made ELDs mandatory for many commercial vehicles, having a telematics system in place isn’t just helpful—it's required. Bulk haulers running local routes are currently exempt from some of these regulations.
Hauling bulk materials comes with its own set of routing challenges. Not all roads can handle heavy loads, and traffic delays can cost companies time and money. Telematics makes routing smarter.
With real-time GPS data and traffic updates, telematics systems help drivers avoid congestion and plan routes that accommodate heavy loads. Fleet managers can also use geofencing to set virtual boundaries around job sites or restricted areas. If a truck leaves its designated route or enters an unauthorized zone, the system sends an alert.
Optimized routes mean faster deliveries, less fuel consumption, and fewer headaches for drivers.
Bulk hauling is about moving cargo safely. Whether it’s gravel, sand, or more sensitive materials, protecting the load is crucial.
Exterior-mounted dashcams keep an eye on cargo areas, recording footage during loading, transit, and unloading. If something goes wrong (like a load shift or spillage), managers can review the footage to figure out what happened.
Telematics adds another layer of security by tracking truck locations in real-time. If a truck veers off its route or stops unexpectedly, managers get an alert. This helps prevent cargo theft and ensures materials get to their destination safely.
Accidents are part of the job in bulk hauling, but how companies handle them makes all the difference. Dashcam systems simplify the process.
If a truck is involved in an accident, dashcam footage provides clear evidence of what happened. Combined with telematics data like speed, location, and braking . This makes it easier to settle insurance claims and resolve disputes.
Many insurance providers even offer discounts to fleets using dashcams and telematics because they see these tools as proactive safety measures. Over time, these savings can help offset the cost of installing the systems.
Breakdowns are expensive and disruptive, especially when trucks are hauling heavy loads. Telematics systems help prevent them by tracking vehicle health in real-time.
These systems monitor things like engine hours, mileage, and fuel efficiency, flagging potential issues before they become serious problems. Fleet managers can schedule maintenance based on real data, not guesswork.
Predictive maintenance reduces unexpected breakdowns, keeps trucks on the road longer, and saves companies money on repairs.
Driver turnover is a constant headache in trucking, and bulk hauling isn’t any different. Long hours, heavy loads, and tight schedules wear drivers down fast. But dashcam systems with telematics can actually help with this.
In-cab devices give drivers real-time updates on routes, traffic, and job details. Communication with dispatchers also gets easier, helping drivers feel more connected and less stressed.
Plus, telematics data highlights good driving habits, so managers can recognize and reward top performers. And that matters. The American Trucking Association (ATA) reports the truck driver shortage is expected to drop from 78,000 drivers in 2022 to 64,000 in 2023 which is nearly 20% decrease.
While that might sound like good news, experts warn that relief will be short-lived, and the shortage could climb again in the coming years. Happy drivers stick around longer. And that means fewer hiring headaches, lower training costs, and a smoother-running fleet.
Not all dashcam systems are built the same. You need a setup that doesn’t just record footage but actively helps improve safety, efficiency, and compliance. So, what really matters?
Here are the essential features you should look for when choosing a dashcam system with telematics for your bulk hauling fleet.
If the footage isn’t clear, it’s not useful. A good dashcam should record in at least 1080p HD, both for road-facing and driver-facing cameras. Clear video helps capture license plates, road signs, and even subtle driver behaviors, which is crucial for accident reconstruction or coaching sessions.
Resolution options include:
In bulk hauling, where cargo spills or on-site incidents can happen, sharp footage makes all the difference when figuring out what went wrong. Plus, insurers love clear evidence, which can speed up claims and cut down on disputes.
Bulk haulers don’t just drive during the day. Your dashcam needs to record clearly no matter the lighting. Here are some features to consider:
Night vision ensures that incidents happening at night like cargo theft or road accidents are captured clearly.
The wider the lens, the more your dashcam captures. A wider Field of View (FOV) reduces blind spots and helps document everything happening around the vehicle.
Here’s a recommended FOV for haulers:
For bulk hauling, where oversized cargo or multi-lane driving is common, a wide FOV helps cover blind spots and captures a broader view of incidents.
Gone are the days of pulling SD cards to review footage. With cloud connectivity, important videos upload automatically, making them accessible from anywhere. If an accident happens, footage gets stored instantly, even if the camera is damaged or stolen.
Cloud storage also simplifies sharing videos with insurance companies, legal teams, or even law enforcement. Plus, no more worrying about running out of space — the system takes care of it.
Real-time GPS tracking is a must for bulk hauling. It not only shows where your trucks are but also provides data on speed, routes, and even stop times. This helps optimize routes, improve dispatch efficiency, and reduce fuel costs.
GPS also plays a big role in cargo security. If a truck deviates from its planned route or makes an unscheduled stop, fleet managers get an instant alert, helping prevent theft and unauthorized use.
Keeping an eye on the road isn’t enough. Driver Monitoring Systems (DMS) use AI to detect risky behaviors like distracted driving, drowsiness, or even phone use behind the wheel. Real-time alerts give drivers a heads-up, helping them correct mistakes before something goes wrong.
For bulk haulers pulling heavy loads over long distances, fatigue is a serious risk. A DMS helps catch it early, protecting both drivers and cargo.
ADAS features add an extra layer of safety. Think lane departure warnings, forward collision alerts, or even pedestrian detection — all designed to help drivers avoid accidents.
These systems are especially valuable in bulk hauling, where larger trucks need more stopping distance and face greater risks on narrow roads or busy job sites.
Good data is only helpful if you use it. Driver coaching tools turn telematics data into actionable feedback. Systems with driver scorecards, real-time alerts, and automated coaching reports help drivers improve over time.
This isn’t just about calling out mistakes — it’s about reinforcing good habits and creating a culture of safety. Plus, these tools can be used to reward top drivers, boosting morale and retention.
Fleet managers need a complete view of operations. Comprehensive reporting features track everything from fuel efficiency to driver behavior, helping you spot trends and make smarter decisions.
For bulk haulers, reports can highlight which routes waste the most fuel, which drivers need more coaching, or even which trucks are due for maintenance. It’s all about using data to run a more efficient, safer fleet.
No one wants to deal with a complicated system. The best dashcams are plug-and-play, with user-friendly interfaces that drivers and managers can navigate without a headache.
Installation should be quick, and the software should make it easy to pull footage, review data, and generate reports. If it takes more than a few minutes to figure out how to use, it’s probably not the right fit.
Your dashcam system should work seamlessly with the rest of your fleet management tools like ELDs, dispatch software, and maintenance trackers. This kind of integration makes life easier for fleet managers, letting them access all data from one platform.
For example, linking dashcam footage to HOS logs can help spot if driver fatigue was a factor in an incident, or connect maintenance data to driver behavior for a more complete picture.
It’s important to balance safety and privacy. While dashcams help improve safety and protect against liability, they also raise concerns about driver surveillance. Systems that allow configurable driver-facing cameras or offer clear policies about data usage help maintain trust.
Make sure drivers understand how footage will be used, whether for safety, coaching, or legal protection — so they feel supported, not watched.
If you’re looking for a dashcam system with telematics for your bulk hauling fleet, here’s a simple breakdown of some of the top options. We’ve focused on key features like video quality, GPS tracking, storage, and overall ease of use to help you pick the right system. The list below is not in order.
Notes:
When evaluating dashcam systems, consider the specific needs of your bulk hauling operations, including environmental conditions, typical routes, and driver behavior patterns. Investing in a system that offers a balance of high-quality video, reliable GPS tracking, and advanced safety features can lead to improved safety records and operational efficiencies.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:
When picking a system, it’s smart to go for one that’s integrated with reliable GPS or telematics. Samsara is a strong choice; it supports a wide range of cameras and offers detailed data tracking. Lytx has a solid platform too, but it doesn’t offer the same telematics depth that you get with GeoTab or Samsara.
A solid dashcam with telematics should improve safety, boost efficiency, and make life easier for drivers and fleet managers. And lastly, your dashcam system should work smoothly with your dump truck dispatching software.
Having everything connected, from live footage to dispatch schedules, just makes managing the fleet a whole lot easier. Find a system that fits your needs, protects your drivers, and makes managing your fleet simpler.
Allied Market Research. (n.d.). Commercial Telematics Market. Retrieved from https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/commercial-telematics-market
Federal Highway Administration. (n.d.). MAP-21 - Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. Retrieved from https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/map21/
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Learn About Idling Reduction Technologies (IRTs) for Trucks and School Buses. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/verified-diesel-tech/learn-about-idling-reduction-technologies-irts-trucks-and-school-buses
Supply & Demand Chain Executive. (2023). How Fleets Can Fill Seats to Tackle Truck Driver Shortage. Retrieved from https://www.sdcexec.com/professional-development/retention/article/22657349/cpc-logistics-how-fleets-can-fill-seats-to-tackle-truck-driver-shortage
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Dashcam systems paired with telematics are quickly becoming essential tools for bulk hauling companies. As the industry faces growing demands for safety, efficiency, and compliance, more fleet operators are turning to advanced technology to streamline operations and cut costs. In this guide, we’ll explore the top benefits, must-have features, and some of the best products on the market to help you make an informed decision.
