Shep Boys Waste Management in Houston relies on Verizon Connect fleet management software to optimize efficiency, which among other things features GPS tracking in nearly real time and the capability to send service reminders for vehicle maintenance based on calendar or mileage intervals.
The restroom operation’s co-owner, Russell Shepard, a former receiver in the National Football League, says the technology has been instrumental to the company’s rapid growth. Shepard’s parents, Nikki and Russell Sr., are the other co-owners.
“One of the biggest reasons drivers don’t show up to clean restrooms effectively is truck breakdowns,” Shepard says. “All of our trucks put on at least 1,000 miles a week, so we know we’re going to have things like engine problems, transmissions that go out and tires that blow.
“But Verizon Connect helps us minimize those issues by keeping track of things such as tire rotations, oil and fuel-filter changes — all of those standard maintenance items.”
In addition, the system monitors driver behaviors and sends out alerts when things like hard stops, speeding, tailgating or aggressive cornering occur. This helps reduce costs by providing opportunities to coach technicians about safe driving habits, Shepard says.
“We just want to hold our drivers accountable,” he says.
Furthermore, Shepard opted for a package that includes a forward-facing dashboard camera, which is especially beneficial if an accident occurs, he notes. In one instance, for example, a technician got into an accident with a teenage driver, Shepard notes, and the dashcam video showed that the teen ran a stop sign and hit the technician’s vehicle.
Was there any pushback from drivers about all the monitoring?
“If there was, they didn’t say anything to me,” he says. “But we’re very selective about who we hire. Our team understands our expectations for service and safety. They know we’re just trying to put the best resources around them.
“We also receive a discount on our vehicle insurance, which helps us curb that cost a little bit.”
To further encourage safe driving habits, the company grades drivers and rewards those who earn high marks.
“This creates a competitive culture, which they love,” Shepard says. “I love it too, especially since I come from the professional football world.”
To learn more about Shep Boys Waste Management, check out January's cover story in PRO magazine.
