Smaller sized fleets face “compliance disadvantage” amid low dash cam adoption

Tech.co’s latest survey data shows that compliance is becoming a growing priority for US logistics businesses, however smaller fleets are falling behind compared to larger fleets for dash cam adoption.

This data clearly shows that fleets’ ability to acquire and effectively use new technologies often depend on size. While larger fleets have seen 56% adoption of dash cams, smaller fleets are behind at just 24%.

Dash cams and other technologies can be expensive to implement, but without them, smaller operators may be more at risk of potentially increasing the cost of compliance breaches.

As of December 2024, the FMCSA’s Crash Preventability Determination Program (CPDP) allows carriers to submit video evidence to prove drivers weren't at fault. However, smaller fleets can't benefit from this due to low adoption, forcing them to absorb the full financial shock regardless of fault.

Regulations growing in importance

According to Tech.co’s report, the percentage of logistics companies prioritizing regulatory adaptations rose from 7% in April to 11% in August.

Although compliance is not yet a primary concern for U.S. logistics businesses compared to costs or workforce issues, failing to address it could have serious consequences.

Fleets turn to technology

Over half (58%) of logistics businesses said that they are focusing on safety and compliance requirements, a focus that is likely driven by stronger regulations in recent years.

For smaller fleets, failing to meet these requirements can pose a direct risk to their license to operate, making compliance a critical challenge.

To mitigate these risks, fleets are increasingly turning to technology as a strategic asset. Telematic systems collect detailed data on driving habits which allow managers to spot potential risks and promote a culture of proactive safety.

Tech.co’s Editor Jack Turner, says:

“The compliance gap we have identified in our research sets a worrying precedent, where larger firms are able to accelerate ahead of smaller ones that don't share their resources.

Those firms that are struggling to comply financially could find themselves in a vicious cycle, where penalties financially impact their ability to grow, widening the gap further.”