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title: SmartDrive Systems - Wikipedia
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> **Original source:** https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SmartDrive_Systems?utm_source=openai

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SmartDrive Systems, Inc.

Type

[Private](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Private_company "Private company")

Industry

[Vehicle Telematics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Telematics#Vehicle_telematics "Telematics")

Founded

2004; 22 years ago

Founders

James Plante and Andrew Nickerson

Headquarters

[San Diego](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego,_California "San Diego, California"), [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California")

,

United States

Key people

Steve Mitgang ([CEO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CEO "CEO"))

Number of employees

725[\[1\]](#cite_note-1)

Website

[smartdrive.net](http://smartdrive.net/)

**SmartDrive Systems** is an American driver safety and transportation intelligence company located in [San Diego, California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego,_California "San Diego, California"). The company uses video and driver data to monitor driver behavior in commercial vehicles including trucks, buses and trains.[\[2\]](#cite_note-2)

SmartDrive Systems was founded in 2005 in San Diego by James Plante, an automotive entrepreneur and Andrew Nickerson, a telematics executive.[\[3\]](#cite_note-xconomy-3) Plante served as the company's first CEO until April 2008, when Greg Drew took over as CEO.[\[3\]](#cite_note-xconomy-3)

In June 2012, the company announced media executive Steve Mitgang as their new CEO.[\[4\]](#cite_note-sdbj2-4)

In May 2013, Ontario, California–based beverage company [The Icee Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Icee_Company "The Icee Company") started using SmartDrive's programs for its 680 service and distribution vehicles.[\[5\]](#cite_note-5) In October, SmartDrive announced it would begin capturing data from third party safety systems, including systems from Bendix, now part of [Knorr-Bremse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knorr-Bremse "Knorr-Bremse"); [Mobileye](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobileye "Mobileye"), now part of [Intel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intel "Intel"); and Meritor WABCO, an alliance formed by automobile component manufacturer [Meritor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meritor "Meritor") and commercial vehicle system manufacturer [WABCO](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WABCO_Holdings,_Inc. "WABCO Holdings, Inc.").[\[6\]](#cite_note-ccj1-6)[\[7\]](#cite_note-fleetowner-7)

In March 2014, the company announced a partnership with Meritor WABCO to roll out a performance management system called Proview.[\[7\]](#cite_note-fleetowner-7) In April 2014, the [Utah Transit Authority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Utah_Transit_Authority "Utah Transit Authority") announced they would be using SmartDrive's video systems for their buses and [paratransit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paratransit "Paratransit") vehicles.[\[8\]](#cite_note-8) Also in 2014, the company partnered with [ProSight Specialty Insurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ProSight_Specialty_Insurance "ProSight Specialty Insurance") on a program called SecureFleet, where Prosight helped its customers pay for SmartDrive's data and video event recording system and driver coaching program.[\[9\]](#cite_note-sdut-9)

By 2015, the company had grown to 450 employees worldwide, with 150 in the United States.[\[9\]](#cite_note-sdut-9) In November 2015, the company announced several single and [multi-camera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiple-camera_setup "Multiple-camera setup") safety systems.[\[10\]](#cite_note-trucking-10)

In March 2016, the company announced its video-based driver performance management system was being integrated with WABCO's OnLane [lane departure warning system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lane_departure_warning_system "Lane departure warning system").[\[11\]](#cite_note-11) In June, the [Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Los_Angeles_County_Metropolitan_Transportation_Authority "Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority") selected SmartDrive's systems for the city's bus and rail fleets.[\[12\]](#cite_note-12) In August, [truckload shipping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truckload_shipping "Truckload shipping") carrier [Knight-Swift](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knight-Swift "Knight-Swift") announced they were installing SmartDrive's video safety systems in all of their trucks.[\[13\]](#cite_note-13) In September, development partner [Transdev North America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transdev#Operations_in_North_America "Transdev") announced they were deploying SmartDrive Rail on the [Cincinnati Bell Connector](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cincinnati_Bell_Connector "Cincinnati Bell Connector") streetcar fleet, which is managed by the [Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Ohio_Regional_Transit_Authority "Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority").[\[14\]](#cite_note-metro-14) In October, the company introduced SmartDrive SmartIQ, a data analysis tool that allows fleet operators to study safe driving behavior.[\[15\]](#cite_note-overdrive-15)

By March 2017, the company had grown to 594 people worldwide.[\[16\]](#cite_note-sdbj3-16) In May, the company announced it was integrating its software with transportation management software from Birmingham, Alabama–based McLeod Software, to allow fleet customers of each company to share and manage driver records.[\[17\]](#cite_note-mcleod-17) Also in May, Cookeville, Tennessee transportation company [Averitt Express](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Averitt_Express "Averitt Express") announced it was using SmartDrive's road facing cameras in all its trucks.[\[18\]](#cite_note-18) In September, trucking company [Hub Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hub_Group "Hub Group") selected SmartDrive's video safety systems for its fleet of 2,600 trucks.[\[19\]](#cite_note-19) In October, the company launched the SmartSense suite of sensors that use a combination of regular and infrared cameras to identify signs of distracted driving.[\[20\]](#cite_note-facial-20) Also in October, the company announced that meat processor [Smithfield Foods](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithfield_Foods "Smithfield Foods") had deployed SmartDrive's video safety technology across Smithfield's fleet of 600 refrigerated trucks, and that London-based sightseeing company [Big Bus Tours](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bus_Tours "Big Bus Tours") was installing SmartDrive's Assurance program in each of its 68 buses.[\[21\]](#cite_note-21)[\[22\]](#cite_note-22)

In March 2018, SmartDrive announced that North American transportation company [Daseke](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daseke "Daseke")'s subsidiary Schilli Corporation was going to use SmartDrive safety technology for its 300 vehicle fleet.[\[23\]](#cite_note-23) Also in March, the company released its Transportation Intelligence Platform, which included the SR4 system hub for integrating sensor and camera hardware, along with event analysis software.[\[24\]](#cite_note-trucknews1-24) In April, the company launched SmartDrive SmartIQ Driver Scorecard, software for companies to manage safety-driven driver incentive programs.[\[25\]](#cite_note-scorecard-25) Also in April, the company announced that the [Penske Logistics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penske_Truck_Leasing#Penske_Logistics "Penske Truck Leasing") subsidiary of [Penske Truck Leasing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penske_Truck_Leasing "Penske Truck Leasing") was adding SmartDrive video technology to 2,800 of its trucks.[\[26\]](#cite_note-26) In June, the company announced that specialty chemical company [Clariant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clariant "Clariant") was adapting SmartDrive's video safety program for subsidiary Clariant Oil's 400 truck fleet.[\[27\]](#cite_note-27) In September, [RATP Group](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RATP_Group "RATP Group")'s RATP Dev USA subsidiary announced they would start installing SmartDrive's programs in its transportation systems in the United States.[\[28\]](#cite_note-28) In October, the company partnered with Canadian telematics company [Geotab](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geotab "Geotab") to develop integrated systems using SmartDrive's sensors and Geotab's tracking application, to be accessed using third party devices such as phones and tablets.[\[29\]](#cite_note-ccjdigital1-29)

In January 2019, private ambulance service [Acadian Ambulance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acadian_Ambulance "Acadian Ambulance") began deploying the SmartDrive program across its entire fleet.[\[30\]](#cite_note-30) In March, braking control supplier WABCO Holdings combined its OnLaneALERT lane departure warning system with the SmartDrive SR4 video telematics platform.[\[31\]](#cite_note-31)

In June 2020, SmartDrive announced American motor shipping carrier [Swift Transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swift_Transportation "Swift Transportation"), part of Knight-Swift Transportation, deployed the SmartDrive program across its fleet of roughly 19,300 tractors and 68,000 trailers.[\[32\]](#cite_note-32) In July, SmartDrive released two new sensors - SmartDrive SmartSense for Speeding for Conditions, and SmartDrive SmartSense for Sitting Duck.[\[33\]](#cite_note-fleet1-33)

In November 2007, SmartDrive disclosed that it received US$46 million in venture funding, led by Oak Investment Partners and New Enterprises Associates.[\[34\]](#cite_note-sdbj1-34)[\[4\]](#cite_note-sdbj2-4)

In December 2009, the company announced a fifth round funding of $25 million.[\[35\]](#cite_note-35)

In June 2012, the company announced $47 million in new venture funding led by existing investors Oak Investment Partners and New Enterprises Associates, as well as new investor [Stanford University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stanford_University "Stanford University").[\[4\]](#cite_note-sdbj2-4)

In March 2015, the company announced its largest funding round to date, a $50 million round led by earlier investors as well as product partner WABCO.[\[36\]](#cite_note-times-36)

In October 2017, the company announced an additional funding round led by the North American arm of French tire manufacturer [Michelin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michelin "Michelin").[\[37\]](#cite_note-37)

In September 2019, SmartDrive secured $90 million of new capital in an investment round led by global investment company [Sixth Street Partners](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sixth_Street_Partners "Sixth Street Partners").[\[38\]](#cite_note-38)

-   [Vehicle telematics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_telematics "Vehicle telematics")
-   [Vehicle tracking system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_tracking_system "Vehicle tracking system")
-   [Fuel management system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuel_management_system "Fuel management system")
-   [Information and communications technology](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Information_and_communications_technology "Information and communications technology")

-   [Official website](http://www.smartdrive.net/)

1.  [↑](#cite_ref-1) ["Superior Paving Adopts Smartdrive Fleet Safety Program"](https://southernautomotivealliance.com/superior-paving-adopts-smartdrive-fleet-safety-program/). _southernautomotivealliance.com_. 2018-10-03. Retrieved 2018-10-19.
2.  [↑](#cite_ref-2) ["SmartDrive Wins LA Metro"](https://www.socaltech.com/smartdrive_wins_la_metro/s-0065864.html). _socaltech.com_. 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
3.  [1](#cite_ref-xconomy_3-0) [2](#cite_ref-xconomy_3-1) ["San Diego-based SmartDrive Systems Raises $12M in Venture Funding"](http://www.xconomy.com/san-diego/2009/10/15/san-diego-based-smartdrive-systems-raises-12m-in-venture-funding/). _xconomy.com_. 2009-10-15. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
4.  [1](#cite_ref-sdbj2_4-0) [2](#cite_ref-sdbj2_4-1) [3](#cite_ref-sdbj2_4-2) ["SmartDrive Gets $47M, New CEO"](http://sdbj.com/news/2012/jun/20/smartdrive-gets-47m-new-ceo/). San Diego Business Journal. 2012-06-20. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
5.  [↑](#cite_ref-5) ["ICEE Co. Fleet to Use SmartDrive Programs"](https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/ICEE-Co-Fleet-to-Use-SmartDrive-Programs-209174791.html). _nbcsandiego.com_. 2013-05-28. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
6.  [↑](#cite_ref-ccj1_6-0) ["SmartDrive adds data from active safety systems to event recording platform"](http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-adds-data-from-active-safety-systems-to-event-recording-platform/). ccjdigital.com. 2013-10-20. Retrieved 2017-04-19.
7.  [1](#cite_ref-fleetowner_7-0) [2](#cite_ref-fleetowner_7-1) ["Meritor WABCO unveils ProView performance analysis system"](http://fleetowner.com/safety/meritor-wabco-unveils-proview-performance-analysis-system). fleetowner.com. 2014-03-26. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
8.  [↑](#cite_ref-8) ["Utah transit equips fleet with SmartDrive"](http://www.metro-magazine.com/accessibility/news/291851/utah-transit-equips-fleet-with-smartdrive). _metro-magazine.com_. 2014-04-03. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
9.  [1](#cite_ref-sdut_9-0) [2](#cite_ref-sdut_9-1) ["San Diego's video telematics cluster makes truck fleets safer"](http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/technology/sdut-SmartDrive-Lytx-DriveCam-Mobileye-video-telematics-2015mar20-story.html). _sandiegouniontribune.com_. 2015-03-20. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
10.  [↑](#cite_ref-trucking_10-0) ["SmartDrive Expands Product Offerings"](http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/story/2015/11/smartdrive-expands-product-offerings.aspx). _truckinginfo.com_. 2015-11-03. Retrieved 2017-04-19.
11.  [↑](#cite_ref-11) ["WABCO unveils new lane departure warning system, integration with SmartDrive"](https://www.ccjdigital.com/wabco-unveils-new-lane-departure-warning-system-integration-with-smartdrive/). _ccjdigital.com_. 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2017-04-19.
12.  [↑](#cite_ref-12) ["SmartDrive Wins LA Metro"](https://www.socaltech.com/smartdrive_wins_la_metro/s-0065864.html). _socaltech.com_. 2016-06-20. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
13.  [↑](#cite_ref-13) ["Knight Keeps Drivers Covered With SmartDrive's Video-Safety Program"](https://www.truckinginfo.com/156773/knight-keeps-drivers-covered-with-smartdrives-video-safety-program). _truckinginfo.com_. 2016-06-01. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
14.  [↑](#cite_ref-metro_14-0) ["SmartDrive rail safety system deployed on Cincinnati streetcar"](http://www.metro-magazine.com/rail/news/715452/transdev-deploys-smartdrive-rail-at-cincinnati-bell-connector). _metro-magazine.com_. 2016-09-14. Retrieved 2017-04-19.
15.  [↑](#cite_ref-overdrive_15-0) ["SmartDrive SmartIQ suite: 'Game changer' in driver and fleet data, company says"](http://www.overdriveonline.com/smartdrive-smartiq-suite-game-changer-in-driver-and-fleet-data-company-says/). _overdriveonline.com_. 2016-01-25. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
16.  [↑](#cite_ref-sdbj3_16-0) ["SmartDrive's Roadwork Makes Its System a Contender"](http://sdbj.com/news/2017/mar/02/smartdrives-roadwork-makes-its-system-contender/). _sdbj.com_. 2017-03-02. Retrieved 2017-04-25.
17.  [↑](#cite_ref-mcleod_17-0) ["SmartDrive Systems adds multi-camera triggering, integration with McLeod Software"](http://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-systems-adds-multi-camera-triggering-integration-with-mcleod-software/). _ccjdigital.com_. 2017-05-01. Retrieved 2017-08-28.
18.  [↑](#cite_ref-18) ["Averitt deploys SmartDrive camera system fleetwide"](https://www.overdriveonline.com/averitt-deploys-smartdrive-camera-system-fleetwide/). _overdriveonline.com_. 2017-05-22. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
19.  [↑](#cite_ref-19) ["Hub Group to equip 2,600 tractors with SmartDrive video event recorders"](https://www.ccjdigital.com/hub-group-to-equip-2600-tractors-with-smartdrive-video-event-recorders/). _ccjdigital.com_. 2017-09-11. Retrieved 2018-11-27.
20.  [↑](#cite_ref-facial_20-0) ["SmartDrive Adds Facial Plane Analysis to Driver Monitoring System"](https://www.ttnews.com/articles/smartdrive-adds-facial-plane-analysis-driver-monitoring-system). _ttnews.com_. 2017-11-03. Retrieved 2018-10-22.
21.  [↑](#cite_ref-21) ["Smithfield Foods Reduces Accidents with SmartDrive"](https://www.truckinginfo.com/142614/smithfield-foods-reduces-accidents-with-smartdrive). _truckinginfo.com_. 2017-10-16. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
22.  [↑](#cite_ref-22) ["Big Bus Tours invests in SmartDrive"](http://www.route-one.net/articles/Driving/Big_Bus_Tours_invests_in_SmartDrive). _route-one.net_. 2017-10-11. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
23.  [↑](#cite_ref-23) ["Schilli Corp. Adopts Video-Based Fleet Safety Program"](https://www.truckinginfo.com/279403/schilli-corp-adopts-video-based-fleet-safety-program). _truckinginfo.com_. 2018-03-30. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
24.  [↑](#cite_ref-trucknews1_24-0) ["SmartDrive unveils new Transportation Intelligence Platform"](https://www.trucknews.com/transportation/smartdrive-unveils-new-transportation-intelligence-platform/1003084330/). _trucknews.com_. 2018-03-14. Retrieved 2018-12-06.
25.  [↑](#cite_ref-scorecard_25-0) ["SmartDrive designs Driver Scorecard with video-based performance metrics"](https://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-designs-driver-scorecard-with-video-based-performance-metrics/#). _ccjdigital.com_. 2018-04-24. Retrieved 2017-08-28.
26.  [↑](#cite_ref-26) ["Penske Logistics Adds Video-Based Safety Program"](https://www.truckinginfo.com/279457/penske-logistics-adds-video-based-safety-program). _truckinginfo.com_. 2018-04-04. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
27.  [↑](#cite_ref-27) ["SmartDrive Wins 400 Vehicle Fleet"](https://www.socaltech.com/smartdrive_wins_4__vehicle_fleet/s-0075220.html). _socaltech.com_. 2018-06-26. Retrieved 2018-10-25.
28.  [↑](#cite_ref-28) ["RATP Dev USA: Managing Safety Through Deployment of SmartDrive Systems"](https://www.masstransitmag.com/article/12431656/ratp-dev-usa-managing-safety-through-deployment-of-smartdrive-systems). _masstransitmag.com_. 2018-09-27. Retrieved 2018-10-22.
29.  [↑](#cite_ref-ccjdigital1_29-0) ["SmartDrive and Geotab drive convergence in video, telematics"](https://www.ccjdigital.com/smartdrive-and-geotab-drive-convergence-in-video-telematics/). _ccjdigital.com_. 2018-10-30. Retrieved 2018-10-31.
30.  [↑](#cite_ref-30) ["Ambulance Fleet Reduces Risk with SmartDrive"](https://www.worktruckonline.com/323603/ambulance-fleet-reduces-risk-with-smartdrive). _Worktruck_. 2019-01-24. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
31.  [↑](#cite_ref-31) ["Wabco and SmartDrive partner on recording vehicle safety incidents"](http://roboticsandautomationnews.com/2019/03/25/wabco-and-smartdrive-partner-on-recording-vehicle-safety-incidents/21467/). _Robotics and Automation News_. 2019-03-25. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
32.  [↑](#cite_ref-32) ["Swift chooses SmartDrive program"](https://www.refrigeratedtransporter.com/carriers/article/21134513/swift-chooses-smartdrive-program). _Refrigerated Transporter_. 2020-06-19. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
33.  [↑](#cite_ref-fleet1_33-0) ["SmartDrive unveils new SmartSense tech to keep drivers safe"](https://www.fleetowner.com/technology/article/21136947/smartdrive-unveils-new-smartsense-tech-to-keep-truck-drivers-safe). _Fleet Owner_. 2020-07-21. Retrieved 2020-09-02.
34.  [↑](#cite_ref-sdbj1_34-0) ["SmartDrive Gets $46M in Venture Funding"](http://www.sdbj.com/news/2007/nov/19/smartdrive-gets-46m-in-venture-funding/). San Diego Business Journal. 2007-11-19. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
35.  [↑](#cite_ref-35) ["SmartDrive Systems Raises $25 Million"](https://www.pehub.com/2009/12/smartdrive-systems-raises-25-million/). pehub.com. 2009-12-16. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
36.  [↑](#cite_ref-times_36-0) ["San Diego's SmartDrive Raises $50 Million in New Funding"](http://timesofsandiego.com/business/2015/03/30/san-diegos-smartdrive-raises-50-million-in-funding/). timesofsandiego.com. 2015-03-30. Retrieved 2017-03-22.
37.  [↑](#cite_ref-37) ["SmartDrive Raises Capital, Rolls Out Distracted Driving Technology"](https://www.xconomy.com/san-diego/2017/10/24/smartdrive-raises-capital-rolls-out-distracted-driving-technology/). _xconomy.com_. 2017-10-24. Retrieved 2017-12-07.
38.  [↑](#cite_ref-38) ["SmartDrive snaps up $90M for in-truck video telematics solutions for safety and fuel efficiency"](https://techcrunch.com/2019/09/12/smartdrive-snaps-up-90m-for-in-truck-video-telematics-solutions-for-safety-and-fuel-efficiency/). _Techcrunch_. 2019-09-12. Retrieved 2020-09-02.