UPS Introduces Rear View Cameras: A Win-Win Situation For Everyone

I ran into my local UPS (UPS) driver today, and noticed a strange camera attached to the back of his truck. At first, I figured, it was some sort of security measure to record theft or to keep crazy teenagers from hitching a ride, but when I asked him about it, he told me that it was actually an electronic rear view mirror and was kind enough to give me a tour of the equipment.

Inside of the truck, there is a small television set, where the drivers can see how close they are to cars behind them. The video is in black and white, but the quality was still very clear. I was especially surprised at how wide of an angle the camera was able to capture. Those UPS trucks aren’t exactly thin, but the video allowed the driver to see the entire rear of the vehicle.

The distance on the camera appeared to be limited to about ten feet, but the close up view of the truck’s bumper was in perfect detail. The angle may not perfectly replicate the traditional rear view mirror, but the quality of the close up allows the drivers to squeeze inches in front of cars, without having to worry about running into them.

The camera also includes an audio feed that the driver can turn on and off. While this feature isn’t quite as useful as the video itself, the quality is still good enough that you could listen in on a conversation, if someone was behind you. UPS drivers are probably too busy delivering packages to pay too much attention, but if my vehicle was mic’d up, you can bet that it would be my new replacement for talk radio.

The cameras and the TV sets are licensed under the Voyager brand, but they are made by a company named ASA Electronics. ASA also manufactures car stereos, including several models for Sirius (SIRI). They also have a product for the RV market, as well as for emergency responders.

UPS and ASA started working together in 2000. UPS connected with the company, while it was looking for solutions that could help reduce the number of accidents its drivers were getting into. After testing the technology, UPS spent $20 million to outfit its fleet. Even though a $20 million expense isn’t a major amount of money for a company the size of UPS, the introduction of the technology had a more important ripple effect on the productivity of its drivers. Between the savings on the insurance premiums, the time saved by drivers and the reduction in accidents, I wouldn’t be surprised if its investment has long since paid off.

This is exactly the sort of technology that I get excited about. Not only were the electronic rear view mirrors a smart business decision for UPS, it also helped to make our roads safer. Too often, people view business as a zero sum game, but this is an excellent example where buyers, sellers and consumers were all able to win, by engaging in trade with each other.