Case Study: Smoot Brothers achieves improved safety scores and HOS compliance with Zonar Systems

Smoot Brothers - Customer Case Study

Smoot Brothers Transportation, a Brigham City, Utah flatbed carrier founded in 1988 and operating dozens of trucks nationwide, faced mounting compliance problems—especially incomplete vehicle inspections and hours-of-service (HOS) violations—that threatened contracts with major shippers and increased insurance scrutiny. The company hired retired commercial vehicle inspector Bob Laumann to overhaul maintenance and HOS practices and sought a secure, fool‑proof telematics solution to hold drivers accountable while keeping dispatchers and drivers connected without interrupting rest periods.

Smoot Brothers deployed Zonar’s fleet management suite (V3/HD‑GPS, the 2020 tablet with ZLogs and EVIR, and Ground Traffic Control), paired with technician training and a driver incentive program. The system automated verified inspections, provided real‑time tracking and remote diagnostics, and streamlined HOS reporting. Within six months SMS scores improved, FMCSA auditors returned a clean compliance review, monthly violations dropped to nearly zero, inspections became faster and more accurate, and drivers and managers reported clearer communication and better maintenance outcomes.

Smoot Brothers

Bob Laumann

Safety Manager