UNFI has expanded AI‑based safety technology across its transportation fleet, equipping 2,500 drivers with Samsara’s driver coaching tools.
The platform, first adopted in 2024, provides real‑time performance recaps, feedback and insights – helping drivers improve safety while giving UNFI visibility across nearly 50 distribution centers and 2,000 delivery vehicles.
“Our North Star is to build and operate a world class safety management system that’s really rooted in our responsibility to protect our people, products, assets and communities in which we serve,” said Tehzin Chadwick, UNFI’s chief safety officer. “Every major safety breakthrough in our industry came from leaders willing to try something new in service of protecting our people.”
The driver coaching tool delivers regular feedback, highlighting safe practices and areas for improvement. “Now that we’re incorporating the AI driver coaching features, we’re getting messages out to our drivers more effectively and more regularly, which has been instrumental in building our safety culture,” said John Begin, director of fleet safety.
Michael Auer, a driver at UNFI’s Sarasota, Florida, distribution center, said, “It’s like having a second set of eyes. Not only does it keep us safe, it keeps the public safe too.”
Through May, UNFI reported on‑time deliveries increased by more than 4 percent compared to the prior year, while average miles driven per delivery dropped by nearly 5 percent – improving delivery speed, operating costs and environmental impact.
“For UNFI, driver safety is a deeply ingrained part of their culture and a competitive standard they set,” said Arpan Podduturi, VP of product, safety at Samsara. “They’ve pushed us to make our safety products better, deployed them across 2,500 drivers, and seen results. They’re raising the bar for the whole industry.”
Chadwick added, “It’s early in our journey with advanced technologies, and we’re being deliberate. The focus isn’t on transformation for its own sake. It’s about choosing the right problems to solve and supporting our teams with better information so they can serve our customers and suppliers more effectively and consistently. And the opportunity ahead of us is significant.”
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