MacDonald-Miller Facility Solutions cuts vehicle repair time by 86%

A rigorous pilot and OEM-first rollout enabled a smooth transition at scale

MacDonald-Miller ran a head-to-head evaluation of multiple providers, including Motive and Geotab, testing each one against criteria like tracking accuracy, API connectivity, EV support, and ease of use. Motive was eliminated early in the process. "When we asked Motive if certain capabilities existed, the answer was often 'not yet.' Because we had a strict scope for deployment, it quickly became clear they weren't the right fit for us," said Marquardt. The final decision came down to Samsara and Geotab, MacDonald-Miller selected Samsara for its strong API ecosystem, fast pace of product innovation, and a more practical, low-friction approach to sales and support.

For deployment, the team avoided a complex hardware installation by activating OEM telematics already built into most of their vehicles, enabling a fast, remote rollout across their distributed fleet. They introduced key workflows, including real-time tracking, safety scorecards, EV monitoring, and mobile DVIRs and ELDs. To manage change with a lean team, they used Samsara's self-guided training—directing employees to on-demand video resources and support tools—keeping the rollout efficient without adding administrative overhead.

Unified data, faster repairs, and real-time visibility transformed fleet efficiency

By consolidating onto a single platform, MacDonald-Miller reduced both software and hardware costs while eliminating the need to juggle multiple systems. What used to take up to 30 minutes of cross-referencing across tools can now be done in one place, giving teams a shared, reliable source of truth and significantly reducing administrative overhead. "Time is money. We no longer have to review different platforms to get the same answer. Samsara is a one-stop shop," said Marquardt.

In the field, real-time visibility translated into meaningful time savings. Dispatchers and zone drivers can instantly locate technicians without back-and-forth calls, and runners no longer waste time searching for vehicles across large lots, saving up to an hour per day. "Small time savings here and there quickly add up. Our drivers can get an hour back each day with Samsara. That's huge," said Marquardt. Digitizing DVIRs and capturing live fault codes also enabled a shift to proactive maintenance, cutting repair turnaround times by 86%, from a week to a single day.

The improvements extended to safety, compliance, and customer trust. Driver behavior metrics improved immediately, while the move away from paper logs helped the company achieve zero DOT infractions over a six-month period. With accurate, time-stamped GPS data, the team can now confidently resolve billing disputes and verify job site activity. At the same time, detailed idling and usage data is helping guide their transition toward an emissions-free fleet by 2040. "Idling data helps us decide which drivers are good candidates for an EV—someone who has higher idle times is a great candidate to make the switch. That helps us cut emissions and accelerate electrification at the same time," said Marquardt.