Automotive Fleet
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Smith System and Utilimarc Unite to Deliver First Integrated Fleet Safety Platform

Smith System and Utilimarc have joined forces to create the industry's only combined safety and analytics program.

Fleet driver safety app displays training tasks and driving performance scores on mobile screens, showing the 5Keys Engage dashboard with driver behavior metrics, safety lessons, and progress tracking

Smith System’s training and Utilimarc's driver risk expertise provide companies with a single platform to optimize assets and measure performance improvements.

Image: Automotive Fleet / Smith System

2 min to read


Smith System recently announced its acquisition of Utilimarc, a Minneapolis-based leader in fleet analytics and benchmarking. Together, the companies create practical driver training with deep fleet analytics to deliver safer, innovative, and more cost-efficient operations.

Founded in 2001, Utilimarc has developed a business intelligence platform that integrates data from various sources, including telematics, fleet management information systems (FMIS), maintenance software, and safety cameras. By combining these insights with Smith System’s training and driver risk expertise, customers gain a single partner to improve driver behavior, optimize fleet assets, and validate measurable performance gains.

Ad Loading...

“This acquisition redefines what it means to be a fleet safety partner,” said Derek Dunaway, CEO of Smith System. “For the first time, organizations can connect driver training with fleet-wide analytics in one platform. That means our clients don’t just get data or training in isolation—they get a closed loop that measures performance, drives behavior change, and proves ROI.”

“Joining forces with Smith System allows us to take analytics further than ever before,” said Chris Shaffer, CEO of Utilimarc. “Together, we move beyond dashboards to deliver real-world impact—safer fleets, smarter asset decisions, and long-term cost savings. This is a win for our customers and the industry at large.”

Uniting Industry-Leading Training with Deep Driver and Fleet Analytics

With both companies now operating as one, customers benefit from:

  • Enhancing the 5Keys with Deep Fleet Analytics: A closed-loop solution that connects driver behavior, operational data, and benchmarking.

  • One Source for Safer, Smarter Fleets: A unified view of drivers, vehicles, and operations that enables precise interventions, cost reductions, and stronger compliance outcomes.

  • A Broader Data and Safety Ecosystem: Building on Smith System’s recent Brightmile acquisition, the combined company brings together mobile telematics, advanced analytics, and behavior-based training into one seamless platform.

The combined company now stands alone in the market: no other provider integrates analytics, benchmarking, telematics, and behavior-based training into a single solution. 

More Vehicle Research

An AF news recap thumbnail
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 22, 2026

AI is changing what fleet managers can build & 849,000 vehicles recalled | AF News Recap

Fleet managers are learning how to build their own AI-powered tools, Stellantis is recalling nearly 849,000 vehicles, and this year’s Fleet Manager of the Year finalists have been revealed. Additionally, we’re examining how to identify repairs that warrant a second look. Here’s what you need to know this week.

Read More →
Geotab idling report graph
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 21, 2026

Geotab Study Finds $105M Opportunity in Reducing Fleet Idling

A study of more than 2.6 million commercial vehicles found that targeting the worst-performing fleet vehicles could save 24.2 million gallons of fuel annually.

Read More →
a Ram 1500 on the road
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 18, 2026

Stellantis Recalls Nearly 849,000 Vehicles for Rearview Camera Issue

Nearly 849,000 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, and Ram vehicles are affected by a software issue that can prevent the rearview camera image from appearing. Stellantis plans to address the issue through an over-the-air software update.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 18, 2026

2027 Jeep Grand Cherokee Adds Upland, Trailhawk and Overland Trims

The 2027 Grand Cherokee lineup adds new trim options, updated standard technology and a choice of V6 or turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains.

Read More →
AF news recap
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 14, 2026

The Tools Are Smarter, but Are Your Fleet Strategies? | AF News Recap

From a fleet manager’s critical first 90 days to why more technology doesn’t automatically mean better safety, this week is all about turning tools into results.

Read More →
City of Carlsbad public works superintendent sits across from publisher for Automotive Fleet Chris Brown
Vehicle Researchby StaffAugust 14, 2026

Beyond the Hype: How AI Can Make Fleets More Productive

How can AI actually make fleets more efficient?

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A blue and white AF news recap thumbnail on Ram recalls and hands-on AI
Vehicle Researchby Faith HowellAugust 10, 2026

From a Major Ram Recall to Hands-On AI | AF News Recap

A massive Ram recall, new maintenance cost comparisons, the retirement of a longtime fleet industry leader, and hands-on AI are all making headlines. Here’s what fleet professionals need to know this week.

Read More →
commercial fleet sales chart, January through July 2026
Vehicle Researchby Chris BrownAugust 9, 2026

Commercial Fleet Sales Rise 7.1% Through July 2026

Commercial fleet sales were the primary source of growth across the commercial, government and rental segments during the first seven months of 2026.

Read More →
A shot of a Volvo electric vehicle with a man charging it in front of a residence.
SponsoredAugust 7, 2026

Top 50 Executive Fleets

It is that time of year again! Time for the 2026 list of the Top 50 Executive Fleets, presented by Automotive Fleet and Volvo as part of its annual Fleet 500. Download now to see this year's list of companies!

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Arrival feature app on a map
Vehicle Researchby News/Media ReleaseAugust 6, 2026

What Comes Next for Auto Driveaway?

A new Auto Driveaway feature called Arrive provides recipients with live location updates and ETAs during the final hour of a vehicle move, while fleet customers continue to have end-to-end shipment visibility through the company's customer portal.

Read More →