by Lyle Durbin, CEO
Sometimes, in order to get a project on track, you need to think creatively, outside the box. This may even end up with Texans navigating the freezing temperatures and snow of Canada!
ReconMR recruited commercial truck drivers to participate in a study conducted by Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Cintra. The study was designed to better understand toll road usage, relying on data from GPS trackers installed in the trucks, along with daily responses from truckers regarding specific questions pertaining to the previous day’s driving habits. This was a new, innovative study at the time, utilizing previously untested methods and technologies.
The first issue encountered involved the recruitment of participants. Apparently, truck drivers don’t really answer their phones (probably for the best if you’re driving alongside them). The telephone list ReconMR was provided proved completely ineffective. There were three specific routes in Texas, Indiana, and Canada that were being studied, so ReconMR recommended pivoting to intercept recruits at key truck stops along the desired route. ReconMR staff were first deployed to Texas truck stops, and found this to be extremely successful. Following suit, staff were deployed to truck stops in Indiana and Canada to complete the recruitment phase. The only major challenge encountered was properly outfitting our warm weather employees to survive the snow and cold temperatures of a Canadian winter, and managing to drive through snowstorms to reach our target audience.
The next major challenge was discovered when extremely low participation rates were experienced for the follow-up surveys. These recruits had a GPS tracker installed in their truck, and were highly incented to participate in the follow-up surveys. While not a part of the original project scope, ReconMR used our experienced telephone interviewing staff to conduct follow-up calls with participants. It was quickly discovered that the truck drivers didn’t understand how to use the MIT portal. Again, ReconMR was able to pivot to keep the project on track. ReconMR telephone interviewers called each driver daily to collect information over the phone and enter into the portal.
In the end, MIT/Cintra said that without ReconMR’s problem solving ideas, their study would not have been successful. 100 truck drivers were recruited and successfully completed the daily online diary over a year’s time frame.