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“Nothing irritates me more than when my driver needs a room, I book it, and then he gets there, and they want my credit card. If my driver is in the middle of Arizona, and it’s one in the morning, that’s a problem.”
The problem
The Challenge: Hotel Check-Ins Were Creating Unnecessary Headaches
Before Engine, booking hotels for drivers could be inconsistent. Consumer booking sites did not always make payment expectations clear, so reservations could look complete and still create issues at check-in, especially when drivers were on tight timelines or in remote areas.
“Nothing irritates me more than when my driver needs a room, I book it, and then he gets there, and they want my credit card. If my driver is in the middle of Arizona, and it’s one in the morning, that’s a problem,” Kael Munford, Fleet Manager
Interwest needed a simpler way to book rooms, reduce late-night calls, and help drivers check in without extra back-and-forth.
The Evaluation: A Simple Platform That Worked for Trucking
Engine stood out because it was easy to use from the start. The platform gave Interwest a straightforward way to book hotels, store payment information, add drivers, and manage lodging in one place.
Kael also saw value in being able to add multiple administrators, include managers, and keep driver information in the system for faster bookings.
“It’s very simple to use. The overall ease of the platform seemed like a no-brainer,” Kael Munford, Fleet Manager
For Interwest, that ease of use mattered. Trucking teams do not have time for tools that add more steps. They need systems that help them move quickly, especially when driver needs come up unexpectedly.
The solution
The Solution: One Platform for Driver Lodging, Travel Booking, and On-the-Road Support
With Engine, Interwest can book driver lodging in just a few steps. Instead of worrying about unclear payment terms or calling hotels to sort out check-in details, Kael can select the driver, book the room, and send them on their way.
“With Engine, my credit card’s already in there. I click the driver, I click book, and I’m done with the whole process. He just goes,” Kael Munford, Fleet Manager
Engine also gives Interwest access to strong hotel coverage in the areas where the team books most often. Kael mentioned regular success finding options in Arizona, including Prescott Valley, Phoenix, and Casa Grande. Beyond hotel booking ease, Kael has found valuable car rental options and rewards that support broader travel needs.
For Interwest, Engine has become a simple, reliable place to manage travel when drivers and team members need support on the road.
The Impact: Real Savings, Fewer Driver Issues, and a Better Lodging Experience
Since using Engine, Interwest has saved approximately $1,200 on travel, a meaningful win in a tight trucking market where every dollar matter
“It’s a decent chunk of change, and in the trucking world right now, every penny matters.”
The team has also seen fewer check-in issues, with drivers experiencing a smoother, more reliable lodging process.
“Drivers have liked it. They don’t have to worry about anything. We don’t have any problems.”
Beyond the savings, better lodging helps Interwest show drivers they’re supported when delays, breakdowns, or route changes keep them away from home.
“I think it shows you care. You can put them in a decent room, with a bed, a shower, and places to eat nearby.”
For Interwest, Engine has simplified driver lodging by reducing friction, supporting drivers on the road, and delivering meaningful savings.
