Use this article as a starting point for the most common VEDR and Key Indicator (KI) questions. For more detailed explanations or topic-specific FAQs, such as AI event types, speed data, or KI scoring, follow the links to the related help center articles throughout.
What Is GroundCloud VEDR?
GroundCloud’s Video Event Data Recorder (VEDR) system captures driving behavior, detects unsafe events, and provides Service Providers with actionable safety information that is reported to FedEx®.
Does My VEDR Device Need to Be AI-capable?
Yes. FedEx requires that all active vehicles operating under a FedEx contract use AI-capable VEDR devices. This includes permanently installed units in Schedule B vehicles as well as “portable” devices used in rental, leased, or borrowed vehicles. AI is required to detect key safety behaviors, such as seat belt use, distraction, speeding, and following distance, that feed into KI scoring and overall safety compliance.
Do Rental or Temporary Vehicles Also Need AI-capable Devices?
Yes. Any vehicle used to perform FedEx work, including rental, leased, loaner, or temporary vehicles, must be equipped with an approved AI-capable VEDR device while it is in service.
Which Devices Support AI?
AI-powered Driver Monitoring System (DMS) and Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features are supported on the following VEDR models:
AIR-II
4K
How Do I Know If My Device Is AI-capable?
Check the device serial number in the GroundCloud dashboard:
AI-capable devices: serial numbers starting with 6B, 8B, 8D
Non-AI devices: serial numbers starting with 2B, A5MN, M5T, KS
Event Types
What Types of Events Does VEDR Detect?
GroundCloud VEDR detects several types of safety events, including G-force events and AI-based DMS and ADAS events.
What Are G-Force Events?
G-force events trigger when the device’s built-in accelerometer detects harsh braking, sharp acceleration, or abrupt turns.
How Does AI Work?
For an overview of how VEDR AI detects events (DMS and ADAS), analyzes driver behavior, and generates alerts, see the MV/AI VEDR help center article. That article also includes additional AI-related FAQs.
Event Review & Coaching
What is a “Triggering Event”?
A triggering event is any event that the VEDR device detects automatically using its sensors and AI models. These are the raw events the system captures before any human review or coaching decisions are applied (for example, harsh braking, a possible speeding incident, or a suspected seat belt issue).
Are All Triggering Events Reviewed by Humans?
Yes. A human reviewer reviews all triggering events.
How Long Does It Take for a Triggering Event to Be Reviewed?
Most triggering events are reviewed within 12–24 hours.
What Is the Difference Between an Event and an Evaluation?
An event is what the VEDR system detects and records. An evaluation is the human-reviewed outcome applied to that event. During review, a GroundCloud analyst looks at the video and data and assigns one or more evaluations.
How Is the Evaluation Criteria Defined?
Evaluation criteria are based on the Minimum Standard for VEDR Trigger Events established by FedEx.
What Is a “Coaching Event”?
A coaching event is a triggering event that, after human review, has been found to contain unwanted or unsafe driver behavior. Coaching events are intended for driver feedback and training.
Do All Coaching Events Count Toward KIs?
No. Not all coaching events impact KI scores. Only coaching events that receive evaluations that meet FedEx-defined KI criteria are counted toward KI scoring.
Are Drivers Auto‑Assigned to VEDR Events?
Yes. Drivers are automatically assigned to VEDR events when either of the following is true:
The driver is linked to the vehicle through the FedEx manifest, or
The driver starts their day by completing a DVIR in GroundCloud, which associates them with that vehicle.
Key Indicators
Refer to the VEDR Key Indicators (KIs) help center article for an explanation of what KIs are, how they’re calculated, and answers to additional KI-related FAQs.
Speed Data Accuracy & Sources
Refer to the Speed Data and Speed Events help center article for details on where GroundCloud sources speed data, how it’s used, and how accuracy issues are handled.
Disputes
Refer to the Disputing VEDR Events help center article for details on how to submit a dispute and for additional dispute-related FAQs.
Device & Operational Behavior
Are Seat Belts Required to Be Worn at All Times?
All FedEx service providers must comply with federal DOT seat belt rules. This requirement is due to operating under the FedEx DOT number. Federal guidelines supersede state or local seat belt regulations in this regard.
If the commercial vehicle is in motion, a seat belt must be worn, regardless of where the vehicle is moving. The only FedEx exception to this rule is for line haul drivers assembling trailers.
If a jumper or helper is riding in the vehicle, the operator is responsible for ensuring the passenger is wearing a seat belt.
Do Events Apply to FedEx Property or Private Property?
Yes. FedEx expects drivers to follow posted traffic controls on public roads, private roads, and FedEx property. VEDR events and evaluations are based on FedEx contractual safety requirements, which may differ from local or state traffic laws.
Why Did My Driver Receive a Violation for Something Legal Where We Operate?
VEDR events and evaluations are based on FedEx's contractual safety requirements, which can be stricter than local traffic laws or regulations (including city, county, municipal, or state rules). As a result, a behavior may be allowed under local law but still generate a VEDR violation under FedEx safety standards.
Does FedEx Receive a VEDR Check-in or Connectivity Report?
Yes. At FedEx’s request, GroundCloud sends a weekly Device Assignment Report. This report includes:
All devices on your account
The date and time of each device’s last valid check-in
Whether a device is marked Out of Service
The vehicle, contract and entity each device is associated with
Keeping your account data up to date is essential to ensure this report is accurate. For details on maintaining correct assignments, see the Account Data Management help center article.
Are Vehicle Check-ins Important?
Yes. KI scoring does not directly grade vehicle check-ins; however, FedEx reviews connectivity data regularly (see the question above). Checking in and ensuring your active devices are online and operational is still essential.
How Long Does the AIR-II Battery Backup Last?
When external power is lost, the AIR-II switches to its internal battery backup:
While the vehicle is moving, the device can continue recording for up to three minutes.
While the vehicle is stationary, it can continue recording for up to 60 seconds.
After that, the device enters sleep mode. In sleep mode, the battery can last up to 60 minutes, which is typically enough for the device to wake once and send a short 1–2-minute video clip before the battery is depleted.
Battery backup life can vary depending on several factors, including the camera's physical condition, the quality of the cellular connection, and the length and number of footage requests.
Can I Lose My Contract If I Fail a KI?
GroundCloud can’t speak to FedEx's contractual or disciplinary actions. For questions about how KI performance may affect your contract or standing, please consult your station management or your FedEx representative.
Need Help?
If you have questions or need assistance, contact GroundCloud Support at (218) 864-7900 (option 2) or email servicedesk@descartes.com.