Haulage index october

The Place to look for Transport Businesses and Services

HaulageIndex The UK’s Haulage Business Advertiser

. PARKING AT OVER 50

SITES AROUND THE UK

. NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES . SIMPLE ‘TOP-UP’ SYSTEM . NO CONTRACT . NO DEPOSIT . NO BILLS

FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION ON BUDDYPAY INSIDE

motorwaybuddy.co.uk / +44(0)161 956 3500

October 2016

. PARKING AT OVER 50 SITES AROUND THE UK . NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES . SIMPLE ‘TOP-UP’ SYSTEM . NO BILLS . NO DEPOSIT . NO CONTRACT Maintaining your drivers and their loads safely is of the upmost importance to all haulage companies, yet processing your drivers weekly expenses is a time consuming and costly process and the thought of using a credit account can be one more thing to worry about.

Powered by MotorwayBuddy, BuddyPay is a new convenient way of paying for your driver’s overnight parking.

With BuddyPay, you add funds to your own MotorwayBuddy account, then when your drivers park up for the night, they can pay via the app or by giving their vehicle registration to the truck stop.

The money is then drawn down from the account and the night out is paid for. Should your account begin to run low on funds, you can set a balance alert so an email is sent to you to remind you to top it up!

With all of the BuddyPay sites being shown on the MotorwayBuddy app, there is no reason your driver or load should park insecurely again.

motorwaybuddy.co.uk / +44(0)161 956 3500

CONTENTS News..........................................................4 Motorway Buddy......................................6 FEATURE:Mercedes Benz......................8 Rospa.......................... .............................12

Put your business in front of 12,500 transport companies every month!

From just £62 ex VAT

Nissan NP300 Review.............................14 Descartes..................................................16 Locate a driver..........................................18 XVision....................................................20 Backwatch................................................22 Sidescan Systems....................................24 Cycle Alert...............................................26 FEATURE: Wring’s Transport...............28 Eyewitness Camera.................................32 AlcoDigital..............................................34 Dtech International................................36 SmartWitness..........................................38 Paul Duggan Consulting........................40 TDI Analysis...........................................42 Exeros Technologies...............................44 Maple Security.........................................46 Haulage Exchange..................................48 Ratchet Straps UK..................................50 Telogis......................................................52 AGM Telematics.....................................54 Novadata..................................................56 Predator CVS..........................................58

The Haulage Index is published by Aspire Publishing Ltd, 59 Elphaborough Close, Mytholmroyd, Halifax, HX7 5JX To advertise from just £62 per month contact: Telephone: 01422 883843 Email: info@haulageindex.co.uk Website: www.haulageindex.co.uk All contents & design are copyright Aspire Publishing ltd 2016. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden without the prior written permission of the publishers.

www.haulageindex.co.uk | 3

News

TruTac Introduces Their All New Tachograph Analysis Software with New Features at Euro Bus Expo 2016 The TruTac software design team have completely re-designed and re-written their tachograph analysis product, and are relaunching it as “TruAnalysis” – the ingenious software does everything that the previous TruControl product did, but is smarter and quicker. It instantly analyses digital tachograph data, with dashboards, KPI’s and automated summary reports.

All strategic data is presented in an easyto-assimilate format and can be instantly exported to a variety of formats. Managers can now save time and money with simple

Brexit talks vital for transport and logistics -says FTA Ireland

FTA Ireland says it’s vital for stakeholders to start discussing all aspects of Brexit to ensure the best possible outcome for the transport and logistics sector. The comments were made by Aidan Flynn, FTA Ireland’s General Manager Business Services, following the first meeting of a Department of Transport Tourism and Sport working group on Brexit.

Mr Flynn said: “As Ireland’s closest trading partner, the UK’s decision to leave the EU has serious implications for the country’s transport, logistics and passenger sector.

The main area of focus for FTA Ireland is to ensure the Irish Government is ready for future engagement with the UK and European delegations and that the views of all parties engaged in logistics and distribution in Ireland are taken into account.”

4 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

to manage key resource data always at their fingertips.

Critical decisions can be confidently made, based on live data of driver and vehicle availability. Ongoing adjustments can be made throughout the working day based on operational performance data that is real-time for drivers, fleet performance and regulatory compliance.

Come and visit the team on stand D15 to see this new product.

Tillicoultry Quarries chooses Continental

Leading Scottish quarrying and supply company, Tillicoultry Quarries, has implemented a Continental construction tyres only policy following several months of practical on-the-job testing.

Speaking from its company’s Kincardine site in Fife, Craig Wilson, Site & Transport Manager, said, “For a long time we had run a combination of remoulds and ‘budget’ tyres. We were experiencing significant downtime however, as well as the added costs of driver waiting, mechanic call outs and delayed deliveries, so we implemented a thorough review of our tyre policy. At about that time, our latest batch of Scanias came in with Continental construction tyres fitted, which allowed us to monitor those particularly closely.”

T​ he Tillicoultry Quarries’ fleet numbers over 40 vehicles. The majority are six and eight wheel tippers and mixers.

News

Trailblazer apprenticeship a huge boost for haulage industry

The new funding package for Trailblazer apprenticeships from April 2017, confirmed by the Department for Education, has been warmly welcomed by the Road Haulage Association.

Commenting, RHA chief executive Richard Burnett said: “I am delighted at today’s announcement. This can be a real game-changer in the way haulage firms recruit and train drivers and others coming into the industry. “It has the potential is to drive up standards in the industry and to reduce our reliance on drivers and others from abroad. It will benefit the UK economy, companies that take on apprentices and the individuals themselves, through increased training and transferable skills.

3G VEHICLE CAMERAS DRIVING DOWN TRANSPORT CLAIM COSTS

3G vehicle cameras are instrumental in minimising insurance claims, according to speakers at the Claims Technology Seminar, held by Intelligent Telematics, Sopp+Sopp and Collision Management Systems.

Some fleet operators are already achieving claim cost savings of up to 50%, according to Aron Sopp, head of call centre operations at Sopp+Sopp – although much depends on the processes in place to harness the technology to best effect – and particularly to take advantage of first notification of loss (FNOL).

“Rapid liability assessment and third party intervention are essential when reducing claims costs,” stated Sopp. “So being alerted and having access to immediate video footage of an incident, along with supporting telematics data, is essential.”

O’DONOVAN WASTE DISPOSAL’S MD PICKS UP AWARD

Jacqueline O’Donovan, managing director of O’Donovan Waste Disposal, has won a top business award, with judges citing her dedication to driving innovation and safety standards in the industry. O’Donovan joins the likes of Baroness Karren Brady and Hilary Devey CBE in winning the Business Woman of the Year accolade, presented at the Women of the Year event in Birmingham. Under her leadership, O’Donovan Waste Disposal has become one of the South East’s leading waste management companies, turning over more than £19 million with 160 employees and an 85-strong fleet of trucks.

• TELETRAC NAVMAN LAUNCHES FLEET RISK MANAGEMENT • LICENCE CHECK LAUNCHES INNOVATIVE NEW ‘DAVIS’ DRIVING LICENCE AND ID AUTHENTICATION CARD READER • SEVEN TELEMATICS FURTHER EXPANDS ITS UK SALES TEAM • STENA LINE ADDS EXTRA

PRE-CHRISTMAS FREIGHT CAPACITY

• TIP NOW OFFERS MOVING FLOOR SEMITRAILER SOLUTIONS • CASH-FOR-CRASH FRAUDSTERS TARGET VEHICLE DEALERSHIP FLEETS • RHA WELCOMES NEWS ON FRENCH MILITARY DEPLOYMENT • SILVERTOWN CROSSING – AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT SAYS RHA • FTA SAYS GRANTS WILL ENCOURAGE GREEN TRUCK TAKE-UP • DKV SUPPORTS DOCSTOP PETITION • STAY WARM BY GETTING FLEECED THIS WINTER www.haulageindex.co.uk | 5

What is MotorwayBuddy?

Motorwaybuddy is a Cloud based system designed to streamline the logistics industry.

For the Haulage Company From the start of the day to its conclusion all the daily requirements have been taken into consideration.

The drivers are now able to submit a daily check sheet and record visual evidence of a safe and secure load before departure. This information is then sent back to an online system that can be accessed from any computer, giving you peace of mind that your driver, vehicle and load are all in a safe and legal working condition. In addition to this the drivers can locate safe places to park from wherever they are in the country whether it be for their lunch, or their daily rest periods. Should the driver need to pay for their overnight parking, a simple Pay-as-yougo system has been designed to simplify parking payments.

For the Rest Areas An online marketing tool for the industry, MotorwayBuddy provides a digital platform for the MSA’s and RSA’s to show drivers exactly what they should expect should they wish to stop at their site.

As well as this, the stops are encouraged to address any issues the drivers may have experienced during their stay through their own web portal, creating professional relationships between them and the customer.

For the Driver A social media tool enabling the driver to share their thoughts with the rest areas as well as the ability to locate safe off road parking from wherever they are in the UK.

Motorwaybuddy.co.uk / +44(0)161 956 3500

Drivers app now available on the App Store and Google Play

For the Industry Freight crime is a constant threat to the haulage industry and we continue to do our very best to combat this. Installed in the MotorwayBuddy app is a crime reporting tool that not only goes to your haulage company’s web portal, but at the same time is sent to the freight crime team with the police. This information will then be processed and be used to create a map of freight crime hotspots around the UK.

. PARKING AT OVER 50 SITES AROUND THE UK . NO ADDITIONAL CHARGES . SIMPLE ‘TOP-UP’ SYSTEM . NO BILLS . NO DEPOSIT . NO CONTRACT Maintaining your drivers and their loads safely is of the upmost importance to all haulage companies, yet processing your drivers weekly expenses is a time consuming and costly process and the thought of using a credit account can be one more thing to worry about.

Powered by MotorwayBuddy, BuddyPay is a new convenient way of paying for your driver’s overnight parking.

With BuddyPay, you add funds to your own MotorwayBuddy account, then when your drivers park up for the night, they can pay via the app or by giving their vehicle registration to the truck stop.

The money is then drawn down from the account and the night out is paid for. Should your account begin to run low on funds, you can set a balance alert so an email is sent to you to remind you to top it up!

With all of the BuddyPay sites being shown on the MotorwayBuddy app, there is no reason your driver or load should park insecurely again.

motorwaybuddy.co.uk / +44(0)161 956 3500

Mercedes-Benz Vans: ‘We want to be the best for service’

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obody could accuse Mercedes-Benz Vans of resting easy or lacking ambition.

Take this statement from global head Volker Mornhinweg: “Our vision is to be the most successful van business in the world.”

So what does this mean in the UK, which trails only Germany in terms of registrations volume, with 35,000 vans sold last year?

8 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

Steve Bridge, the quotable, opinionated managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, says Mornhinweg (“the gaffer”), is talking about volume and market share.

Until recently, so was he, with his quote from 2012 (“I confidently predict that by 2016 we will overtake Vauxhall to take second place”) still regularly repeated in the media.

“But now I measure it in customer loyalty, retention and testimonials,”

says Bridge. “I’m not interested in what others do, just on our performance. Things will break; it’s how you deal with them.”

His ability to “deal with them” has become much easier since he was handed control for the aftersales operations earlier this year. “Our challenge has been to get people to understand that the aftersales part of our business is as good as the sales side. Now I have responsibility for both, I can promote the holistic solution,” Bridge says.

“If we give customers a good experience, then they would need a reason to change their brand allegiance.”

As usual for Mercedes-Benz Vans, it comes down to countering the dogged perception that its vans are expensive to buy. They aren’t – at least they aren’t when the total cost of ownership is taken into consideration, and this is the point that Bridge is keen to stress.

“It’s not about price: if a vehicle is on the road all the time, why would you change? It’s about uptime,” he says. “It’s about the ownership price per week, per day, per hour – that’s the critical thing, and within that is uptime. For us to command a premium, we have to do a bloody good job!”

Hence the internal KPI of measuring customer retention levels. Success for Bridge is 100% (of course), but in order to get close to that figure he needs his retail network to own and measure it.

Some are already in the high 60s and 70s; others need to improve.

“We are only as good as our retailer network – and ours is becoming more van dedicated,” Bridge says.

“A strength of our brand is that our retail partners specialise in vans, trucks or both, and they are meeting our demands and needs.

Van operators have the right to be properly looked after by the brand and the dealer network. And as a brand we are here to provide guidance. If they choose to go and buy something else, that’s up to them, but at least we have done our bit.”

New technology initially developed for cars will help Mercedes-Benz Vans and its retailers further improve uptime levels. Called Mercedes Me, it enables the vehicle to share information with the retailer, owner and leasing company to proactively address maintenance issues.

The smartphone-access system is scheduled to be launched to vans with the new Sprinter in 2018 and www.haulageindex.co.uk | 9

will also be available as a retro-fit plug-in for existing models at the same time, possibly sooner if testing goes well.

“On vans it means that you can see where the vehicle is and what state it’s in regarding mileage, fuel, oil and brake pad wear,” explains Bridge.

“It will alert you of an impending breakdown and it will revolutionise the way a business conducts itself from an aftersales perspective.”

He adds: “If a customer doesn’t tell us their vehicle is off-road, it’s hard for us to manage it; this technology will tell us.”

A recurring criticism of manufacturers that produce both cars and vans has been the lengthy delays between technology introduced to cars and its eventual roll-out to vans.

Mercedes-Benz has shortened the time gap between the two, evidenced by its lead in introducing safety systems such as lane departure warnings, collision prevention and blind spot assist – plus its development of van-specific safety technology like crosswind assist.

The reason, says Bridge, is down to the level of shared components and 10 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

wiring between its cars and vans.

“It isn’t a question of whether we delay the launch of features; it’s about the affordability,” he adds.

“In cars, people pay a premium for gadgets. In vans, it’s not as popular, although the whole industry is having to raise its game due to duty of care. We look at customer needs and specify a vehicle to meet those.

We don’t look at the cheapest price to steal business away.”

Bridge is critical of the residual pricing guides for not taking safety equipment and other add-ons into consideration when setting their values, claiming with typical vigour that they are “stuck in the dark ages”.

He explains: “Take the auto gearbox.

It should be a benefit, but it’s seen as a negative for residual values in the second hand market – it’s bizarre.

Also speed limiters, they aren’t seen as a benefit by the residual providers.

“I’m raising the bar by still putting them on as standard.”

The manufacturer is also taking RVs into its own hands with the launch of an approved network to handle greater volumes of used vans. Preowned vans are ideal for customers

who might not need, or be able to afford, a new van. “They want a solution and they have a budget.

If the solution is out of reach, it could mean a nine-month-old van instead,” says Bridge. “It also dovetails into RVs.” Mercedes-Benz Vans registered 13,726 in the first half of the year, up a little under 1.5%; order take is up by more than 1,000, according to Bridge, while chassis cabs are “sold out”.

Citan and Vito are responsible for the growth, up 20% and 33% respectively, while Sprinter is down just under 7% year-on-year.

Reliant on its three-model lineup since the launch of the Citan three years ago, by the end of 2017 Mercedes-Benz Vans will also offer a pick-up for the first time, based on the Nissan Navara. Available as double-cab only and with four- and six-cylinder engines, it will be pitched against the Volkswagen Amarok.

“I’ve seen it and it’s an extremely attractive piece of equipment. It finishes off our portfolio,” says Bridge.

“Last year we took the decision to do fewer vehicles to help other countries out [it still ended the year up 4.7%] and we sold out of every van we had,” he says. “We’re EU-centric, especially with many customers operating internationally.

I balance UK ambitions versus European supply.”

Since he stopped poring over the monthly registrations data, growth has continued unabated. He puts it down to a more focused attitude.

“If we knew the market was up 2% and we were up 2%, then we could take our foot off the gas. Not knowing the market makes us want to do more and it removes the unnecessary pressure of wanting to beat others in sales,” he says.

Focusing on aftersales and service levels also removes the temptation – indeed, the need – to chase volumes.

“We want to be the best for service levels,” Bridge says. “We want to be viewed as the company to pioneer an overall increase in service levels in the van industry.”

Back to the present, and supply constraints have eased this year after a self-imposed limit placed

by Bridge on volumes in 2015. www.haulageindex.co.uk | 11

New RoSPA course to help fleets improve occupational driving safety

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched a new course designed to help organisations improve the safety of their fleet drivers.

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he Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has launched a new course designed to help organisations improve the safety of their fleet drivers.

behaviour within their organisation, by taking responsibility for assessing and feeding back to drivers and management on critical issues.

The Driving Mentor and Assessor Programme has been developed by RoSPA based on its work with energy firm SSE to improve the standard of driving across the company’s fleet of 7,500 vehicles, which clocks up in excess of 40 million miles each year.

“They will gain an understanding of the human factors that contribute to the occupational road risks that drivers are exposed to every day. The mentoring part of this course is a real game changer, as qualifying mentors are equipped with the skills to work closely with drivers and managers to develop driver improvement programmes within their company. We are proud to have worked with SSE on bringing this course to market, and have already taken bookings from other big names such as Greggs.”

The new course, aimed at employees who are responsible for in-house driving assessments, provides attendees with the skills to assess and mentor drivers.

The five-day training programme includes a range of scenarios and role play situations that will heighten the ability to identify, analyse, and provide written and verbal support to company drivers if in need of further development.

Driving mentors will be put through their paces in the RoSPA Occupational Road Test, with the examination forming part of the qualifying process, while group exercises and in-vehicle training sessions will also cover areas ranging from the Goals for Driver Education Matrix to company policy and procedures.

Colin Knight, RoSPA fleet safety audit manager, said: “The course will enable delegates to positively change driver 12 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

On successful completion of the course, attendees will receive certification demonstrating that they have passed the RoSPA Occupational Advanced Driving Test and RoSPA’s Driver Assessing and Mentoring Tests.

The course is typically held at RoSPA’s Driver Training Academy in Kings Norton, Birmingham, but training can be provided at mutually agreed alternative locations, such as an organisation’s head office.

DIRECT YOUR FLEET TO A SAFER ROUTE At work, road accidents can seriously affect the profitability of your business, your brand and employee wellbeing.

Our wide range of services has been designed with businesses in mind and can be tailored to your specific requirements. What’s more we’ll come to you at a time to suit you.

RoSPA’s fleet services include: • Fleet audit • Fleet risk assessment • Proactive driver training • Driver skills training (including CPC) • Course accreditation • Global bespoke fleet solutions

0121 248 2233 enquiries@rospa.com www.rospa.com

JAUPT APPROVED CENTRE AC00090

Nissan NP300 Navara Tekna pick-up review Until the arrival of the Volkswagen Amarok in 2011, the Nissan Navara was pretty much the acknowledged leader of the field in the 4x4 truck sector when it came to car-like drivability.

Since then, the Navara has gradually been slipping down the list as newer and better rivals were launched against it. It was only this year that Nissan was able to vie for this crown again with the new NP300 Navara, launched in January – and it certainly rocked the boat. The new model has already picked up a raft of awards since launch and looks set to put Nissan firmly back among the off-road class leaders.

The Amarok has always had a major problem when it comes to fleet sales – it is only offered in double-cab format, whereas

some company buyers want smaller, more down-to-earth models. True, Nissan also doesn’t offer a single-cab ‘cooking’ truck, but king-cab versions with small rear fold-down seats are available – and these should help to tempt prospective fleet buyers in Nissan’s direction.

Having driven left-hand drive versions in Majorca, we were keen to try UK variants so snapped up the first one on offer from Nissan, which admittedly isn’t exactly the most ‘fleety’ version there is – but at least it gives us a chance to try out all the goodies that are on offer from higher spec versions.

The vehicle on test is the Navara Tekna – the top of five spec levels – and as can be seen from the picture, it came in a dazzling metallic gold colour (which turned out

to be a £495 option) and dripping with all sorts of extras that fleet drivers won’t get. Mind you at £24,013 ex-VAT, there are an awful lot of bangs for your buck.

Under the bonnet is a 2.3-litre dCi turbodiesel powerplant blasting out a meaty 190bhp, while standard equipment includes roof rails, alloy wheels, side steps, moveable tie-down points in the back, bodycoloured front bumpers, side, curtain and knee airbags, all-round view monitor, a Nissan Connect navigation and entertainment system and enough safety gadgets in place to make even the most timid of drivers feel safe in the rough.

The truck is slated to return a creditable 44.1mpg on the combined cycle and emits 169g/km of CO2.

The NP300 Navara goes along with most of the rivals in the sector by offering chunky, macho yet stylish looks, so it’s down to personal preference which one looks the best. My money is on the Nissan.

Meanwhile just about everything has been updated and improved over the old Navara to the extent that the vehicle offers as carlike a ride as a truck is ever going to, albeit

with the seats at a rather different angle.

The cab is stylish in the extreme, with huge comfortable leather seats and a dash that wouldn’t look amiss in the most expensive car. Rear legroom, though, is rather at a premium.

In the rear our test vehicle had a plastic load liner which was an option at £360 – rather a surprise as in our view this is a must to keep the rear of the truck safe from scrapes and scratches that will badly affect its resale value.

The Navara fires up with a muted growl which is unobtrusive but loud enough to let the occupants know there is serious horsepower on offer – and on the road, the driver will never be caught short of oomph. The only gripe is that the rather old-fashioned long throw gear lever made for some notchy changes at times. We didn’t manage to take our test vehicle off-road, but had already tried the Navara in the dirt at the international launch in Majorca; even novices won’t take fright on the scariest inclines as hill start assist and hill descent control systems do all the work automatically. www.haulageindex.co.uk | 15

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Why Transport Operators should adopt a ‘compliance-first’ approach

ith the DVSA focusing on the serially and seriously non-compliant transport operators, there is a growing recognition that technology can help operators managing their compliance and demonstrate to the authorities that they have effective systems and processes in place.

Caroline Hicks, DVSA Head of Enforcement has commented: “We want the cost of compliance to be relatively low, relatively steady and relatively known. As soon as you choose to be non-compliant the costs will increase and they will keep increasing so that no business can afford to sit in that non-compliant area.”

Tachograph analysis and compliance management technology such as Descartes Smartanalysis, reduce the rate of driver infringements and can help operators demonstrate to the DVSA that they are proactively managing their drivers and transport operation, taking all reasonable steps to prevent infringements and breaches of complicated tachograph and drivers’ hours regulations.

The key is to take a holistic, ‘compliance first’ approach. From tracking driver hours to checking licenses and ensuring prejourney vehicle inspections are undertaken, embedding these processes within day-to-day operations makes these essential aspects of compliance business as usual.

For example, automatically and routinely checking a driver’s license – including points – against the DVLA records not only saves time but avoids the risk of out of date information from the now discarded paper license counterpart. With up to date, accurate information, a company can rapidly assess the

16 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

level of risk it is carrying based on overall driver endorsements and the potential impact on insurance. Moreover, for those drivers with more points and therefore a greater risk profile, the company can instigate more frequent checks, ensuring compliance is maintained at all times and minimising.

In addition, around 85% of roadworthiness infringements could have been avoided if the driver undertook an effective walkaround vehicle check before starting the journey. And while it can be hard to ensure these checks are undertaken, companies can remove the risk associated with management by trust by using an App to record a driver’s pre-journey inspection of tyres, windscreen wipers, lights and so on.

The biggest issue is tracking and managing drivers’ hours. And with the shortage in HGV drivers, the opportunities for individuals to work longer continue to grow. Drivers may face pressure to work extra hours and some drivers may decide to take that risk themselves. Either way, the potential business impact is huge.

Companies need to not only enforce the limit but also ensure that measurement is done accurately and effectively, creating an audit proof record for the DVSA. By ensuring that compliance is ‘baked in’, it is far easier for operators to optimise journeys and meet customer demands.

Dynamic appointments can be offered, reservations met and the entire customer experience enhanced with no fear of accidentally pushing the limits - and paying the price.

The perfect match: A new solution to the daily quest for drivers

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here’s a new name on the logistics scene that’s tackling the driver shortage head-on. Locatedriver.co.uk is a dedicated driving and logistics industry hub which dramatically reduces the costs, time and stress of logistics managers and recruiters alike as they search for the drivers they need. Locatedriver.co.uk is neither a transport firm nor an agency, but a kind of ‘logistics matchmaker’ that makes life easier for hauliers and recruitment agencies across the UK by matching their driver needs and availability. And all at the click of a button!

Rooted In Experience It’s no surprise that locateadriver.co.uk is the brainchild of individuals steeped in the logistics industry. With more than 60 years of sector experience between them, the company’s two directors understand only too well the challenges, expense and sheer frustration of the relentless search for the right drivers in the right places at the right time. Indeed, it was these constant pressures that got them both thinking that technology had to offer an easy and lowcost route to locating the resources they needed. As well as driver availability, those resources might also include opportunities for firms, agencies and others to advertise their temporary and permanent jobs and training courses. Crucially, locateadriver. co.uk would act as a completely independent hub, helping the industry to work together more constructively and efficiently at a remarkably low cost.

18 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

The result is an online hive of activity with a rapidly growing UK membership of logistics customers and agencies who are already appreciating the time, stress and cost savings generated. Searching locateadriver. co.uk’s huge multi-agency database is quick and easy. You simply enter the licence categories, dates and locations needed for your jobs and this unique system directs you straight to the agencies with the right availability. It puts an end to constant calls, call-backs and let-downs, leaving you free to get on with the rest of your day, and if you’re struggling with multiple locations, the hub’s dedicated national accounts managers are on hand to help. Membership also entitles busy logistics personnel to advertise their own vacancies for permanent drivers on the dedicated jobs board and to track down the training courses they need to upskill their people and minimise road risk.

This exciting new venture delivers major benefits for the logistics industry and supports closer working relationships with agencies, yet membership costs only £39.99 per month, with no minimum contract or tie-ins (and right now, you can try out all the benefits with a FREE 30-day trial)!

No-one can resolve the driver shortage instantly, but by matching logistics customers with the right agencies and drivers, locateadriver.co.uk relieves the pressure and helps everyone to enjoy a less stressful, more productive and costeffective working day.

MATCHING LOGISTIC CUSTOMERS TO THE RIGHT AGENCIES AND DRIVERS NATIONWIDE

AGENCIES

looking for new customers & drivers?

CUSTOMERS

Need drivers for your loads?

FIND AVAILABLE DRIVERS FOR TEMPOARY AND PERMANENT POSITIONS NEAR YOU

VISIT: WWW.LOCATEADRIVER.CO.UK

Tate Oils Choose “XVISION” “the fact we have had no incidents since having the system fitted is proof of that” - Andrew Tate, Director of Tate Oils

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ith safety being paramount, Andrew Tate Director of Tate Oils Ltd wanted something more reliable and consistent than the cameras fitted to their fleet of Tankers.

cab. A key feature of this system is Xvision’s unique (VPC) technology which allows any tractor unit that has a display in the cab to work with any semi-trailer that has a set of sensors fitted, you simply couple up as normal and the systems instantly “We have experienced incidents both when communicate without any additional reversing and with front corner impacts connectors or driver input. Fitting time is which show that cameras were not doing around 1.5 hrs which is about a quarter of their job correctly” the time quoted by other companies we contacted.

Inconsistency due to prevailing weather conditions would result in the camera Another important issue for us was images becoming blurred and at worst approval…..all the Xvision Systems carry full totally obscured. We had to find a solution as Type Approval, and are also SLPS, FORS, TFL, we supply blue chip companies that simply CLOCS and Cross Rail approved. will not tolerate accidents on their premises.

All the drivers quickly adapted to both Having approached a number of companies systems and report they work excellently. and looked at various solutions we decided to go with Xvision Advanced Safety Systems, “the fact we have had no incidents since they offered a real solution to our issues. We having the system fitted is proof of that” now have front corner and cyclist blind spot Andrew Tate Director Tate Oils. proximity sensors fitted to our fleet. This system is totally passive and only alerts the For more information about how we can driver when something or someone enters improve the safety of your vehicles please the detection zone, ensuring concentration visit www.xvisioncommercial.com or call is on operating the vehicle and not constantly 0845 2700 862. monitoring camera images for hazards.

Call and quote XVFREE1 to receive a 4 We also have Xvision rear proximity sensors sensor rear blind spot protection system fitted which takes care of the rear blind spot. fully installed on one of your own vehicles These are automatically activated when at your premises completely free of charge. reverse gear is selected they let the driver know when he approaches objects by way of a visual and audible display mounted in the

20 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

Backwatch Safety Products

“Since adding Backwatch systems to our vehicles, they have more than paid for themselves in defending damage claims that were not our fault”

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ehicle Safety Technology specialists since 1998, committed to reducing incidents, defend against unwarranted claims and improving the safe operation of commercial vehicles.

We offer a full and comprehensive range of safety systems, including bespoke, modular blind spot detection systems, multi camera digital video recording, audible warnings and tracking systems.

In consultation with our clients, we aim to fully understand their challenges and needs, helping them to select the most appropriate system to meet compliance requirements and gain maximum benefit from the systems they choose.

Aasvogel in Wantage have installed Backwatch systems in all their vehicles, comprising of surround recording systems, blind spot sensors and external warnings to cyclists when turning left. Aasvogel were Backwatch sensor systems are own experiencing significant claims against manufacture with ISO/TS16949, granted CE, them, from damage to vehicles, property E and TUV approval. and reports of items falling from their Lorries.

During 2011 we launched our blind spot sensor system, that was subject to extensive Michael Kent of Aasvogel said “Since adding independent trials by AECOM on behalf Backwatch systems to our vehicles, they of Transport for London. Following this have more than paid for themselves in successful trial we were granted approved defending damage claims that were not supplier status by TFL. Systems are Crossrail our fault. The best part about Backwatch is and CLOCS compliant. the service and ongoing support they have provided. The transport staff and drivers The systems have now developed to a stage swear by them for the assistance and peace we can offer customers a bespoke solution of mind they bring” to their requirements, with a wireless link between tractors and trailers, fully Latest recording systems have now interchangeable between their entire fleet. expanded to up to 8 cameras, connected to We pride ourselves on offering a responsive solid state drives with recording times up to and personal service to all customers, 60 plus days with high definition cameras to irrespective of size. Our network of ensure number plates are recognised with experienced fitment teams provide onsite 3/4G and Wi-Fi options. service across the UK at a time to suit business needs, with no extra charge for For more information please visit www.

Saturdays, Sundays or Evening work. backwatch.co.uk or call 01656 721871.

22 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

Blind Spot Protection System Advanced audio visual sensor and camera technology to warn the driver of any vehicle, cyclist or pedestrian within the blind spots.

Camera

Sensors

Rear Camera

ials om TFL Tr r f k c a b d Fee aware of

e re made mo estrians “ Driver is ings,, including ped d n u o surr s cyclissts” l as well a t successfu iscreet ye d s i m e st ss” “ Sy awarene pt in raising ood prom . cting.. g ra t is d t o “N irrors” to check m he rs found t ” e “ Operato asyy to use system e

Proud to be associated with and approved suppliers to Transport for London

01656 721871 sales@backwatch.co.uk www.backwatch.co.uk

The Enterprise Centre, Tondu, Bridgend CF32 9BS

Crossrail Saftey Vehicles not compliant will be turned away from Crossrail construction sites with the contractor liable for any costs incurred.

B

rite Sparks Auto Electrical Ltd’s range of leading edge safety systems assist both driver and cyclist. Side sensors • detect obstacles alongside the vehicle giving an audible and a visual signal to the driver, whist an external speaking alarm warns cyclists and pedestrians of the vehicle’s intended left turn.

Crossrail is the biggest engineering project in Europe, estimatedto cost £14.8bn. Due for completion in 2018, it will run a total • of118km (73 miles) between west and east London and connect 37stations, including Heathrow airport. The project currently has • over 20 worksites.

Following a spate of accidents involving cyclists across the capital,Crossrail have set a mandatory contractor requirement that all HGVs working on the project are fitted with sensors and othersafety equipment to alert drivers of cyclists. Vehicles not compliantwill • be turned away from Crossrail construction sites with the contractor liable for any costs incurred. This applies to HGVsoperated • directly by a contractor or on their behalf by a haulier.

increasing safety when turning or low speed manoeuvring.

Audible warning to the driver to alert of a cyclist in the near side blind spot Brite Side Scan ultrasonic sensor system includes a 3stage audible buzzer and visual indicator so the driver knows exactly which part of the vehicle the obstruction is rather than just being warned of a problem which is fitted in the cab.

Warning alert for cyclists Brite Side Scan provides a real speech warning to the cyclist - “Caution” this vehicle is turning left” Visibility of side/nearside blind spot .We provide an on site service or the vehicle can come to our workshops, we can cater for weekend work if needed..

Brite Parks also provide extensive camera monitor systems to provide all round visibility of blind spots.

We also provide all the internal and external warning signs for cyclists and pedestrian.

We also supply a safety kit which includes fire extinguisher, Fresnel screen for passenger side window,Complete sticker kit,Bulb kit and warning triangle.

On left hand drive vehicles we provide the mirror image kit so warning that the vehicle is turning right Cranes etc.

• Operators MUST Fit: • Blind spot proximity sensors. Brite Side Scan ultrasonic sensor system informs the driver of the distance between the vehicle and any obstacles, whether For more information please visit www. moving or stationary. The 4 sensor sidescansystems.com or call 01767 683757 system is fitted to the side of the vehicle 24 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

SIDESCANSYSTEMS

R

Blind Spot Eradication & Safety Systems

Warning vulnerable road users of the dangers of travelling down the blind side of a heavy goods vehicle.

Audibly and visually warning vulnerable road users of the vehicle’s intention to turn left at low speed.

T: 01767 683757 E: paul@sidescansystems.london W: Www.sidescansystems.com

Vehicle Safety Systems | Brite Side Scan Systems | Accessories

SHARING THE ROAD: CYCLE ALERT TRIALS WITH IRN BRU

Cycle Alert extends road safety initiative with AG Barr trials in Sheffield

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ycle Alert, the RFID invention designed to help fleet operators and drivers work together with cyclists to ensure safety on the roads, has secured new trials with AG Barr who make, market and sell some of the UK’s best-loved soft drinks brands including IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Strathmore spring water.

the product is needed by both haulage companies and cyclists to have a real impact on road safety. That is why Cycle Alert is now looking for operators to embrace this new technology, where cycle tags will

Following securement of successful contracts across fleets including First Group, Nestle and Transdev in York, Cycle Alert has fitted two of AG Barr’s 15 tonne rigid vehicles which operate in the York and Sheffield areas.

Cycle Alert’s co-founder and the system’s innovator, Peter Le Masurier, said:

already be saturating into the market as Cycle Alert rolls out.

“Technology can play a pivotal role in reducing blind spots and protecting vulnerable road users, which is why we have developed Cycle Alert, the first technology of its kind to be implemented onto heavy good vehicles for the sole purpose of identifying cyclists in vehicle blind spots.

We’re delighted to be working with such an exciting brand as AG Barr in Sheffield and believe that the new partnership will play an important part in helping us drive and sustain Cycle Alert’s positive impact on road safety.”

Cycle Alert is a second-generation sensor technology designed to improve the visibility of cyclists to drivers of LGV’s, buses and coaches. Unlike other first-generation sensors on the market, Cycle Alert technology can distinguish between a cyclist and other road furniture and comprises of a bike tag, a wireless sensor on the vehicle and a cab display unit. Its innovative and inclusive approach to road safety technology has seen Cycle Alert most recently nominated for a For more information, please contact: 2015 Motor Transport Award.

Danni Lapham, Cycle Alert

Cycle Alert’s three RFID components work Tel: 0208 330 5356 | Mob: 07841 779 919 | together to form a communications network Email: danni@cyclealert.com between all parties, with the driver being given maximum advance notice of the proximity of a cyclist.

Cycle Alert is fully aware that take up of 26 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

Reduce Accidents, Minimise Claims Costs and Protect Your Fleet with Cycle Alert Multi-Systems

Technology Powered by IT

Call 0800 014 7542 Today!

For more info, visit www.cyclealert.com

 info@cyclealert.com

 0800 014 7542  @cyclealert  /cyclealert

Wrings Transport: ‘Dashcams were the best thing we’ve ever done’

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amily stories of how his grandfather built up and then sold a successful haulage business left a lasting impression on a young Stuart Wring.

Within three years of leaving school at 16, after an initial grounding at contract hire business VMH Transport Services, Wring began working for the first of three haulage companies. By the age of just 24, he had the knowledge and skills to step out by himself and emulate his grandfather.

He launched Wrings Transport in 1995 as a family concern: his mother did the accounts for the first 14 years while his father still helps out in the yard parttime. His brothers have both worked for

28 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

the business at one time or other.

Today, Wrings is thriving as a £6 million turnover transport business based at Hallen near Avonmouth, Bristol, with just over 60 vehicles offering both national and local deliveries.

The fleet is divided between the UK full load business (35 artics) and regional deliveries (25 rigids and three vans).

The majority are Mercedes-Benz and Scania, with a few MAN. Everything is procured either on hire purchase or owned outright; despite his leasing experience, Wring has so far opted against contract hire – but he doesn’t rule out change. “It’s an oldfashioned view, but it works for us,” he

says.

“Pre-recession we kept everything for five years but during the recession we held on to our vehicles. Now we are in a period of heavy replacement for our rigids and are going back to our fiveyear policy.”

Scania comes down to the strength of their residual values; that is the differentiating factor for his business.

Wring found that keeping vehicles for longer than five years caused some repair and maintenance issues.

“With the other brands, it will hurt you when you sell them,” Wring explains.

“But with Mercedes-Benz and Scania, they are competitively-priced upfront and their residuals are strong. We can sell them at book value through our local dealer.”

However, he is also mindful of the rapid pace of technology and is considering turning to contract hire for his artic fleet with an 18-24-month operating cycle to take advantage of the improvements in fuel efficiency offered by the newest vehicles.

Most van and truck fleets, when questioned, point to reliability as a defining factor, but Wring, who was involved in maintenance management until as recently as 2012, says that he has policies in place and relationships with dealers to ensure it isn’t an issue.

A decision will be taken nearer to 2018 when his artics are due for replacement. It could, though, see his range of truck partners widen as he’ll take funding from manufacturers rather than independent leasing companies.

“Yes, it’s important, but the most important thing for us is not losing money when we sell the truck,” he adds. “That’s where our decisions are made.

“If we do contract hire, we will go for whatever is best for the business – we could choose whatever we want,” Wring says.

He adds a swift clarification: “But we are very loyal to our partners. We have had the same insurance broker, tyre garage and mobile phone provider since we started. We try to use independent companies that are family-owned like us; it gives us better relationships.”

His choice of Mercedes-Benz and

“Also, Mercedes-Benz goes from cars to vans to 44-tonne trucks; they can do everything for you and they go out of their way to help you and give you their support.”

Truck reliability has improved substantially since Wring set up his business, with engine issues in particular a thing of the past. And while some operators complain that Euro 6 diesel has resulted in a drop in fuel efficiency, Wring’s experience is entirely different.

www.haulageindex.co.uk | 29

His trucks on average are returning 1mpg more than the Euro 5 equivalents (“nine-plus to the gallon”), which is saving the business between £3,000 and £4,000 a year on fuel per tractor unit.

Wring Transport’s big investment over the past 12 months has been to completely overhaul its truck livery. The priority was twofold: to improve the appearance and visibility of the design on the road and to reduce costs when repairing minor bumps and scrapes.

The red giant ‘W’ which has been on the front of cabs since 2002 was removed because the latest vehicles have plastic bumpers which are costly and timeconsuming to replace if there is damage that requires repainting. Instead, the W has moved to the side of the truck where it is more prominent at a further distance, while the cab simply has the company name on the side which can be peeled off before de-fleet.

Wring estimates that not painting the plastic will save £1,000 each time, while the bumpers can now be replaced inhouse. Over the course of a year, the fleet will usually have 15-20 bumpers replaced, all of which would’ve had to have been repainted by a signwriter.

He has decided against including the company email or phone number of the trucks, believing it to be “a waste of time – if you want to find my company you’d Google it, not track down a truck”. It means the design can be less cluttered.

30 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

Wring is responsible for all purchasing decisions but employs a fleet and site manager in Andy Williams who focuses on the day-to-day operations. As key controller, he books maintenance – an eight-week cycle for vehicles and 12 weeks for trailers – and even installs the Mix telematics system.

The company uses it to monitor truck and driver performance, in particular fuel economy. Introduced in 2008, it has virtually eliminated idling from around 25 minutes per day to less than four minutes.

This isn’t just down to driver education; Wrings has a much better understanding of a vehicle’s fuel consumption, which has influenced its purchasing decisions.

For example, trucks are now ordered with engine idle shut-down systems.

The biggest impact on fuel is the driver and the telematics provides daily reports on speeding, harsh braking, acceleration and revving, flagging any results which fall outside of a ‘green band’.

The tolerance level is set at 98%, and two-thirds of drivers achieve it. Among those who fall short, most are very close and are sitting in amber rather than red. Their behaviour is addressed

by Wrings’s in-house driver trainer Sean Mulhall, a former driver at the company. He is responsible for every type of training, from driver CPC to classroom to on-road coaching.

Mulhall receives training from the manufacturers, which he then passes onto the drivers about the best way to drive the trucks for maximum efficiency.

The Mix system is complemented by a Scania driver support score, whereby Wrings receives a bonus payment from the manufacturer if drivers are below the threshold. It is intended to reward those who look after their vehicles, as they will be returned in better condition and with less wear-and-tear.

Drivers receive all of the payment and the company then doubles the figure as an additional incentive, which could amount to more than £400 a year. It helps to engage drivers in the process, although Wring says they were accepting of telematics at the outset after an induction explained the benefits to the business of saving fuel and reducing accident damage.

It’s not the only bonus they could earn, either. Every driver starts the year with a £1,500 pot of money. Each time they do something which costs the company money, it is taken off the total. Wring pays out every six months.

“This has been very effective,” he says.

“It is capped at £1,500, although our Scania drivers can earn almost £2,000 extra per year if they drive their trucks well.”

2013.

“Anyone running a truck without a camera is like going somewhere without a phone,” he adds.

Wrings Transport installed the cameras itself. They had an immediate impact on driver attitudes as they know their every move is being filmed in the event they have a crash. This has reduced the number of insurance claims “massively”, says Wring.

“We can manage it easily; there isn’t too much data with the cameras, telematics and phones,” he adds.

Combined with telematics and the bonus payments, the cameras have helped Wrings Transport to greatly improve its safety record. The majority of damage is chips or reversing prangs; it has not had a rollover since 2008 or a write-off for almost as long.

“We look after our staff. We pay performance bonuses, we pay for their HGV medicals and we pay 2% into their pensions when the Government minimum is 1%,” Wring says.

“We are always looking to bonus and incentivise them to give them a good package and not just a basic wage – [but] at the end of the day we are only asking them to do their job.”

While telematics has been a real positive for the company, Wring says the “best thing we ever did” was to introduce forward-facing cameras in www.haulageindex.co.uk | 31

KEEPING AN EYE OUT!

INSTALLING A VEHICLE CAMERA OFFERS COMPLETE PEACE OF MIND.

E

yewitness Cameras are the UK’s marketleaders when it comes to the supply and installation of professional multibrand vehicle camera systems. From a single forward facing camera up to multi-channel DVRHDD systems, Eyewitness Cameras are more than confident they’ll have the expertise and product knowledge to offer the perfect packaged solution to meet any requirements you and your fleet may have.

Eyewitness Cameras have researched and extensively tested the majority of systems currently available and accordingly supply those which they believe are the best in terms of quality, features, specification and price. With technology continually improving, you can rest assured they are best placed to the find the perfect vehicle camera system with the latest specification, whatever your budget. They supply direct to the Fleet, Logistic, Private and Contract Hire sectors and provide a nationwide fitting service if required.

Vehicle camera systems in the UK are fast becoming ever more popular and for good reason. They provide complete, unbiased, and irrefutable evidence in the event of a road traffic collision or any other incident involving your vehicle. The High-Definition video evidence provided by digital cameras is invaluable in these situations, recording irrefutable proof of fault and assisting in the defence against spurious and aggravated claims. Eyewitness Cameras state that: “Installing cameras as part of your vehicle security system can potentially save

32 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

you thousands of pounds on insurance premiums. Using video evidence to protect a company’s fleet and its drivers, fraudulent insurance claims can be disproved instantly”.

The rapid growth of Eyewitness Cameras has seen the company recently partner with an independent insurance broker.

Grove & Dean. Their commercial insurance department offers a full range of products for all types of business offering unbiased advice based on the full range of products offered by the UK insurance market. They are confident that their Motor Fleet insurance cover compares favorably with any other currently available in the marketplace.

Grove & Dean offer cover for a range of vehicles, including: Cars, Vans, Lorries, Haulage, Mini-buses, Coaches and Private & Public hire vehicles. For more information contact Jim Hooper, Group Commercial Manager on 01708 436811 or email jim.hooper@grove-dean.co.uk Whether your requirements are for single or multi-camera systems, Eyewitness Cameras can source, bespoke design and install the very latest camera packages that best suit your company’s needs.

For more information about Eyewitness Cameras or to find out about a particlar product please visit www. eyewitnesscameras.com, call us on: 01245 257 133 or email sales@eyewitnesscameras. com.

www.haulageindex.co.uk | 23

A

Meet the UK’s leading drug and alcohol safety experts

t AlcoDigital our team of drug and alcohol specialists has been working with local authorities, governmental institutions, corporate companies and small businesses for nearly 15 years helping them to develop robust Drug & Alcohol Policies tailored to their specific requirements.

We pride ourselves on providing a first class, friendly service and we are the only company in the UK who will personally visit your business to discuss your Drug & Alcohol Policy and advise you on your company’s individual needs.

Through our work with approved institutions we have developed an unrivalled knowledge and expertise of Drug & Alcohol Policy.

We work closely with the FTA (Freight Transport Association) and are an associate member of FORS – the highly regarded Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

In addition to guiding you through the maze of Drug & Alcohol Policy implementation we offer a range of complementary services that are essential to ensuring your company establishes and adheres to Drug & Alcohol Policy best practice.

Home Office Certified, Professional Equipment

We offer businesses a complete range of professional quality, highly accurate equipment for testing their staff. From UK Home Office approved breathalyzers to vehicle interlock devices and drug testing equipment we work with you to provide appropriate solutions for pre and post screening including collating data and producing evidential printouts at a price you can afford.

“Claire Hopper, National Sales Manager”

Onsite and online training

We provide fully certified, face-to-face onsite training as well as eLearning courses that allow staff to keep abreast of changes and updates to legislation at a time and place to suit their schedules.

Our onsite courses are run in small groups using the same equipment that your business uses to ensure each candidate is fully capable of correctly operating and interpreting the results of your testing devices. Candidates will also receive a comprehensive insight into how to spot the different signs and symptoms of drug and alcohol misuse and its relevance within the working environment.

Calibration and repair service

To keep your equipment in full working order and accurate we provide a full calibration and repair service. We are an authorised repair and calibration centre for more manufacturers than any other centre in the UK, including Draegar, Lifeloc, C4, Sentech and Q3i.

For more information about how we can help your business or to arrange a free review of your Drug & Alcohol Policy, please visit www. alcodigital.co.uk, call Claire Hopper on 020 8454 7372 or email ClaireHopper@AlcoDigital.co.uk

Drug & Alcohol Testing, Training and Compliance Freight Transport Association

ID: A00185

Do your testing procedures and Drug & Alcohol Policy comply with the relevant obligations?

Since 2002 we have supported Local and National Government Agencies, major PLCs and small business with training, equipment and advice.

For a completely free review, either by phone or at your offices (and with no commitment to buy) call Claire now on 0208 454 7372 or email ClaireHopper@alcodigital.co.uk > Breathalyzers > Drug Testing > Vehicle Interlocks > Certified Training > Drug Advice Service > Calibration and Repairs “Some say… that on the track I push my limits, but safety and precision is key and I never guess the morning after – I take control with AlcoDigital.”

AlcoDigital are endorsed by

Ben Collins

formerly known as The Stig

AlcoDigital:

The UK Drug & Alcohol Safety Experts +44 (0) 208 454 7372 • www.alcodigital.co.uk

DETECT TO PROTECT!

D.Tec can train your managers and implement the DrugWipe screening system into your business

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o further progress the fantastic success of the police anti-drug driving campaign, the Department for Transport recently provided £750,000 funding for -

In one county using DrugWipe, after only 9 months the traffic police are making 10% of ALL their forces convictions from just drink and drug driving.

DrugWipe is now being used by every single * Additional Field Impairment Test (FIT) police force throughout England and Wales. training of traffic police officers, Being just the size of a couple of biros they can be stored in all traffic cars and in most * Further blood confirmations of those operational police vehicles alongside the failing drug tests breathalysers. Police are now being told, “If you have any suspicion, use a DrugWipe”. * More stock of the recently ‘type-approved’ roadside screener DrugWipe.

These statistics prove beyond any doubt that drug driving is a very real problem on This funding was used throughout December our roads!

2015 in the new high intensity pre-Christmas drink and drugs campaign and also to facilitate From a workplace perspective, D.Tec can a specific anti-drug driving awareness and train your managers and implement the enforcement campaign in February 2016. DrugWipe screening system into your business. UK Sales Manager for workplace Since commencement in March last testing Gareth Salisbury explains “DrugWipe year, police forces are reporting that the has been proven to be an effective means availability of DrugWipe and the new of detecting drug drivers at the roadside legislation, similar to that of the roadside and the statistics above tell us of the very breathalyser has allowed the prosecution real issue that exists. From the results that of many thousands of drug drivers. More we see within the workplaces that we do specifically, when a Field Impairment Trained supply, we can also confidently say that police officer decides to use a DrugWipe, there is a very real issue amongst many they get a positive result 90% of the time. safety critical industries including passenger transport; D.Tec can help guide companies When other operational officers who through every step of implementing are not FIT trained and unfamiliar with a workplace D & A policy and testing spotting the signs of drug use decide to programme. Our testing methods are an use a DrugWipe at a collision, they get a effective deterrent against employee drug positive in 10% of the cases. So the worrying or alcohol misuse, using credible onsite statistic from this is that in 1 in 10 collisions, screening drug and alcohol testing solutions someone has taken cannabis or cocaine! including DrugWipe, the polices choice!”

36 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

Can your business afford do without SmartWitness dashboard cameras?

S

martWitness makes Britain’s most popular vehicle journey recorders – allowing your company to monitor all around its vehicles with just a single camera.

As well as recording high quality images covering the front, rear and interior, the system can record vehicle location, vehicle speed, driving style and impact force, providing vital, court admissible evidence in the event of an accident.

SmartWitness’ range of products provide fleet managers, hire firms, hauliers and private individuals with driving aids to facilitate safer driving and offer complete protection against the ever-increasing threat from fraudulent insurance claims on our roads.

SmartWitness partner with more telematics and insurance partners than any other camera provider, offering a fully integrated solution.

Luxury chauffeur company Tristar Worldwide made savings of £60,000 a year after installing SmartWitness cameras to its fleet of vehicles, cutting its accident rate by half. Wrings Transport said their accident rate was halved after installing SmartWitness in their 50-strong fleet.

Wrings MD Stuart Wring said: “Our accident rate has reduced markedly because drivers know their journeys are being recorded and behave more responsibly.” At Brian Yeardley Continental hauliers the accident rate went down by half after installing SmartWitness and the insurance bill was reduced by £25,000. Brian Yeardley do lots of Channel crossings and the cameras have also stopped the problem of migrants trying to stowaway on its vehicles at big ports such as Calais.

Manager Director Kevin Hopper said: “Since

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installing SmartWitness cameras and fitting the stickers to the trucks and rear doors of our trailers where the immigrants normally make entry we have not had any incidents and I do apportion a lot of this to SmartWitness.

“I also believe the cameras made a significant contribution to the reduction in our insurance premium.” Daily Telegraph motoring columnist James Foxall said: “SmartWitness has achieved remarkable savings in hauliers’ insurance premiums.”

Insurers have found that just two per cent of incidents recorded on SmartWitness cameras result in disputed claims – against an industry norm of 40 per cent for all motor claims.

SmartWitness products are recommended by major insurers and officially approved

by Transport for London. They provide complete integration with Telematics Systems – so all fleet management and driver information is accessed through the telematics provider’s system.

SmartWitness won the Fleet News award for ‘Best New Product’ for the KP1, hailed as “the most advanced vehicle journey recorder in the world.”

The KP1 is the most powerful 3G/4G instant video transmission vehicle camera with in-built G-force accelerometer, GPS and telematics data.

SmartWitness’ professional dash-camera range features full HD and 170-degree lens to provide a comprehensive view of any incident.

Visit Smartwitness.co.uk to learn more about its range of products, or call its helpline on 0844 947 1000. A video demonstration can also be seen by searching for ‘SmartWitness’ on YouTube.

kp1 flyer outlined latest - 01.pdf

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WHY CHOOSE PDC We take a holistic approach and guide you through the minefi eld of implementing a system. With our help, advice and support you can be guaranteed to pick the system that is right for your operation, and we can then help deliver it in a timely manner.

We do this by fi rst ensuring you get the right solution, then working hard with all levels of the company on implementation.

This ensures that the system becomes embedded in the culture and operations on a day-to-day basis. We then drive through the project to ensure that those promised savings are achieved and the return on investment is met.

We can see through the myriad of options available on the market, and help pick the right system for your business. Please see a few of our recent case studies at www. pdugganconsulting.co.uk.

OUR RECIPE FOR SUCCESS If you would like to save 6% on your fuel bill and reduce CO2 emissions, telematics may be the answer. See the example cost/benefi t analysis below to help you understand the ROI of implementing a telematics solution. The key to success is taking a holistic approach to implementation, considering people, process and technology.

Example: A truck uses £50K of fuel per year, you keep the truck for 3 years. So the total fuel costs over its life is £150K. Savings of 6% over those 3 years equal £9,000.

Cost and Savings of telematics (per truck)

• A telematics system costs £600, spread over the life of truck.

• Project Management and driver training costs £400 for the fi rst year.

• Total project implementation costs £1000 per truck.

• The net fuel saving over three years per truck is £8000.

• Additional savings over 2nd and 3rd year on insurance, maintenance and tyres.

There are thousands of technologies on the market, which one is right for you?

It’s a major investment. You can’t afford to get it wrong!

It’s not just about the technology and the tools!

Knowledge and expertise is a key component to a successful project!

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY:

Paul’s independent expertise “Without and hands-on approach I feel we would not have maximized the benefits possible from this complex system.

.”Greame Blackwell CM Downton

What’s the cost of doing nothing?

Get in Touch, I can help you!

What to do next

• Select a system that is right for your business and goals.

• Take a project approach to implementation.

• Incorporate driver training into the project.

• Adopt a top-down, bottom-up approach to building adoption of the telematics system.

Call us at: Email us at: | www.haulageindex.co.uk +4430(0) 7549 649 765 paul@pdugganconsulting.co.uk

Visit us at: www.pdugganconsulting.co.uk

Delivering Results, Not Reports

Paul Duggan Consulting

The New Standard of Telematics Consulting

No-fee Initial Consultation!

Accelerate Your Business Today!

Let PDC help you achieve success and growth in your logistics operation.

Assessment

Implementation

Results

Which technology is the best fit for your business; how should it be configured and integrated? We will help you deploy the right solution.

Whether you’re looking for expert guidance as you move through your deployment, or your team needs more in-depth support, I offer a range of highly cost-effective implementation services.

Which are the key success factors for business and how should you prepare?

Our services will help you to agree on strategic priorities and develop a improvement programme.

About PDC

Our Approach

Bringing innovation to the process of telematics.

Independent expertise

Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport

My telematics consultancy was founded to address complex

business issues, advise on strategic business implementation and demonstrate the broader benefits that can be achieved across your fleet management and business.

Fuel cost savings of six percent are now realistic and demonstrated through using telematics, but before you embark on such an expensive project you should consider the technology options, the people and processes in your organisation, the investment strategy, and the knowledge and expertise required to make telematics a success.

Many years of experience Proven track record of success Flexible and consultative approach No risk initial consultation Member of RHA and FTA

www.haulageindex.co.uk | 31

WHY CHOOSE TDI? TDi have developed Cloud Based Transport Solutions to assist you in your transport operation.

Our own dedicated in-house development team are constantly developing new features/ products ensuring our products are unrivalled!

We can tailor the right service to suit your operations needs.

WHAT IS DISC CHECK Disc-check is built in such a way that allows operators of any sized fleet, from large multi-site companies down to owner-drivers, to upload their data and receive almost instantaneous results to your desktop. Disc-check is the next generation of tachograph analysis software. Built around the need for more refined information based on digital data, disc-check leads the way in providing transport operators with the information they require when they need it.

Accessible from mobile and desktop devices there really are no limits to when you can access your data.

WHO IS DISC CHECK FOR Disc-check is built in such a way that allows operators of any sized fleet, from large multi-site companies down to owner-drivers, to upload their data and receive almost instantaneous results to your desktop.

DRIVER APP INC SMART CARD MOBILE UPLOAD Built specially for drivers on the road, the disccheck app for android allows your drivers to download their digital driver card using our mobile smart card reader and then monitor their current legal limits based on their last download. In conjunction with our debrief system your drivers are also able to acknowledge any offences generated which will report in your administration console.

WHAT IS TRANSMAS? transMaS is built to work for transport operators, whilst the core functionality of the system is for the traffic desk and planners, the system is also built to accommodate more advanced functionality for larger companies including driver

rosters and purchase order systems.

WHO IS TRANSMAS FOR TransMaS is our proprietary transport management system which combines the key features of a transport office into one system, allowing transport operators to take an overview of the current operation while simultaneously providing more detailed information as required. Allowing every level of your company to view relevant information, it can also restrict access where required.

WHAT IS VEHICLE CHECK Vehicle-check app eliminates the need for paper defect reports; everything is stored and accessed online and can be viewed/ actioned as soon as the check or incident has been submitted by the driver. Accessed via the Mobile data network or Wi-Fi, the vehicle check application allows drivers to search for their registration number, then record in real time that the check has been carried out and report any problems or defects with the vehicle.

WHO IS VEHICLE CHCK FOR Anybody who runs a commercial vehicle is required to ensure their vehicle(s) are road-worthy, in order to make this easier for any fleet operator vehicle-check has been built to be customised regardless of your type of fleet.

Additional Services include: * Remote Downloading * Licence Check * Training: Driver CPC, Transport Operators Awareness, IOSH, First Aid... * Consumables: Printer Rolls, Downloading devices, Defect Books and more!

Contact us TODAY to arrange a FREE no obligation trial 01246 252375.

Managing your fleet just got a whole lot easier Cloud Based Transport Solutions by TDi

transMaS

In Vehicle Cameras Complete The Picture Award Winning Vehicle Safety

Exeros-Technologies are award-winning experts in the design and installation of advanced vehicle safety technology, specialising in HD camera systems, fleet-tracking, driver-monitoring and improving communication with vulnerable road users.

We have forged successful partnerships with high profile private organisations (CEVA Logistics, Brett Aggregates) and UK councils. Further afield our advanced cyclist-detection hardware, Hybrid HD MDVRs and new Vidimatics unit provide fleet-telematics and recording solutions for a global market of prestigious clients across Europe, Africa, South America and Asia, which has led to worldwide brand recognition.

Established in 2009, the company is involved in a multitude of significant projects for top 50 UK fleet operators ensuring all vehicles including construction and plant machinery, HGVs, vans and emergency response vehicles meet national safety standards and achieve compliance with TFL transport schemes, including FORS, CLOCS and Crossrail.

To develop our exclusive range of products we consult and rigorously test our all our systems with partners from the Emergency Services, Highways Management, Public Transport and Commercial Fleets. This has ensured our solutions are purpose-built for commercial vehicles to improve safety, monitor driver behaviour and reduce cost.

Product innovation is top-priority at Exeros and our broad portfolio of systems reflect the company’s commitment to design and functionality.

Our technical development team receives industry recognition for their design of groundbreaking solutions (winner of the Tip-Ex Show Innovation Award 2015 for our intelligent Cyclist Detection 44 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

System) and we have repeatedly delivered unique functionality within our specialist field.

Our bespoke systems ensure that your assets are compliant, safer and easily monitored, whilst mitigating risks to vulnerable road users and allowing fleet operators to significantly reduce accidents, injuries and insurance claims.

We are looking forward to meeting everyone attending this year’s CV Show at the NEC Birmingham. You can find us at stand 4K75 where we will be showcasing our new Vidimatics fleetmonitoring solution and our award winning Cyclist Detection Camera.

WHY EXEROS? •

• • • • • • •

•

Efficient post-collision analysis: no witnesses needed. Events in and/or around the vehicle recorded for up to 60 days along with full drive data Individual driver improvement with behavioural analysis and automated risk assessment Total blind-spot elimination - reduce the risk of injuring any vulnerable road user (pedestrians, cyclists and motorists) Reduction of insurance costs and accident pay-outs with significant financial savings achieved by all customers.

Decrease the amount of accidents/incidents related to driver performance Driver protection: drivers now refuse to drive UNLESS they have Exeros technology installed By integrating many of our solutions with other devices, Exeros continues to maintain superiority over our competitors.

Our exclusive MDVR systems (available in 4, 8 and 16 channel options) allow your company to protect ANY type of vehicle from light commercials to large coaches, trucks and tippers.

Nationwide installation and support

CLANDESTINE PREVENTION SECURITY GUIDE NEW SECURITY GUIDE IS A MUST READ FOR TRANSPORT OPERATORS & DRIVERS WHO ARE NEGOTIATING BORDERS

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rivers attacked, supply chain at breaking point, £1billion worth of contaminated food dumped – Just a selection of the hard hitting headlines that have been banded about since the ‘Calais Crisis’ was thrust into the public domain.

Whilst they may seem provocative they are a fair representation of just how severe the threat has become from illegal immigrants to commercial vehicle operators and their drivers when crossing borders.

Commercial Vehicle Security specialist, Maple, has produced a new Security Guide, aimed at transport operators and drivers who must negotiate border crossings.

The guide has been produced to assist operators in preventing illegal immigrants from gaining entry to their vehicles; it also details the regulations, what is required of hauliers and drivers, discusses best practice and also looks at additional measures you can consider to improve the security of your vehicle operations.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS – THE TABOO SUBJECT It is estimated that as many as 1in 2 vehicles moving across borders do not have even basic security measures in place to protect their load areas. It is a startling revelation, but is indicative that there is a lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the often perceived taboo subject of illegal immigrants entering vehicles.

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“The threat posed by illegal immigrants attempting to access vehicles is not necessarily a new one, however the severity of that threat has significantly intensified.

We felt it was important to offer some clarity on the situation and offer guidance of exactly what is expected of carriers who are crossing borders and what can be done to further protect themselves,’ commented Paul Nunn, Marketing Manager for Maple.

Official statistics also reveal that Border Force and the French authorities, prevented more than 39,000 attempts to cross the Channel illegally in 2014/15 more than double the number prevented the previous year. Fines to hauliers are also up more than 50% during the same period. What these figures do not show however, is the increasingly desperate measures that migrants are taking to illegally enter the UK, a situation that hauliers and drivers alike must address.

‘At Maple we are passionate about improving security standards within the Commercial Vehicle Industry, with this guide we hope to assist operators in their own effort to tackle this difficult and often sensitive issue. It has already met with much enthusiasm from a very receptive audience,’ concluded Paul Nunn.

The security guide is completely free to download, simply visit www. maplefleetservices.co.uk to claim your copy.

Still leaving vehicle security to chance?

For industry leading commercial vehicle security solutions, speak to Maple maple - no one comes close Claim your free vehicle security guide on preventing illegal immigrants from gaining entry to vehicles. www.maplefleetservices.co.uk/securityguide

Call us on +44 (0) 161 429 1580 Visit maplefleetservices.co.uk

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EVERY 4 SECONDS A NEW LOAD IS POSTED ON HAULAGE EXCHANGE AND COURIER EXCHANGE A 3% efficiency increase is good. But the transport industry can do better.

The Department for Transport has released numbers1 that show transportation efficiency increased by another 3% in 2015.

Although the amount of goods moved increased by 12%, the amount of mileage it took to complete these jobs increased by just 9%. Clearly the transport industry has once again improved its efficiency, to more than 20% over the past 12 years according to Transport Engineer2.

But while a 3% efficiency increase is good, the Transport Exchange Group believes the industry can do better. The transport collaboration company has seen its members increase efficiency by 11% year on year.

Transport Exchange Group focuses on allowing smaller and larger parties in the transport industry to benefit from each other’s capacity and capabilities. Over 4,000 companies are now using their Haulage Exchange and Courier Exchange platforms to fill available capacity and improve efficiency.

The platforms are helping members to get connected and engage with other operators to develop proven networks and access a virtual fleet of more than 31,000 vehicles.

This interactive collaboration, often utilising integrated telematics, is enabling them to make best use of available resources as well as increase capacity during peak trading periods.

“It is always encouraging to see our industry improve. This next generation of operators are looking at the industry in a fresh light to create new growth opportunities by working with likeminded partners,” says Transport Exchange Group’s Head of Business Development Simon Bunegar. “These

48 | www.haulageindex.co.uk

professionals and future industry leaders are increasingly forward thinking and tech savvy, taking advantage of the latest developments and emerging best practice in the marketplace to boost performance and maximise return on assets.”

More and more in the industry see the benefits of a more collaborative system of operation. Members of the Exchange are reducing levels of empty running from an industry average of 29%3 to less than 10%4. This is one of the reasons Transport Exchange Group has seen a 24% increase in memberships over the past year.

Transport Exchange Group has, in part, been able to improve efficiency due to their SCALE technology (Smart Content and Location Exchange). Their work with no less than 15 leading telematics providers allows complete visibility and control for both inhouse and sub-contractor fleets. As a result, data from many of the best-used vehicle tracking tools can now be combined through the Exchange to create the first systemneutral telematics integration platform for the logistics and road transport sectors.

A member of two years, Readhead Couriers quickly recognised the potential of Courier Exchange. Rory Ling, owner of the family business, explains: “The system is so simple and almost instantaneous, making it easy to both post work and fill empty vehicles, removing dead mileage from our operation.”

Clearly, collaboration can lead to a more efficient use of available capacity and the members of the Exchange are leading this development with dramatic impact on revenue growth, operational performance and the environment.

Don’t wait

Every 4 seconds a new load is posted on Haulage Exchange and Courier Exchange. Members are offering and carrying over 1.6 million miles of work every week. With state-of-the-art mobile apps and telematics integration members consistently find available loads, or the extra capacity they need, within seconds... don’t wait, join us.

0208-993-7100 www.courierexchange.co.uk

www.haulageexchange.co.uk

Safely securing road freight loads

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atchet Straps can be used in so many ways. They are a versatile tool for securing cargo in a van, lorry, trailer or truck. Ratchet straps are some of the most used tie down straps in the business. They provide both security for small or large loads and are a safer alternative than traditional chain tie downs. ratchet straps can hold large amounts of weight and come in a variety of sizes. There are ratchet straps for almost any situation and they can be used for any type of tie down purpose.

The way that a ratchet strap works is that it has two pieces of nylon webbing that have hooks at each end. There are different types of hooks available and they can be used for different tie down jobs. The nylon straps are fed into a ratchet device that can be moved to increase the tension on the straps. This allows the ratchet straps to hold down various loads by securing them against movement. It also allows them to be used for towing vehicles.

The type of hook at the end of your ratchet strap is important because it will determine where the ratchet strap can be used. ratchet straps with a flat hook on the end are ideal for tying down loads of materials on flat bed trailers. These trailers have a metal flange along the edge that allows the flat hooks to be fastened on either side of the load. The ratchet part of the strap is usually left on one side of the load so that the driver can access the ratchet mechanism without climbing to the top of the load. ratchet straps with J hooks have two wire hooks attached to each end. These types of

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straps are used for securing material to the back of a pickup truck or to the top of a vehicle. The wire hooks allow the straps to be attached to more surfaces because they are smaller than the flat hooks and have a tensile strength that allows them to secure loads up to 3,300 pounds.

There are also endless loop ratchet straps that are available for moving. These straps are connected to the ratchet at one end and the other end is free. After the load is in place, the strap is fed under and over the loop and then attached to the ratchet mechanism. The ratchet is then used to pull the strap tight and secure the load. This type of strap is useful when you do not have a place to attach a hook or where you have to secure a couple of different items together for storage or shipping.

There are even ratchet straps especially made for towing vehicles. These straps are usually attached to the axel of the vehicle being towed, allowing the truck to lift one end of the vehicle off the ground for easier towing and more maneuverability.

To see the complete range of ratchet straps available please visit www. ratchetstrapsuk.co.uk You can also call us on 0333 2027110 and we will help you find the right strap for your business and personal needs.

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ATCHET STRAPS UK

10 meter 5 Tonne Ratchet Straps From

£5.50 Each

FREE DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £150+VAT

Call 0333 2027110 or shop now at www.ratchetstrapsuk.co.uk Order By 2.30pm For Next Day Delivery

Telogis Connects and Optimises the Mobile Workplace with the Launch of Telogis Logbook

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ith more than 55 million commercial vehicles on the road in Europe and North America alone*, delivering work-related apps that enable employees in the field to be more efficient has become missioncritical. The new Telogis Logbook app increases the productivity of mobile workforces by electronically logging -- with a quick swipe on the screen -whether miles they have driven were businessoriented or personal. Telogis Logbook has been optimised for iOS devices including iPhone, iPad and Apple Watch and will be available this week in the App Store.

Demonstrations and more information about Telogis Logbook were available at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month.

Telogis Logbook is an extension of the Telogis Mobile Enterprise Management (MEM) software platform, and was developed specifically for commercial drivers, mobile sales representatives and supervisors who drive a vehicle for both personal and business use. Built from the groundup and optimised to take advantage of iOS advanced security features like Touch ID, Logbook simplifies authentication, tracking and mileage designation while meeting stringent tax regulations in specific EU countries including the UK. Logbook empowers drivers and field reps to view their recorded miles and classify their completed trips by swiping one way or the other on their mobile devices.

Full integration with vehicle telematics ensures the most accurate and complete mileage records so organisations can

confidently claim tax deductions and gain more insight into their professional fleets.

Through the platform, supervisors can identify classified miles, assign unclassified trips to individual drivers and generate personal-versus-business mileage summaries within detailed reports.

“Apps for work should be as intuitive, well-designed and easy to use as consumer apps, as well as delivering all of the functionality people need in the field to maximise productivity, efficiency and safety,” said Sergio Barata, general manager, EMEA at Telogis. “With Telogis Logbook, *Berg Insight, Fleet Management in Europe, M2M Research Series 2015 and Driscoll & Associates, Mobile Resource Management Report, 20162017 companies will get reliable tax information and their staff in turn will get an easy, accurate way to track their miles for personal and business use.”

About Telogis Telogis, Inc., the platform for connected intelligence, is dedicated to enhancing the value of its customers’ businesses through intelligent integration of location technology, information and services.

Telogis was established in 2001 and is headquartered in Aliso Viejo, Calif., with offices in Europe and Latin America as well as development centers in Austin, Texas; Toronto; and Christchurch, New Zealand. Telogis’ products and services are used and distributed in more than 100 countries worldwide. To learn more about Telogis, visit www.telogis.com, follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @Telogis, like us on Facebook or call 0203 005 8805.

Free routeMASTER mobile app is a bright spark for SEC Electrical

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EC Electrical, the Northampton based electrical systems specialists, have ramped up internal communications and workflow efficiency since installing the free mobile vehicle tracking app from AGM routeMASTER. With responsibility for projects, electrical installations, maintenance and emergency call outs across the UK, SEC has a diverse and constantly changing work schedule. Now, says the company, by using AGM’s easily downloadable mobile app its engineers can locate instantly the whereabouts of each support vehicle and coordinate between each other to achieve the optimum use of resources.

“It’s a great tool.” Says Technical Director, Craig Shepherdson. “In addition to being able to track all vehicles and field personnel from any pc in the office, our engineers can now view the same data on the go. This enables fast and efficient job planning and execution, which in turn saves wasted journeys and keeps costs under control.”

The unique mobile app enables users to view the real-time location of their vehicles and to access the core features of the system whilst on the move. It is free to all routeMASTER customers and also features a trip replay which provides a record of every vehicle’s journey history since the system was installed.

“This is particularly useful” adds Craig, “because our engineers can easily and accurately fill in time sheets and check

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work records without the need to double check or verify the information. It’s all there on the screen and is sort of ‘selfpolicing’, practical and easy to use.”

SEC Electrical has been using the routeMASTER telematics fleet management system for around five years and will be installing further systems next month to three new Berlingos, which are joining the service fleet. The company is well established with over 60 years of experience in the design, supply and installation of electrical services to the industrial, commercial and residential sectors.

The routeMASTER app key features include: Vehicles View - a summary of all the vehicles and their present status.

Map View - shows all vehicles; zooms to individual vehicles to enable toolbar actions, Dashboard, Replay, Share Trip & Fast Track.

Live Tracking - shows the latest location of a chosen vehicle in real time. Live data ‘pushed’ to the app.

Fast track - overrides the standard update rate, giving 5 second updates before returning to the standard rate.

Route replay - shows the trips carried out on any day since the unit was installed.

Dashboard - 2 pages of ‘today’s’ data, giving location, alerts, driver information, MOT & service dates and live activity feed.

Share Trip - share access to view a vehicle’s current trip by sending an emailed link.

For Instant COST – CUTTING and Tighter Fleet Control

3 Quick Ways to Fleet Success!

1. Planner: • • • • • •

Same work – fewer vehicles, less cost Eliminate manual planning – instant scheduling Extend order cut off time – increase order capacity Reduce fuel – less cost Intelligent load-to-vehicle allocation Instant ETAs for customer notification

2. Dispatch: • • • • •

Cloud based – multi-user access Live job push and live change direct to drivers Constant, live status for tight fleet control Customers book jobs online Live, paperless PODs and emailed consignment notes

•

Reduce traffic office handling

3. Tracking • • • • • •

Improved traffic control Automatic ETA updates Constant driver performance monitoring Reduce idling – cut fuel costs Reduce time sheet errors and overpayments Absolute control over costing’s, mileage, time on job and overtime

Visit www.route-MASTER.com Or call 01536 401900 www.route-master.com

AGM Telematics Limited, 1 Adelaide House, Corby Gate Business Park, Corby NN17 5JG Tel: 01536 401900 Email: info@agmtelematics.com Web: www.route-master.com

Safeguarding business with correct tachograph usage

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nderstanding and using tachographs correctly is still an issue for many drivers and operators, as Derek Broomfield, Chairman of Novadata Transport Training, explains. Novadata has provided tachograph analysis services, as well as training in the correct use of both digital and analogue tachograph equipment, for many years and believes that Operators are putting their Operator Licences at risk by not ensuring that they know how to record each working day correctly and by not keeping accurate records that demonstrate their compliance.

“Far too many drivers and managers that we see think that they are using their tachograph correctly, but are in fact making elementary mistakes which can create a really poor impression in the event of an inspection,” says Derek Broomfield. “For example, we often find that people only insert their driver’s card into their tachographs when they actually start the engine and pull away from their depot. Although the tachograph automatically records the driving activity, many drivers fail to understand the importance of the settings, particularly ‘other work’ and ‘break’. Unfortunately, by not switching to ‘other work’ or ‘break’ at the appropriate times, they can easily create the impression that they have not, therefore, carried out a daily vehicle check, or that they have not taken a statutory break. To create an accurate and robust record of a compliant working day it is vital that all the tachograph’s settings are used appropriately and consistently, and that the information is then recorded and stored compliantly.

Tachograph models may all look very similar, but they differ in use, particularly

in how to make manual entries. There are four manufacturers of digital tachographs; VDO, Stoneridge, EFKON and Actia. VDO alone has eight different models currently in use in vehicles and these vary in the way in which manual entries are made; so it is essential that drivers know precisely how to use the exact make and model of tachograph fitted in each vehicle that they drive.”

Through its expert Driver CPC Courses, Novadata has noticed that the problem is far more wide-spread than its trainers would have expected when tachograph use has been a legal requirement for so many years. Even on its Management CPC Refresher Courses, and Operator Licence Awareness Courses, Novadata has found a worrying lack of up to date knowledge about the correct use of both analogue and digital tachographs.

“Taking time out to train drivers and managers in the correct use of tachographs may seem like an unwelcome investment in time when you’re trying to run a business, but we’re concerned that for some, failing to understand how to use their tachographs correctly could mean, in the long run, that they no longer have a business to run,” warns Derek Broomfield. “Rules do occasionally change and legislation evolves, so it is vital to stay up to date. This is one reason to plan carefully for periodic Driver CPC renewal by attending courses that help to protect the organisation’s Operator Licence. Correct use of the tachograph is fundamental to fulfilling the Operator Licence Undertakings, and Operators who do not download their digital tachographs

and do not record daily activities either in analogue or digital form are clearly putting their Operator Licence at risk.”

Brian Yeardley Continental Choose ‘Predator Tank Alarms’

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ith the constant threat of fuel theft, especially in the UK, Kevin Hopper, Managing Director of Brian Yeardley Continental, has chosen to fit all of its fleet with Predator fuel tank alarms.

After carrying out extensive trials, Yeardley’s have opted for the Predator system that protects both fuel pick up pipes on their twin tank trucks & the fuel caps, giving them maximum fuel security.

The system also has a driver panic button option fitted in the cab to aid the driver in an emergency situation & with the systems multi acoustic siren the company think it will be a massive deterrent to any would be thief.

Kevin Hopper said “The cost of the alarm system fitted to our twin tanks on our trucks is far cheaper than the loss of 1400 litres of fuel at the side of the road plus the damage the thieves do to the tanks, then there is the delay to journey times while things are sorted out so it’s a no brainer really”.

About Predator Commercial vehicle Security.

Predator is the one stop shop for preventing fuel & catalytic converter theft. We are the only company in the UK that design, manufacture, supply & install our own range of security products for all vehicle makes.

Fuel & Catalytic Converter Theft is a continually growing problem throughout the UK & Europe and without protection, you are at risk of incurring the cost of: • Replacing stolen fuel or catalytic converter • Damage to exhaust, wiring & sensors • Damage to fuel tank, fuel cap, fuel sender • Cost of vehicle down time • Cost of replacement vehicle hire • Loss of business • Unhappy customers Can you afford not to protect your vehicles from this expensive crime?

For more information please visit www.predator-cvs.com or call 01733 615228

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE SECURITY

Fuel Tank Alarms & Security Systems FUEL THEFT is a very costly inconvenience.

When considering the cost of:

Stolen fuel.

Damage to fuel tank, cap or sender.

Vehicle downtime.

Loss of business.

Loss of customer confidence.

The cost of The Predator Tank Alarm will be offset by preventing just one attempted fuel theft.

Predator Tank Alarm System Features: Low current consumption.

120dB battery powered siren.

Optional text message alerts.

Tamper proof defence standard cable.

Protects entire fuel tank against tampering.

Ignition Sensing – no driver interaction required.

High intensity active deterrent blue led built in to sensor.

Additional Outputs for integration with telematics or on board CCTV.

Nationwide Installation & After-sales Care

01733 615228

www.predator-cvs.com

Predator Commercial Vehicle Security, 28-29 Maxwell Road, Peterborough, PE27JE

Drug & Alcohol Testing, Training and Compliance Freight Transport Association

ID: A00185

Do your testing procedures and Drug & Alcohol Policy comply with the relevant obligations?

Since 2002 we have supported Local and National Government Agencies, major PLCs and small business with training, equipment and advice.

For a completely free review, either by phone or at your offices (and with no commitment to buy) call Claire now on 0208 454 7372 or email ClaireHopper@alcodigital.co.uk > Breathalyzers > Drug Testing > Vehicle Interlocks > Certified Training > Drug Advice Service > Calibration and Repairs “Some say… that on the track I push my limits, but safety and precision is key and I never guess the morning after – I take control with AlcoDigital.”

AlcoDigital are endorsed by

Ben Collins

formerly known as The Stig

AlcoDigital:

The UK Drug & Alcohol Safety Experts +44 (0) 208 454 7372 • www.alcodigital.co.uk

Don’t wait

Every 4 seconds a new load is posted on Haulage Exchange and Courier Exchange. Members are offering and carrying over 1.6 million miles of work every week. With state-of-the-art mobile apps and telematics integration members consistently find available loads, or the extra capacity they need, within seconds... don’t wait, join us.

0208-993-7100 www.courierexchange.co.uk

www.haulageexchange.co.uk

Numbers matter ...

Vehicle utilization

+22%

A new load posted every

4 seconds Miles traded this month

6.9million 99.1%

Member companies

4,370

Positive feedback left

Movements nationwide per year

4

702,000

minutes Member Vehicles

32,910

Average job acceptance time

Working with :-

FLEET OPERATOR

RECOGNITION SCHEME

Call us :-

0208-993-7100

Or visit us online :-

www.haulageexchange.co.uk