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Fleet Management: realising the benefits for short-haul operators
27 August 2011
In our discussions with short-haul transport operators – which often means distribution companies, waste management/recycling specialists and so on – we frequently hear the view that fleet management, or vehicle telematics if you prefer, aren't for us. That's because such operations, we are told, are mostly restricted to localised areas.
The argument continues that drivers are neither covering sufficient distances nor far away enough from HQ at any given time to warrant the expense of a fleet management system. Tracking, measuring and monitoring over short distances, it is said, is simply not financially worthwhile.
In reality, nothing could be further from the truth. As a global leader in vehicle tracking and fleet management solutions, MiX Telematics holds a wealth of operational knowledge which proves precisely the opposite.
A good parallel to the short-haul industry is the bus and coach world, where short stop-start journeys are frequently undertaken. Here, operators routinely report fuel savings in excess of ten percent, a corresponding reduction in their carbon footprint plus lower accident rates and less wear and tear – all of which adds up to substantial financial savings and a considerable range of environmental benefits.
One short-haul operator leading the way in terms of fleet management is SCA Recycling UK Limited, which has equipped its entire nationwide hookloader fleet with MiX Telematics' Fleet Manager solution. In addition to driver and vehicle performance monitoring, SCA Recycling UK Limited has integrated satellite navigation into the system and has reversing cameras fitted which also utilise the satnav display.
Mike Harrison, Logistics Manager for SCA Recycling UK Limited, comments: "The key benefit from our point-of-view is that we now have the ability to monitor driver and vehicle performance effectively and efficiently. Fleet Manager is fitted to each vehicle in our 40-strong hookloader fleet and we are using it to build up a comprehensive picture of our operating efficiency nationwide.
"We are also using the system to generate scoring reports, which are helping to identify the training needs our drivers. The next phase will be to go on to develop bespoke training courses to uplift performance standards across the fleet, a move we are confident will result in major cost and fuel savings.
"While our journeys seldom involve a round-trip of more than 100 miles, the satellite navigation is nonetheless extremely useful for our drivers, as we deliver and collect waste from a large number of customer premises in each of the eight regions where our trucks are based.
"The ability to utilise the in-cab display screen for reversing cameras is another cost-saving benefit which allows our drivers to operate more safely."
Putting these benefits together clearly shows that fleet management solutions certainly do have a place in the short-haul transport sector.
To help operators determine exactly what features and functions would best serve their needs, we provide a full consultancy service in which our in-house industry experts work together with operators to develop the optimum solution.
Thereafter, we continue to work with our customers to ensure the best results are obtained day-in, day-out. That's why at MiX Telematics we say an investment in fleet management equipment is not just another successful sale for us, but the start of a long-term and mutually beneficial relationship for ourselves and our operators.
