The new rules, announced earlier this year by the Department for Transport, expand the requirement for vehicle testing to additional categories – including volumetric concrete operators. The vehicles now need to comply with HGV operator licensing regulations on drivers’ hours and working time rules.
For Burman Plant, this meant a change of approach and new compliance disciplines, where before there had been virtually none.
“It was a bit daunting at first, but TruTac quickly got us started with the new onboard hardware – which took less time to fit than a radio – and very soon we were able to tick all the right boxes to fall in line with compliance stipulations,” recalls Matt Burman, director and founder of the Bury St Edmunds-based operator.
The company is using several modules – TruControl, TruView, TruCheck, TruDriver and TruLocation – to enable drivers and administrative staff to manage compliance.
“All the data comes straight from the vehicles via remote download to the computer – with no time wasting at the end of each shift,” says Burman.
“This of course saves time, keeps things accurate and provides us with all the key info we need, including drivers’ hours, infringements and general housekeeping.”
TruTac trained Burman’s employees on site and created templates based on existing work patterns so the software would match the operator’s specific requirements.
With TruChecks, for example, the mobile app software was based on Burman’s vehicle daily check sheets, making logging in, walk-around checks and reporting, easier, faster and paperless.
“Knowing that all the information required by law is being properly monitored and recorded gives us great peace of mind,” adds Burman.