FTA’s telematics investigation brings big news for small fleets15 April 2011

A three-month trial conducted by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) and transport management solutions provider Microlise has questioned the widely-held view that telemetry is the sole preserve of large fleet operators.

In a controlled trial, specialist waste management operator Vetspeed had seven of its 40 vehicles fitted with telematics systems for an initial five week period, unbeknown to its drivers.

After this first set of data was analysed and conveyed to drivers to address issues of performance, further trials were undertaken.

Vetspeed's drivers cut their fuel consumption by 0.43mpg – despite the severe weather conditions that hit the UK during the trial – potentially saving the company around £13,000 a year.

Gary Gates, Vetspeed transport manager, says: "Transport costs obviously represent a massive proportion of our overheads, so it makes good sense to focus on improving performance as much as we can."

Since the trial ended, Vetspeed's productivity has also improved by 200 drops a month, due to better routing and closer monitoring of driver behaviour. Awards were given to both the 'best' and 'most improved' drivers from the trial.

Author
John Challen

Related Companies
Freight Transport Association Ltd
Microlise Ltd

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