Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from E-Training World, Samsara, Autoglass, Microlise, XPO Logistics and FSEW

New driver training module targets bridge strikes

E-Training World has launched a new online driver training module focused on reducing the risk of bridge strikes.

Network Rail research found that 32% of drivers admitted to setting off while not being aware of the height of their vehicle, with 56% not considering low bridges when planning their journey.

Some 1,572 bridge strikes were reported across the railway network in the UK from April 2022 to March 2023.

Using in-vehicle footage, the new training module helps drivers recognise vital information such as low bridge ahead warning signs. It also trains drivers on what to do in the event of a bridge strike to minimise disruption and damage.

Jonathan Mosley, sales and marketing director at E-Training World, said: “By targeting training in risk areas like bridge strikes, companies can reduce the risk of collisions and build a safe driving culture.”

Quest selects Samsara to help drive fleet safety

Quest has chosen Samsara’s video-centric safety solution, which uses AI dashcams, driver coaching tools, and actionable data to improve fleet safety.

In conjunction with an existing programme that focuses on annual driving behaviour training, Samsara’s additional solutions aim to deliver tangible benefits, including the reduction of accidents, the prevention of false claims, and a decrease in operational costs.

The video-driven safety solution leverages AI technology and g-force accelerometer data to provide real-time insights to fleet managers.

Among these insights are the detection of distracted driving, instances of harsh braking and acceleration, and tailgating, all of which contribute to preventing accidents proactively.

Dave Smithson (pictured), transport manager at Quest, said: “This technology will empower us to provide guidance and support to our team members for enhancing their driving behaviour. Moreover, it offers us a standardised approach for incident reviews and driver monitoring.”

Philip van der Wilt, senior vice-president and general manager of EMEA at Samsara, added: “It’s exciting work with Quest to accelerate their digital transformation efforts. We look forward to providing them with the insights and real-time data they need to create a real-world impact on safety, for their employees, customers and the community within which they operate.” 

Autoglass improves accessibility and support for technicians

Autoglass has launched some additional equipment designed to enhance accessibility for technicians by providing them with manual handling support while they work.  

The Pro Lifting tool, which will be available to all technicians who require additional support when lifting larger windscreens, provides manual support to help technicians lift oversized windscreens when servicing customers off-site.

Autoglass has been conducting trials of the Pro Lifting Equipment with technicians in Swindon and Glasgow.

The company plans to provide training on the equipment to some of its technicians and anticipates launching an additional 6-12 units within the next few months.  

Tim Camm, technical training manager at Autoglass, said: “After a consultation with our female technicians, we realised there was a need for more supporting equipment when they do mobile work.

“Technicians work individually when out on the road traveling to visit customers, and it can be physically demanding having to lift and carry several windscreens a day.

“This will make life easier and safer for our technicians and allow them to focus on the technical and personal elements of the job, ensuring we are providing exceptional service to our customers every time.”

Direct Sameday Services improves fleet efficiency with Microlise telematics

Direct Sameday Services has improved compliance control, reduced costs and boosted fleet efficiency since installing a telematics solution from Microlise.

Based in Nottingham and Manchester, Direct Sameday Services operates a mixed fleet ranging from small vans and sprinters through to 44 tonne vehicles, providing mixed cargo deliveries to UK and European destinations.

It chose Microlise and its Focus product – a cloud-based fleet telematics system – to help streamline processes and enhance operations.

Robert Tann, operations manager at Direct Sameday Services, said: “The seamless integration of our existing software with Microlise has streamlined our processes, providing a unified and efficient solution.”

According to Microlise, Focus provides smaller operators with the same level of data and fleet performance intelligence normally expected from a telematics solution for larger enterprises.

Focus was integrated with Direct Sameday Services’ existing software to provide remote tachograph download (RTD), fleet performance management, real-time connection with Microlise ClearvVision safety cameras, and instant driver communication using the Microlise driver touch screen - Drive Tab.

The introduction of RTD, says the company, eliminated the need for 23 HGV drivers to routinely travel between its Hucknall and Bulwell sites for downloads, thereby saving around 5,000 fleet miles - the equivalent of £2,300 of fuel saved per year and 50 hours reduced time on the road per month.

Direct Sameday Services reported a number of additional benefits upon installing the Microlise system which combined to achieve an immediate return on investment.

Furthermore, the company says it has seen a reduction in insurance costs and a marked improvement in driver efficiency, vehicle safety and traffic incident handling.

FSEW fleet investment to improve capacity by 25% and drive sustainability

FSEW is taking further steps to improve freight efficiency and reduce their customers carbon footprint after extending its fleet with the addition of 10 specialised Montracon extended curtainside trailers.

The new extended trailers can carry up to 25% more pallets while reducing mileage on the road and improving their carbon footprint.

FSEW’s standard trailers are 13.6 metres long and 8-10 foot internally, while the new extended trailers are 15.6m long and 10ft inside.

In terms of reducing carbon emissions, these extended trailers enable FSEW to dramatically improve their customers’ carbon footprint.

For example over a year, assuming one trip a day, five days a week and 50 weeks a year, using a standard trailer for 240 trips would generate 20.747 tCO2e.

To take the same amount of freight using an extended trailer would require 204 trips (36 fewer) and the GHG emissions would be 18.660 tCO2e, a saving of 2.087 tCO2e.

Retailers, including Tesco and WEPA, are already benefitting from using FSEW’s extended trailers.

Gethin Worgan, operations director at FSEW, said: “Not only are we able to minimise their carbon use, but these trailers are giving our customers the opportunity to reevaluate their supply chain.

“With the ability to transport larger volumes of goods in a single trip, customers partnering with us can streamline their logistics operations, reduce reliance on manpower, and mitigate their carbon emissions.”

XPO Logistics expands use of HVO fuels and electric-powered vehicles

XPO has successfully deployed hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and electric-powered vehicles within its 4PL and transport control tower operations.

HVO and electric-powered vehicle trials were initially implemented across test routes comprising nearly 3,000 miles in the UK and Ireland, with emissions reduced by more than 4,000 kg CO2e.

Paul Hayes, XPO’s director of asset light solutions, said: “Sustainability is an important strategic pillar for all our customers, and together, we are exploring options to accelerate the supply chain's decarbonisation.

“This unique deployment and implementation of alternative fuel technologies in our 4PL operation is a leap forward for our customers on their sustainability journey.”

XPO Logistics offers end-to-end logistics solutions that combine full-truckload, less-than-truckload, pallet distribution, last-mile delivery, global freight forwarding, and warehousing services.