Fleet briefs: Latest from FORS, Trakm8, Selco and Hardstaff Barriers

FORS launches FORS Tacho Service

The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS) is launching FORS Tacho Service, new tachograph analysis software designed to help ensure accurate and streamlined driver and vehicle data reporting.

Recently, FORS launched a new training package designed to help fleet operators better manage driver fatigue. 

The new FORS Tacho Service features software provided by Transport Data Interchange (TDI), who have provided tachograph analysis for over 30 years.

Built on TDI’s Disc-Check, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, the software is hosted online and is now available at discounted rates to FORS members.

FORS Tacho Service can be accessed any device and supports multiple methods of data transfer, including remote downloads, manufacturer integrations, mobile downloads and ‘Disc-Check transfer’.

FORS says its tacho service will help operators increase accuracy and streamline their reporting processes.

John Brookes, director of the Transport Data Interchange, said: “Being able to rely on timely, accurate tachograph data – and then being able to interpret and process that data efficiently – is crucial for operators looking to maintain high professional standards for their fleet.”

Paul Wilkes, business services Manager at the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, said: “Our members are always looking for new ways to manage their fleets more efficiently, achieve greater levels of professionalism and stay ahead of the curve."

Airmec Essential Services adopts Trakm8 telematics

Airmec Essential Services will utilise Trakm8 telematics solutions for its 50-strong vehicle fleet.

As air hygiene and water treatment solutions providers, Airmec carries out essential services for the National Health Service, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Defence, and public and private schools.

Following a competitive tender process, Trakm8 was awarded the contract due to the insights of the vehicle health of the Airmec fleet.

Tom Ford, vehicles, clearances and IT controller at Airmec, said: “Given the vital nature of the work we carry out, it’s important that our fleet runs efficiently as possible to provide the highest levels of service to our customers.

“The range of solutions on offer from Trakm8 allowed them to address all our key criteria when selecting our new telematics partner.

“Our priorities were to ensure ease of installation, have access to a detailed overview of the fleet via a system that is simple to navigate, and gain a greater understanding of the health of our vehicles and take a more proactive, rather than reactive, approach to the maintenance of the fleet.”

Selco enhances customer service with My Transport Planner

Building merchant, Selco, says that with the adoption of My Transport Planner, it is helping to improve customer service and save money.

Selco Builders Warehouse provides a trade-only retail-style experience through its 68 UK branches.

In 2019 it opened its first distribution hub for ‘heavy side’ builders’ products in Edmonton, North London, to service the delivery requirements for six of its branches. Selco is using My Transport Planner to further improve and streamline this hub operation.

Richard Evans, head of transport operations at Selco, says that My Transport Planner has solved several key issues for the business, especially for products with out-of-gauge profiles.

He said: “One of the benefits of the optimisation platform is that it removes any element of human fallibility and subjectivity, making efficiency improvements is a given. This product is a gamechanger for us. It’s allowing us to embrace efficiencies even with abnormal loads, which other products simply couldn’t give us.”

“We had looked for a long time for a system which could optimise what we term ‘complex and dirty loads’ where the consignment doesn’t fit into standard pallet sizes.

“With My Transport Planner we can put all orders on the system and then optimise them by vehicle. This will improve our customer experience, which was our first objective, although it will undoubtedly bring cost benefits as well.”

New technology ensures maximum safety for Hardstaff fleet

Hardstaff Barriers has installed the latest safety technology on two new heavy goods vehicles (HGVs).

Hardstaff had been due to purchase two brand new DAF CF FTG 480 6X2 trucks prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the vehicles were delayed as a result of lockdown.

Instead, the company installed the technology on two leased lorries until its new permanent vehicles arrive at the end of the year.

All the company’s vehicles have all-round driver vision cameras giving the driver full visibility around the vehicle and inbuilt recording systems that can be used to capture incidents.

Each vehicle has also been fitted with front and rear flashing LED lights, high level 360-degree beacons and rear cab chevrons, which are compliant with Chapter 8 of the Traffic Signs Manual.

Hardstaff says it needed to increase its fleet of delivery vehicles to cope with the increasing demand for its range of safety barrier systems.

Wes Baker, fleet and operational support manager at Hardstaff Barriers, said: “We strive for the highest standards in safety and ensure that all of our vehicles are as safe and efficient as they can be.

“This reassures our contractors and employees of our commitment to safety and new technologies.

“Even though we only have the two latest additions to our fleet for a short time, while we await our brand-new HGVs, we wanted to ensure that all of our vehicles are fitted with the best safety technology and features.”