One of the UK’s largest eCommerce, postal and retail logistics businesses has saved £160,000 by implementing a driver behavior programme underpinned by telematics.

Secured Mail, part of The Delivery Group, has used the TomTom Telematics  Webfleet fleet management system to analyse driver performance and make targeted improvements. This has resulted in an average 8% uplift in mpg and a 15% decrease in incidences of unsafe driving.

It has helped the FORS Gold Member to realise a £130,000 annual saving on fuel and £30,000 annual saving on maintenance, despite an increase in miles travelled by the 75-strong fleet.

“Secured Mail is a 24-hour operation, with drivers out on the road at all times, so it is incredibly important we do everything we can to minimize risks to our employees’ safety,” said James Wilkins, operations and IT director at Secured Mail, which has also achieved ISO 39001 certification for road traffic safety.

“We are covering more miles than ever before but have managed to achieve savings on fuel and maintenance by using driver performance data to help our employees improve through direct feedback, support and targeted training.”

The Webfleet system, implemented with support from TomTom Telematics reseller Fleet Trak, includes OptiDrive 360, which scores drivers based on a range of key performance indicators, including speeding, driving events and idling.

Secured Mail uses these scores to create league tables, which rank drivers based on performance, and provide targeted training. ROSPA-accredited driver assessors conduct weekly briefings with drivers using the data and footage from vehicle cameras to discuss performance and identify methods for improvement.

“Drivers love the competitive aspect and the use of league tables has helped to provide a stronger incentive for improvement,” added Wilkins. “But it is also important to work with the drivers to ensure they get all the help and support they need to improve scores.”

TomTom Telematics is currently aiming to raise awareness of the benefits associated with improved driver behaviour through its Driver of the Year Awards. The scheme aims to recognise the best business drivers in Europe based on how safely and efficiently they drive.