What's New
Solstor UK Limited invests in FM Communicators
04 May 2010
Solstor UK Limited specialises in international multi-modal temperature-controlled supply chain solutions. Solstor UK's transport operations involve providing inbound and outbound support for customers nationwide. Dealing in perishable and chilled produce for grocery multiples gives rise to a need for timely collections and deliveries, and it is therefore important for the company to know the position of its vehicles at all times if it is to optimise the utilisation of its fleet. Also, with fuel costs accounting for over 30 percent of operational costs, Solstor UK was keen to ensure its drivers operate as fuel-efficiently as possible.
The decision was taken to invest in a fleet management system which would fulfil its two key objectives of providing the company's traffic office with real-time vehicle positioning information and while also monitoring the performance of its drivers and vehicles.
How MiX Telematics assisted Solstor
By installing the FM Communicator to the majority of vehicles in the Solstor UK fleet, MiX Telematics delivered a fleet management solution which both meets Solstor UK's original requirements and has helped bring about major operational efficiency gains.
The tracking aspect of the system provides the Solstor UK transport management team with detailed information on the whereabouts of every truck in the programme and is relied upon today as a key tool in helping allocate loads and schedule deliveries and collections.
The vehicle and driver data captured by the system is used by the company's team of four driver trainers to identify which of the company's drivers require additional training in order to get the best from their trucks. These drivers are mentored by the trainers, with significant fuel savings being realised as a result.
Results Obtained
- Reliable and dependable vehicle tracking system now in daily use
- Consequent improvement in fleet utilisation and efficiency in operation
- 12% reduction in fuel consumption
- Carbon footprint reduced accordingly
- Wear and tear down across fleet
- Driver and vehicle movements known at all times
- Customers appreciate the increased control of loads and delivery times
For the fleet manager, information is delivered direct to the desktop via FM-Web, MiX Telematics' secure internet-based reporting suite. Available 24/7, FM-Web can be customised to automatically generate individually-tailored reports at a time of the operator's choosing.
And to help drivers out on the road, the optional MiX Telematics RIBAS display delivers instant feedback by providing an on-board visual indicator as to driving style. Whenever one of RIBAS' parameters is exceeded, a light is illuminated to inform the driver:
R over Revving
I excessive Idling
B harsh Braking
A harsh Acceleration
S over Speeding
More about Solstor UK
Solstor's UK road transport operations focus on fulfilling the primary distribution needs of its blue chip customer base while also providing a variety of other distribution services, including full and part loads and groupage. The company's hub in Crayford, Kent picks 150,000 cases per week and its UK operations are supported by three further distribution centres located in Gillingham, Peterborough and Boston. Solstor runs a UK fleet of 100 trucks with many more based at sites across mainland Europe.
