Haulage and logistics specialist implements Fleetstar-Online to comply with new Working Time Directive

• Real-time telematics enables Ray C Smith to provide accurate ETAs to customers including ASDA and Pedigree Petfoods

Ray C Smith, the haulage, logistics and storage specialist, has implemented Fleetstar-Online, Cybit’s Internet-based fleet and asset management solution to maximise operational efficiency and comply with the new Working Time Directive. The comprehensive reports produced by Fleetstar-Online ensure that Ray C Smith can verify compliance with the Directive which limits the number of hours drivers and crew can spend working per week to an average of 48. Ray C Smith now manages its fleet of 44 HGVs in real-time with better location information. This enables the company to provide more accurate ETAs to its customers which include ASDA, Pedigree Petfoods and Avon Cosmetics.

Flexibility is key to Ray C Smith’s fleet operation, however, the Working Time Directive has placed a legal limit on the number of hours each of its drivers can work in a week. It is imperative therefore that Ray C Smith can maximise the operational efficiency of its fleet to deliver the best level of service within the confines of the Directive. By using Fleetstar-Online, Ray C Smith is able to evaluate vehicle delivery routes to maximise productivity while the enhanced fleet visibility and extensive management reporting allows it to examine and challenge time spent loading and unloading at distribution centres and supplier/customer sites. 

"Any company that fails to invest in technology to comply with the Working Time Directive will face real problems in the long term,” commented Ray C Smith’s Managing Director, Donald Sang. “The reports produced by Fleetstar-Online act as a check on compliance with the Directive by monitoring time spent working and enabling us to verify tachographs and time sheets. The complete visibility offered by the solution enables us to maximise our fleet usage within the legal limits of working hours giving us a real competitive advantage.

"There is also an important customer angle to our implementation. Fleetstar-Online’s real-time location facility allows us to be more flexible with our routing to meet customer demand. We have witnessed a considerable reduction in telephone traffic since introducing the system because we are now able to give our customers far more accurate ETAs and tell them exactly where our vehicles are. The importance of this for maintaining good customer relations cannot be underestimated,” continued Donald Sang.

“We have seen a marked increase in the interest in telematics following the introduction of the Working Time Directive,” commented John Wisdom, Director Sales and Marketing at Cybit. “Fleetstar-Online offers organisations an Internet-based fleet and asset management solution that allows them to optimise operational efficiency within the legal guidelines set out by the Directive. Ray C Smith has recognised the importance of telematics as a means to deliver an optimised service to its customers which also aids with the verification of compliance in areas such as working time and Duty of Care.”

Fleetstar-Online is Cybit’s scalable Internet-based telematics solution that features real-time vehicle tracking, exception reporting, replay mode, customised reports, mileage information, SMS messaging and live traffic information. By implementing Fleetstar-Online organisations are able to take advantage of the Norwich Union’s Fleet Telematics insurance offering. Fleet Telematics offers organisations that install Cybit’s telematics platform improved insurance premiums for the two to three year duration of the agreement and also gives them the ability to earn a Risk Recognition Rebate of up to 16 per cent per annum for meeting risk management KPIs.

 
About Ray C Smith:
As an independent, family owned business, Ray C Smith was first established over 30 years ago and has enjoyed impressive growth by providing efficient transport and quality warehousing solutions. Operating on a 24 hour, 365 day a year basis, its service reflects a total commitment to customer needs. For more information see www.r-c-s.co.uk.

About Cybit:
Cybit is a leading Internet-based Telematics Service Provider (TSP) and supplier of fleet and asset management solutions to the business-to-business sector. Cybit’s solutions portfolio includes vehicle tracking and management, lone worker support and car pool management. Hundreds of companies across a wide range of industries already use Cybit’s online solutions to improve the management and control of their fixed and mobile assets. Additional information is available at www.cybit.co.uk

Contact information:
Andy Gray
IBA - PR for Cybit
Tel: 01780 721 433
Email: agray@iba-europe.com