The business started in 1980 with one tipper truck and is now one of the largest independent supplier to the construction industry.
As part of its key focus on safety and technology, the firm’s procurement manager Jonathan Willmore embarked on the process of evaluating all telematics systems on the market. Usability, support, reports access and how the tracking worked were the key assessment criteria.
The firm implemented the Masternaut Connect platform as it came out on top of its evalution, with the most straightforward driver behaviour management and user-friendly tools being a big deciding factor. Reports are supplied in an easy-to-see traffic-light format – green/amber/red – while the in-cab feedback using the same formula allows drivers to positively change their driving behaviour on-job. It was also important to have everything on one platform, where everyone is scored with the same parameters.
The first stage of the migration involved 250 HGVs and was successfully implemented over five weeks. The fitting of the LGVs and cars were done in a second stage.
When introducing the new technology, drivers in the red were targeted first. The in-house driver trainers then spent time with them helping to improve their scores. Four months in they use a two-week rolling report to target those in the red, concentrating with internal one-to-one training and continuous communication providing feedback between the trainers and drivers.
With Mick George Ltd’s focus on efficiency, they have also implemented PTOs in their skips and tippers to help reduce unnecessary idling and TachoFresh Live and Remote Download to make logistics more effective. Live tacho information has removed the need to arrange meet ups to download data and the transport manager can instantly see hours driven, breaks taken and progress made. Both modules are already providing cost benefits and increasing productivity.
Results have seen a significant improvement across the fleet, with one driver’s points per hour reducing by 86.7%. The drivers are seeing benefits in having telematics and understand how it is helping keep them safe.
Mick George Ltd has introduced a ‘Drivers Academy’ that equips new drivers with all the skills they need to ensure safe driving practices. During training the light bar with in-cab feedback is making the drivers instantly aware of how they can improve their driving behaviour.
Those vehicles fitted and activated are already showing a cost saving of 5%. Jonathan Willmore at Mick George Ltd is estimating this will be around 9% by the end of the first year as more vehicles are fitted and training is carried out.
He added: “The support and driver materials we have received from Masternaut are great. We are already seeing results in improved driver behaviour and efficiency savings. We now need to keep up this momentum.”
