For those of us who remember the days when fleet operating data was recorded via manual data input, or even with pen and paper, the modern haulage industry is almost unrecognisable.

In recent years, the amount of technology available to us has skyrocketed and, underpinning it all, is telematics. From vehicle tech to fleet management, telematics has revolutionised the way we work and with it the entire haulage industry.

What is Telematics?

Telematics is the collective name for the broad range of technology used in haulage for communications, the monitoring of shipments, management of vehicles and drivers, and improving safety and customer service. Telematics tech can include anything from vehicle technologies, such as GPS and tracking, to auto insurance and fuel management sensors.

While to begin with telematics information came from a wide and varied range of sources and was often costly to collate into one system, in 2008 the Association of Equipment Management Professionals created the first telematics data standard. A method of regulating data into one fixed format, the new standard revolutionised fleet management by allowing companies to bring all their relevant data into one centralised system.

Why Do We Use Telematics?

As Benjamin Franklin once said, “For every minute spent organising, an hour is earned.”

Telematics, quite simply, allows us to be more organised than ever before. We can now monitor loads remotely, track consignments, update our hauliers with up-to-date traffic reports, check fuel consumption, and ensure our fleets are operating in the safest way possible, with wireless vehicle safety communications and emergency warning systems that keep our drivers – and our customers’ loads – secure.

All of this leads to increased productivity, control over fuel costs, improved customer services, reduced operating costs, and greener transportation.

The Wisdom of Return Loads

Here at Waller, we utilise these advances in technology to offer our hauliers the most competitive solutions. We run our haulage service on a return loads basis, utilising both legs of the journey for one-way haulage costs. This allows us to maximise on the benefits of our telematics systems to bring you the most efficient and cost-effective service possible.

For more information on our services, take a look at our page on return loads or get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team today.

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