Buffaload Logistics make ‘significant savings’ using AddSecure’s telematics.

Buffaload, the Huntingdon based logistics specialists, report ‘significant savings’ following a five year review and assessment of the CANbus, temperature monitoring and tracking systems deployed in the company’s vehicle and double-deck trailer fleet.

Driver training programmes based on the information supplied from each CANbus system have enabled the company to identify individual driver characteristics and to curb ‘bad habits’ such as harsh braking and over-torqueing. In turn, the net effect of tractor and driver monitoring across the fleet, coupled with an ongoing driver bonus scheme, has enabled Buffaload to cut fuel bills by around £4,000 per week.

Meanwhile, Buffaload reports further gains from the GPS tracking and telematics systems fitted to each of its double deck trailers.

“This means that our customers, including rental, can ‘geofence’ delivery routes and receive an alert when any trailer travels outside its prescribed territory or when a temperature threshold is breached. Naturally, these features help with vehicle utilisation and provide useful information for temperature monitoring and auditing on individual journeys.”

Buffaload has also fitted a number of in-cab, 3G live streaming forward-facing cameras from AddSecure. These, integrated with the vehicle tracking system, enable Buffaload to monitor in real time, the environment in which the vehicle is operating and the performance of each driver. Graham Usher continues: “This is relatively new technology but already is paying for itself. First of all, the live camera and vehicle performance data feed gives us the information we need in relation to any issues arising from accidents, loss or damage on the road. For  example, when dealing with a potential FNOL (first notification of loss) situation, all of the visual and technical data connected with the incident – vehicle speed, impact force, braking etc – is instantly transmitted to our claims handler who, with all the ‘evidence’, is able to resolve the matter without delay. This system is expected to halve the cost of typical claims while significantly reducing accident risk into the bargain.”

“Secondly,” says Usher, “ the video recording of each journey provides our driver trainers
with an invaluable visual aid when reviewing individual driver performance.”

According to Buffaload, the combination of GPS trailer and vehicle tracking along with
CANbus monitoring and in-cab cameras, has not only helped to cut fleet running costs but also has improved driver safety.