Freight specialist heightens fleet efficiency with Microlise telematics

National freight and courier service provider, Direct Sameday Services, has improved compliance control, reduced costs and boosted fleet efficiency since installing a comprehensive telematics solution from Microlise. Based in Nottingham and Manchester, Direct Sameday Services operates a mixed fleet ranging from small vans and sprinters through to 44 tonne vehicles, providing mixed cargo deliveries to UK and European destinations. Faced with the usual challenges confronting a fast expanding and diverse transport operation, the company recognised the need for a flexible telematics and fleet management system which could improve fleet performance and business efficiency, while serving current requirements and adapting to future goals.

To this end, after assessing a number of potential solutions, Direct Sameday Services chose Microlise and its FOCUS product - a 'purpose built' cloud-based fleet telematics system. "The Microlise system serves as a beneficial portal," says Operations Manager, Robert Tann, "consistently offering insights to enhance our operations. Its commitment to transparency stands out, and we appreciate how its products consistently deliver on their promises.

The seamless integration of our existing software with Microlise has streamlined our processes, providing a unified and efficient solution." According to Microlise, FOCUS provides smaller operators with the same level of data and fleet performance intelligence normally expected from a telematics solution for larger enterprises. For Direct Sameday Services, the FOCUS product was integrated with its existing software to provide remote tachograph download (RTD), fleet performance management, real-time connection with Microlise ClearvVision safety cameras, and instant driver communication using the Microlise driver touch screen - Drive Tab.

Meanwhile, digital data recording has led to an improvement in compliance control. The introduction of RTD, says the company, eliminated the need for 23 HGV drivers to routinely travel between its Hucknall and Bulwell sites for downloads, thereby saving around 5,000 fleet miles - the equivalent of GBP2,300 of fuel saved per year and 50 hours reduced time on the road per month. Direct Sameday Services reported a number of additional benefits upon installing the Microlise system which combined to achieve an immediate return on investment.

Furthermore, the company quickly saw a reduction in insurance costs and a marked improvement in driver efficiency, vehicle safety and traffic incident handling. In this regard, the ClearVision camera system is seen as a significant asset. It provides clear evidence during accident claims, and streamlines the resolution process, protecting the company from undeserved penalties.

In recent times, 41% of the company's disputable claims were resolved using camera footage, simultaneously cutting down the cost of claims and administration time.

"Collaborating with Microlise has been a transformative experience," says Direct Same Day Services. "The range of products we are using from Microlise has addressed our immediate challenges and positioned us for future growth, all the while providing a substantial return on investment."

With 24 hour, 7 days a week fleet availability, Direct Sameday Services also provides person-to-person and tender document deliveries, next day collect and delivery and a pre-planned logistics service.