Challenge:
Operating a specialist fleet of 25 trucks and trailers servicing the burgeoning building and construction market is a complex mission. On top of this are the additional worries about where the vehicles are located, if the fleet’s road user charges (RUC) are up to date, and if drivers have received the correct dispatch information and understood it. Trailers and vehicles often travelled more kilometres than what RUC licences were paid for, which led to administrative headaches.
The diversity of the driving team means that dispatch communications need to be clear and succinct to ensure optimal efficiency and that jobs are completed productively. Furthermore, customers sometimes contested their freight charges resulting in additional and unnecessary administration time. The dispute over the time charged caused unwarranted friction as well as lost revenue.
We have a long and valued relationship with Teletrac Navman. The bottom line is the Teletrac Navman product is brilliant because it just never breaks down. We have a great relationship with our account manager who supervises the smooth running of the system and the installers are just brilliant at what they do.
- Robin Thomas, Owner Operator
Solution:
As a member of the National Road Carriers (NRC) for more than 25 years, it was at an NRC function that HIAB Transport first discovered Teletrac Navman’s fleet management solutions when the brand started operations in New Zealand.
Bringing visibility to the fleet in real time enabled HIAB Transport to better serve its customer base as trucks could be rerouted and jobs reallocated as capacity allowed.
Using a complete fleet management system with in-cab devices since implementation, HIAB has followed by implementing RUC Manager to manage Road User Charges electronically. This has allowed the business to purchase RUC licences digitally, automatically distribute to vehicles and display via an electronic reader in the vehicle.
Results:
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Cost Savings and Compliance: Transitioning to Electronic RUC has resulted in financial savings while ensuring ongoing compliance with regulations.
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Enhanced Invoice Accuracy and Timeliness: The GPS timekeeping system has resolved customer disputes over invoices, allowing for invoices to be sent the day after job completion, ensuring accounts are accurate and up-to-date.
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Improved Fleet Management and Safety: Real-time tracking of the fleet's location has become essential for operational safety and efficiency, while in-cab devices facilitate clear communication with a growing team and overspeed alerts help monitor driver behaviour.
About Hiab Transport:
For more than 30 years HIAB Transport Ltd has provided specialist transport services to the building and construction sectors, moving heavy machinery, and over-height and over-dimensional loads such as concrete tilt slabs which are now commonly used in new commercial and residential builds. The company has no sales staff but continues to grow its business through word of mouth and its reputation for providing professional customer service to the building and construction sector. Operating 25 trucks and trailers out of Glen Eden, West Auckland, HIAB Transport Limited is owned and operated by Robin Thomas. One of Robin’s sons, David runs the dispatch office, and another son Mark drives a six-wheeler in the transport fleet.