TruckandTrackSummer2020

Truck and Track Summer 2020 www.truckandtrack.com 20 BUSINESS NEWS Lucketts Travel, based on the south coast and part of National Express, have been using TruTac compliance control software for over 10 years and in recent times, TruTac’s TruLinks API suite has enabled the company to automatically integrate verified vehicle and driver tachograph data direct into other systems. For example, the powerful vehicle distance data is used in systems such as planning maintenance schedules, fuel usage and vehicle utilisation. Live, verified data is vital for reports and critical business decisions. TruLinks allows Lucketts to access key data and removes the need for manual intervention or data duplication. In ‘normal times’ with 160 coaches operating throughout Europe on day-trips, holiday breaks and corporate services, Lucketts are presented with the challenge of keeping tabs on every journey distance and start/stop time – not only to monitor drivers’ working hours for payroll purposes but also to keep in line with EU drivers hours regulations. “Like any operation of our size and type,” says Lucketts’ Group Managing Director, Tony Lawman, “there is a host of data to be gathered, analysed and acted upon. Using TruTac’s TruControl software, including the TruLinks module, this is all made possible. For example, we integrate all vehicle and driver information into our vehiclemanagement systemtomonitor each driver’s hours and calculate their wages.” Tony goes on to say that every time a driver reads their card, the cloud-based system sends instant start and stop data into Lucketts’ automated payroll, and the process couldn’t be faster or more accurate. Also, for enhanced control over driver and vehicle activities and as part of TruTac’s TruControl analysis and reporting system, an Unknown Drivers Report feature enables vehicle operators to set a distance and time, so they can see ‘unknown’ drivers who fall within those parameters. This provides a simpler way of filtering out depot or other unrecorded movements of coaches and makes data more relevant. Lucketts were the first coach operator to attain the highly coveted DVSA ER (Earned Recognition) status and has founder member status along with being a top Blue Zero-rated participant. “ER was a key reason we embarked on our more in-depth compliance journey,” reflects Tony, “and along the way TruTac’s flexible and innovative approach to co-developing products for our operation - to the point where TruTac’s system literally feeds our business intelligence - has enabled us to routinely produce comprehensive DVSA reports on a fortnightly basis. Before TruTac, this would not have been possible.” Lucketts not only work with technology leaders but they bring them together to provide bespoke solutions for their business. For example, TruTac work with Distinctive Systems, the PSV software specialists, to process verified tacho data from TruTac’s system, via TruLinks to maximise intelligent data sharing and for example, to improve maintenance planning. “On top of the current measures required to combat Covid-19, there are many crucial aspects to maintaining compliance control and keeping on top of the daily details which can so easily determine your success or otherwise.” Concludes Tony Lawman. “TruTac software has provided us with a core functionality and regarding time and distance they now represent a single source of verification.” Among their numerous accreditations, Lucketts Travel are widely recognised as exemplars within the PSV industry and, as a member of both the Guild of British Coach Operators and the Confederation of Passenger Transport, they are one of the first companies to be awarded with the elite Coach Marque status. www.trutac.co.uk Lucketts go the distance with TruTac’s compliance software Speedy Freight franchisees have delivered over a million consignments of both medical and consumer goods since lockdown began inMarch. For Glasgow franchisee, Damian Pacitti, lockdown required him to restructure the branch resources and operational systems to adapt to customer needs. Consignments during lockdown ranged from supermarket signage and protective screens to aid social distancing to vital medical supplies such as PPE equipment, including protective masks, gloves, ventilators and other critical hospital apparatus. SincetheCovid-19lockdownbeganinMarch,theGlasgowteamhas also played a key role in delivering one million home consignments for a major UK retailer in collaboration with other Speedy Freight branches across the UK. Damian Pacitti said, “I’m hugely proud of my teamwho have made our deliveries possible by travelling the length and breadth of the UK. We’ve had to act quickly in order to tailor our services to meet customer demands. Their willingness to adapt their working lives to support the national transportation of urgent supplies – from vital PPE equipment to eggs boxes, supermarket checkout screens, and home entertainment goods – has helped others stay at home.” To keep services running as normal, Speedy Freight scaled up its home delivery operation. The Glasgow-based franchisee is now also beginning to increase its services for construction and manufacturing clients as the industry gears back up to business as usual levels. Speedy Freight adapts its business model to support consumer needs during lockdown