Tracking Trucks at the Touch of a Button

At a time where the cost of driving has risen drastically for both commercial and domestic use, it's become ever more important to make savings wherever possible. David Perfect of D Perfect and sons explains how he can save time, fuel, money and effort.

D Perfect and Sons is based in Essex and was established in 1991. Based on a secure reputation from R Perfect and Sons, we operate 18 44-tonne Volvo trucks throughout the UK , mainly in the container sector.

In the days before tracking technology, if a client called us to track a delivery we'd have to ring the driver's costing money, distracting him and wasting time. Similarly, our route plans were based on our collective knowledge of the UK road system; where trucks could pass, how long certain routes would take to travel, where traffic hotspots were.

But, like anything, there's an extent of human error and mistakes can be easily made; one wrong turn could get a truck stuck or immobile in traffic for hours. Again, this can cost money, and in today's motoring world, money is something that many domestic and commercial drivers need to save as much of as possible.

AutoAlert is a device that we use in our fleet to help us keep track of where the vehicles are. But it's not simply a tracking device; it has a whole host of data which helps in many aspects of a fleet manager's day-to-day tasks.

The system only requires installation of a small tracking device in each vehicle - there is no expensive central monitoring station, no time consuming installation and no training necessary.

Data can be monitored through any web browser or from a compatible mobile phone.

We chose the system because of its simplicity to use and the fact that we can have a bespoke solution made quickly. There are a lot of tracking systems on the market offering similar services; but none are as easy to use as AutoAlert.

After a successful trial with one unit, we had a further six installed on the new fleet additions. Comments from the drivers and managers alike led to us installing throughout the whole fleet of 18, and we have seen a lot of improvements in both cash flow and time management since.

Now, I can see at the touch of a button where the driver is, on which route and any potential hazards he might face through the rest of the journey.

This allows me to also check that they're working within the constraints of the working time directive as well as the tacograph laws.

AutoAlert also allows us to set up our own geofence' areas that we can mark on the map certain landmarks such as delivery points and low-emission or congestion zones which would affect routes of vehicles.

With AutoAlert you are alerted immediately if any vehicle is moved without the keys in the ignition, if the vehicle is tampered with or there's any attempt to drive the vehicle without authorisation. It can even let you know when a vehicle's battery is running low.

This is the sort of information that can stop expenses spiralling quickly out of control; commercial vehicles are not cheap!

Using AutoAlert helps us to design new routes to save fuel, adapt to changing road systems and hazards, locate vehicles and also keep in touch with drivers through the text messaging system. All of this from one office, one member of staff and one computer or mobile phone.

On the rare occasions where we've had queries, the staff at AutoAlert have been very helpful and have answered straight away. Where we've asked if the system will perform a certain task, the answer has always been yes.'

The system was recently upgraded to make it quicker and more responsive; as we had no problems before, the system is just perfect.

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