Viewpoint
motortransport.co.uk
HGVs could become the heroes H Darryll Finch Product owner O2 Smart Vehicle
GVs do not have the best reputation on today’s roads – dangerous, defective and the cause of many accidents. Government data shows 11% of HGVs and 24% of LCVs were found to have Category 1 defects (including a serious brake or tyre defect) in the last year. TfL took 95 dangerous commercial vehicles off the road in one month alone. For some hauliers this could mean replacing and upgrading scores of vehicles. However, many of the safety faults are easily avoidable because they have external causes that can be addressed with early intervention. For example, failing brake systems tops the list of Category 1 defects, yet brake failures are easily prevented by improving driving styles and monitoring air pressure in the brake line. While monitoring driver and vehicle performance across an entire fleet might seem
like a mammoth task, smart telematics can provide a simple solution that can give fleet managers complete real-time visibility. Smart data analytics can be easily attached to HGVs and used to spot the early warning signs of vehicle problems, bad driver behaviour or worn out vehicle components, and red-flag them to operators or maintenance providers. Telematics can turn HGVs into much safer vehicles. As the internet of things becomes the norm, smart data from hauliers could be linked with highways agencies, weather forecasters and police forces to create smart cities where traffic accidents are predicted and prevented, and vehicle repair services are always in the right place at the right time. Combining smart data from a variety of these sources could turn HGVs from villains into life-saving vehicles.
the NEXT GENERATION SCANIA
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The customer is the winner at MT Awards 2017
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Steve Hobson Editor Motor Transport
ast Wednesday night saw another packed Great Room at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London’s Park Lane for the Motor Transport Awards. The audience laughed, cried, cheered and booed as the 23 bronze trophies were collected by the emotional winners from host John Bishop before being whisked off to be interviewed by Gabby Logan. The big winner on the night was once again parcels hero DPD – shortlisted in five categories, it won three awards for Home Delivery Operator of the Year, Customer Care and Innovation. Wincanton marked its remarkable turnaround in performance in recent years by picking up Haulier of the Year, while Temperature Controlled Operator of the Year went to McCulla Ireland and Fleet Van Operator was awarded to Speedy Services. With 18 awards wins, DPD is chasing TNT’s record 33 wins since 1986. One common theme from the MT Awards winners roster over the past 31 years is the number of Customer Care awards both TNT and DPD have picked up. There are many elements in running a successful transport company, all of which are reflected in the awards categories. Running an efficient and compliant operation, having a clear
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and sustainable business strategy, staff training and retention, cutting carbon emissions and many other factors are all vital. But it is no coincidence that successful businesses keep such a clear focus on customers. And if there is one thing that judging the MT Awards shows, it is that customer care is not having a customer service department and a complaints procedure. Part of the reason for DPD’s multiple successes is that it understands that the most important person in a parcel delivery isn’t necessarily who places the business with the carrier. It is the end recipient who often gets no say in who makes the delivery but who is most affected when the carrier gets it wrong. Customer care starts at the top and has to run right through the organisation, especially in those who actually get to meet the end customer, which is often the driver. Congratulations to all our winners and finalists and thank you to our sponsors for supporting this celebration of excellence in road transport.
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To contact us: Tel: 020 8912 +4 digits or email: name.surname@roadtransport.com Editor Steve Hobson 2161 Group managing editor Christopher Walton 2163 Group news editor Chris Druce 2158 Group technical editor Colin Barnett 2141 Aftermarket editor Roger Brown 2168 Vans editor George Barrow 2156 Urban editor Hayley Pink 2165 Editorial team Ashleigh Wight 2167 Emma Shone 2164 Group production editor Clare Goldie 2174 Chief sub-editor Rufus Thompson 2173 Layout sub-editor Grace Wood 2174 Key account managers Andrew Smith 07771 885874 Richard Bennett 07889 823060 Display telesales Barnaby Goodman-Smith 2128 Group sales manager Julie McInally 2122 rtmclassified@roadtransport.com Vic Bunby 2121 Sales director Jane Casling 2133 Head of marketing Head of events/MT Awards Kelly Farley 2135 Head of product Andrew Chilvers 2138 Andy Salter 2171 Managing director Editorial office Road Transport Media, Sixth Floor, Chancery House, St Nicholas Way, Sutton, Surrey SM1 1JB 020 8912 2170 Free copies MT is available free to specified licensed operators under the publisher’s terms of control. For details, email mtsccqueries@roadtransport.com, or call 01772 426705 Subscriptions Tel 0330 333 9544 Quadrant Subscription Services, Rockwood House, Perrymount Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 3DH Rates UK £125/year. Europe £160 (€235)/year. RoW £160 ($329)/year. Cheques made payable to Motor Transport. Apply online at mtssubs.com Registered at the Post Office as a newspaper Published by DVV Media International Ltd © 2017 DVV Media International Ltd ISSN 0027-206 X
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If you would like to contribute to MT’s Viewpoint, email steve.hobson@roadtransport.com 10.7.17 06/07/2017 11:36:21