Sparks Transport, one of the largest privately-owned transport companies in the South West, has greatly improved compliance control since switching over to TruTac’s fleet management software.
With 150 HGVs delivering to every corner of the UK and Ireland, keeping tabs on each vehicle and driver has, according to Director Jon Sparks, brought many challenges – particularly as the regulations governing commercial transport have become ever more stringent.
Jon says: “With this many vehicles and drivers, the potential for mistakes or to let something slip through the net is quite high. In the past we have needed to employ more administrators for longer periods just to monitor and report basic compliance information. Now, using TruTac’s TruAnalysis software, we get things done quickly and accurately, which not only keeps us compliant but allows us to concentrate on efficiently running the day to day operation.”
Formed around 85 years ago and based in Glastonbury, Sparks Transport provides a general distribution and warehousing service for supermarkets and many other suppliers including fashion, pet foods and miscellaneous dry goods. The modern fleet is backed by 120,000 sq ft of warehousing on an impressive nine-acre site.
“Earned Recognition,” continues Jon, “is something we thought a company of our standing and reputation should naturally adopt, and having an effective range of driver and vehicle reporting functions in place helps to make this possible.”
For example, using TruAnalysis, Sparks can instantly detect driver infringements and immediately take action. Whereas with its previous system, there was an unacceptable delay in detecting any problems as the reporting process had an unavoidable time lag.
“With TruTac software we monitor all our key performance data live and don’t have to wait around for the information. It’s virtually instant. This means we have the information at our fingertips and can satisfy any DVSA checks at a moment’s notice with complete confidence. Furthermore, we not only have a more dynamic control system, but are saving a lot of precious administration time,” he says.
TruTac also provided the technical advice and personal training required to assist Sparks Transport with the transition from one system to another.
“It was extremely fast and efficient,” concludes Jon, “Effectively we jumped from one running horse onto another without tripping up and if we need any on-the-job help, it comes without delay. It’s only been around eight months but no question, the investment has paid for itself already.”
