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Tag: fleet management

Research Highlights Untapped Potential of AI to Boost Fleet Safety

Posted on by David Priestman

Delegate research conducted by Netradyne at the Gartner Supply Chain Planning Summit has revealed the untapped potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to boost fleet safety for greater precision and profitability in supply chain logistics and transportation. Currently, only 33% of respondents use AI to assess and monitor fleet safety performance. However, 81% plan to adopt AI platforms within the next year to mitigate risks and enhance safety for improved operational performance.

The challenges facing third party logistics providers

The survey highlights accuracy, timeliness and cost-effectiveness as the top priorities in goods delivery, named by 57% and 31% of supply chain professionals respectively. However, despite the importance of logistics and transportation precision, companies face persistent obstacles, with a lack of fleet visibility and limited driver availability cited as major factors hampering delivery accuracy.

Accidents are another critical issue, contributing to product damage in transit, damaging the brand image, impacting driver well-being and availability, and driving up costs. Alarmingly, 46% of respondents were uncertain of the total financial impact of accidents on their businesses.

Outdated technologies limit data accuracy

Data is critical for fleet management and safety, with 52% of respondents already sharing data with partners to improve safety standards. However, many current systems rely on outdated technologies, such as telematics and GPS, which have limited functionality. As shown by the significant leap in those planning to adopt AI in fleet safety management, supply chain teams increasingly recognise the value of AI-driven data for its precision and ability to provide more meaningful insights into fleet operations.

AI-driven data: The key to safer, more efficient fleet operations

Integrating AI tools into goods delivery processes offers significant benefits. AI-driven solutions can enhance delivery precision and timeliness by improving fleet visibility and driver availability. They can analyse data to predict and prevent accidents, reduce traffic violations and enhance driver behaviour. By enabling data-driven fleet engagement, AI contributes to a safer and more efficient fleet, providing third-party logistics (3PL) providers with better oversight and control over their operations and significantly reducing costs. These cost savings directly impact profitability, making AI an invaluable asset.

“Transportation is an inherently tough business. With more people on the road and unpredictable conditions, there is more risk for logistics providers than ever. Challenges like growing end-customer expectations for quick and hassle-free delivery, rising costs, shrinking markets and increasingly selective insurers add to the pressures faced by supply chain teams. Visibility in fleet operations is crucial to managing these challenges, and AI is proving to be a key tool for improving it,” commented Durgadutt Nedungadi, Sr. Vice-President for International Business at Netradyne.

“Vision-based AI technologies can help alleviate many of these challenges by delivering real-time insights that boost safety, predict potential issues, and ensure timely interventions. As the industry grows more complex, supply chain leaders are increasingly turning to AI-driven data analysis to boost operational efficiency, improve safety, and maintain a competitive edge,” concluded Nedungadi.

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Shiftmove Expands into France with Acquisition

Posted on by David Priestman

The acquisition of Optimum Automotive will enable Shiftmove, which was formed in 2023 from the merger of the two fleet management market leaders Avrios and Vimcar, to expand into France – Europe’s largest fleet market. 

Optimum Automotive, currently operates heavily in France, Portugal, Spain and Africa, has 107 employees, 7,500 customers and 200,000 vehicles under management.

Together, the two companies employ over 350 people and support more than 18,000 corporate customers with more than 550,000 vehicles under management. Users of the software solutions come for example from industries such as construction, technical support, healthcare, production and administration.

The acquisition is a strong signal of consolidation and digitalisation of the European fleet and mobility management market.

Shiftmove’s unique combination of software and telematics solutions enable small and medium-sized companies as well as large companies, such as Hotpoint UK Appliances, Actavo, All Saved, DB Schenker, McMakler and flaschenpost.de, to manage their vehicle fleets more economically and decisively drive the transformation to low-emission mobility. By automating previously time-consuming, manual processes and carrying out detailed data analyses, companies can use the modern software solutions to save costs and resources and plan the switch to alternative drive types in a targeted manner.

Francine Gervazio, CEO of Shiftmove (pictured below) , says: “We have the clear vision that more than one million vehicles will be managed via our cloud-based software solutions by 2027.

Shiftmove CEO - Francine

“The pressure on companies is growing enormously: increasingly stricter sustainability regulations and sharply rising costs for fuel, insurance and repairs require rapid action. With a powerful combination of top-edge software and telematics we are making the management of vehicle fleets as simple and efficient as possible, helping companies to increase their competitiveness and meet their sustainability goals.”

“With more than 10 million commercial vehicles, France is the largest fleet market in Europe. The digitalisation potential of the industry is immense. Only one in three European companies currently uses fleet management software to manage their own vehicle fleet.”

Daniel Vassallucci, CEO and Founder of Optimum Automotive, adds: “The acquisition by Shiftmove takes Optimum Automotive to the next level of growth, with the aim of becoming the European market leader for integrated telematics and software solutions for corporate fleets. Our product portfolios complement each other perfectly and form a strong, state-of-the-art offering for our more than 18,000 joint fleet customers across Europe.”

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Logistics Software Webinar

Enhance Fleet Management with Buy-Back Services

Posted on by David Priestman

As fleet management costs continue to rise and market conditions remain unpredictable, small logistics companies and carriers are seeking innovative solutions to maintain their competitive edge. In response, ClassTrucks, a leading transport asset management company and part of the Girteka Group, is proud to introduce its Buy-Back Service – a solution designed to simplify fleet management, secure investments, and offer financial predictability.

What is a Buy-Back Service?

The Buy-Back Service from ClassTrucks guarantees the repurchase of a vehicle at a pre-agreed price after a specified period. This service operates similarly to a vehicle rental but with the added advantage of knowing the future value of the asset. For fleet managers, this translates into greater financial accuracy, eliminating the uncertainties tied to vehicle resale and fluctuating market conditions. The service is designed to offer peace of mind and financial security, whether you manage a small logistics company or a larger carrier operation.

Key Elements of the Buy-Back Service

• Predictable Costs: Enables better financial planning and stability, critical for any logistics operation.
• Easier Financing: Facilitates securing bank loans with lower monthly payments, making fleet expansion or renewal more accessible.
• Focus on Core Operations: Removes uncertainties associated with future vehicle resale, allowing businesses to concentrate on their primary activities.
• Flexible Terms: Adapts to unpredictable market conditions, offering the necessary flexibility to meet evolving business needs.

Strategic Advantage in a Competitive Market

While buy-back services are not new in the industry, ClassTrucks’ approach sets itself apart by offering a seamless and supportive experience tailored to the unique challenges of the transportation sector. As a small logistics company recently shared, “By leveraging ClassTrucks’ Buy-Back Service, we were able to expand our fleet without the financial strain, thanks to the predictable costs and easier financing options.”

“Our Buy-Back Service is more than just a financial tool; it’s a strategic advantage designed to help our clients navigate the complexities of fleet management with confidence,” said Silvestr Ochrimovič, Sales Unit Manager at ClassTrucks. “We understand the challenges our clients face, and we are committed to providing solutions that not only meet their needs but also position them for long-term success, as our partners.”

ClassTrucks specializes in the sale of second-hand commercial vehicles and is committed to supporting clients with expert advice and high-quality service. Through the Buy-Back Service, ClassTrucks helps clients manage their fleets with ease and confidence, focusing on reliability, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. By combining industry expertise with a client-centric approach, ClassTrucks positions itself as a trusted partner in the ever-evolving landscape of fleet management.

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Heritage in Motion for Portuguese 3PL

Posted on by David Priestman

Brunotir was born at a time when roads were highways of adventure and trade between nations was made possible by the daring journeys of transporters. Founded in September 1997 by two intrepid visionaries, Mr João Soares and Mrs Alice Ribeiro (pictured below), this modest company took its first steps towards its destiny with a single truck and a bold vision.

Brunotir’s adventure began with international transport in Central Europe, but quickly spread beyond its borders, taking on the challenges of Eastern European routes. With a fleet of over 90 vehicles, the company has ventured into uncharted territory, braving storms and overcoming obstacles with unwavering determination.

With each voyage, Brunotir carried not only goods, but also its reputation for excellence and reliability. But like all great journeys, this one has not been without its bumps. In 2022, the company finds itself at a crucial crossroads: adapt to the challenges of the future or remain rooted in the past. Brunotir took a bold decision: to invest in cutting-edge technology to modernise its operations.

That’s how SAP Business One and TransSharp came into the company: an alliance between tradition and innovation, between Brunotir’s experience and SharpthinkIT‘s advice. This revolutionary system has taken the company into a new era of efficiency and control. Thanks to this solution, Brunotir has acquired a global vision of its operations, enabling it to optimise routes, control the fleet in real time and offer an even more agile and reliable service to its customers.

But the real secret of Brunotir’s success lies not only in technology, but also in its tireless dedication to quality and excellence. Quality certification to the highest standards of ISO 9001:2015 is testament to this commitment. At every stage of the process, from loading to final delivery, Brunotir always strives to exceed expectations and raise industry standards.

Looking ahead, the company knows it will always have a reliable partner in SAP Business One and TransSharp, ready to meet the challenges that lie ahead. The Brunotir story is made up of chapters, each written with courage, determination and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

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https://www.logisticsbusiness.com/materials-handling-warehousing/distribution-centre-property/transport-management-shipping-planning-sap/

 

Webinar: Driving Change and Reducing Costs in Delivery

Posted on by David Priestman

Cost reduction is top of mind for those managing transport and delivery fulfilment operations.

The opportunity has never been greater to reform your route optimisation and delivery processes and identify areas to drive measurable improvements – from automating manual processes to increasing data visibility across your operations.

Join Aptean and Logistics Business on 8th May, where a team of TMS experts will guide you through innovative ways to deliver efficiency improvements that help you maximise cost savings and break free from limitations posed by your current systems.

Key topics to be discussed will include:

• Cost reduction strategies and how to make savings without compromising on service quality or operational efficiencies
• Change management within fleet operations and how to successfully navigate challenges
• Emerging trends in fleet management, the impact on the industry and how to adapt to changes effectively
• System and technology effectiveness and how they can add value and bring significant improvement in transport management and delivery fulfilment

Reducing Costs in Delivery

Minimising disruptions, maximising efficiencies and reducing costs can all be gained by making changes to the way you operate your transport and delivery processes. Are you ready?

Register Your Place

Peter MacLeod, Editor of Logistics Business, will host a roundtable panel of experts.

*Not for you? Please feel free to forward this invite to your colleagues who may gain value from attending the webinar. And if you register before 8th May, Aptean will send you a free coffee voucher for you to enjoy!

See our last Webinar on a similar topic here:

Webinar: Improve Delivery Route Management Efficiencies

 

 

 

Visa’s Fleet 2.0 Solution

Posted on by David Priestman

Issuer processor Enfuce has announced it is expanding its partnership with Visa with the launch of Visa’s cutting-edge mobility card solution, the ‘Visa Fleet 2.0.’

Through the certification, Enfuce is now uniquely positioned to deliver the Visa Fleet 2.0 solution to their joint, prospective customers. The continued collaboration between Enfuce and Visa is set to revolutionise fleet management across Europe, offering enhanced efficiency through rich data and insights, cost reduction, and a crucial pivot toward sustainable transportation and mobility budgets.

Unlike traditional closed-loop cards used by most fleet operators worldwide, the Visa Fleet 2.0 solution is not restricted to specific fuel retailers or specific types of product like petrol or diesel, and can be used at any location accepting Visa cards. This not only enhances operational efficiency by enabling drivers to choose the most efficient routes and access optimal fuel prices but also provides unmatched convenience with an all-in-one, fully integrated card, accessible via both physical and digital wallets, thus eliminating the need to carry multiple fuel cards.

This fleet and mobility card can be used for all types of expenses chosen by the issuer, beyond fuel-related payments, thus accommodating for the evolving landscape of electric vehicles (EVs). Indeed, Visa reports that 70% of fleet managers plan to transition to electric, hybrid, or hydrogen cell vehicles within the next five years. Conventional fuel cards designed for fossil fuel fleets lack the flexibility to accommodate EV charging without substantial investment on the issuer’s part. Visa Fleet 2.0 addresses these evolving needs by incorporating a plethora of different use cases such as EV charging, tolls, mass transit, and micro-mobility.

Thanks to its advanced, modular and customisable tech stack, the fleet and mobility card solution will introduce a range of other benefits, which include:

● Detailed transaction data: Comprehensive financial reporting and operational efficiency by consolidating detailed transaction data, including purchased items, unit prices, and associated VAT on a single card. Real-time data, including driver identification, vehicle identification, and vehicle mileage, can also help with fraud prevention.
● Purchase restrictions & spend controls: Visa Fleet 2.0 enables cards to be restricted for specific types of purchases, providing companies with greater control over card usage, mitigating the risk of inappropriate spending.
● Enhanced security: Enfuce also ensures the security of every issued card through the deployment of secure EMV technology and robust authentication methods like 3DS.

Denise Johansson, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Enfuce, comments: “We are proud to lead the European market by being the first to offer the Visa Fleet 2.0 solution to our prospective customers. The card will help card issuers right across Europe thrive in the current market, while also equipping them for the fossil-free future. Considering the majority of fleet operators are looking to transition to petrol-free vehicles, it’s crucial for fuel card issuers to adapt to these changing market dynamics. By offering enhanced flexibility, security, and convenience, our new card aims to meet these evolving needs of fleet operators.”

Monika Liikamaa, Co-Founder & Co-CEO of Enfuce, comments: “This certification means we can support our valued customers in revolutionising the outdated fuel card, streamlining fleet management, and bolstering security measures through comprehensive data tracking to combat fraudulent activities. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the financial landscape, showcasing a joint effort to introduce forward-thinking solutions that cater to the changing demands of the modern mobility ecosystem.”

Richard Campion, Head of Fleet and Mobility, Visa, added: “Expanding access to financial tools and services is core to Visa’s purpose as we seek to uplift everyone everywhere. We’re excited to continue our work with Enfuce, helping them deliver our mobility card solution to their customers across Europe as they work to revolutionise the fleet management space.”

Fleet Panel Pushes for Sustainability

Posted on by David Priestman

Members of the Michelin Fleet Panel have called for the industry to accelerate progress towards more sustainable tyres and improve support for fleet managers transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs).

The panel, comprising representatives from some of the UK’s biggest leasing, fleet management and rental companies, as well as several major end-user fleets, addressed a series of industry challenges at a meeting held at the Wakefield site of Aston Barclay, the independent remarketing group and vehicle auction house.

Chairing the Michelin Fleet Panel, Martin Thompson, Michelin’s Brand Manager UK & Ireland, briefed the panel on the manufacturer’s target of using 100 per cent sustainable materials in its tyres by 2050, and 40 per cent by 2030, and urged the industry to make quicker progress in reducing the environmental impacts of tyres.

He also reinforced the importance of extracting the full performance out of every tyre, saying: “It’s vitally important we better educate fleet managers and customers about how to avoid unnecessary raw material wastage, specifically that it is safe to use tyres down to the 1.6mm legal tread depth limit.”

Some panel members called for the industry to put a greater focus on analysing tyre wear on EVs, saying the current lack of data was making it difficult to make informed buying decisions.

Thompson said: “Leasing and rental companies want to be able to communicate that data to their customers so they can speed up their transition to EVs. Michelin is manufacturing tyres specifically for EVs to help with tyre wear and battery range, and that’s a message we are communicating more widely.”

Lorna McAtear, Head of Fleet at National Grid, who manages 9,000 vehicles, including 1,500 EVs, said the industry needed to tackle some myths around EVs. “There are some misconceptions that all tyres wear out quicker on EVs. The industry needs to deliver clearer messaging to ensure people have the best performing and safest tyres on their EVs, and that they don’t cost more than tyres for internal combustion-engined vehicles.”

She added: “It was an excellent panel for learning about the innovations in tyre developments being driven by Michelin and its partners. I was reassured that they are working hard on sustainability and going in the right direction.”

At the first meeting of the Michelin Fleet Panel since the pandemic, Michelin representatives and its partners, including Canopy Simulations and MICHELIN Connected Fleet, gave presentations of their work towards more sustainable mobility, whilst ProovStation provided a live demonstration of its AI-powered inspection scanner. Aston Barclay is the first company in the UK to install the technology, deploying the system to quickly and accurately appraise vehicles ahead of auction.

Matt Childs, Marketing Manager at MICHELIN Connected Fleet, said the next generation of drivers and decision-makers are increasingly aware of sustainability and vote with their wallets on what, where and who they work with. “With connected fleet management solutions, this is an opportunity rather than a challenge. Turning the data into actions can help fleets operate more efficiently and unlock savings,” he added.

Sean Russell, Chief Marketing Officer at Aston Barclay, said: “It was a pleasure to host the Michelin Fleet Panel, which was a fabulous knowledge sharing and networking event. We received some excellent feedback and we look forward to collaborating with our partners again in the future.”

The Michelin Fleet Panel has been meeting for more than 20 years; membership is voluntary and participants are not required to be Michelin customers.

Connected Trucks: Digitalisation and Interconnection

Posted on by David Priestman

Jungheinrich is connecting its fleet by equipping all its new trucks with telemetry units as standard. This enables customers easy access to the Jungheinrich Fleet Management System (FMS), starting with the entry level Starter Kit.

Jungheinrich is continuing to drive forward the digitalisation and networking of intralogistics by equipping all newly ordered trucks produced in its European plants with telemetry units as standard.
Jungheinrich trucks are fully networkable and ready for intelligent integration in the warehouse. With the help of the Jungheinrich FMS fleet management system, customers can use this data to optimally deploy their fleet.

“Data is one of the most valuable resources in the warehouse today. We are now making this data easily and efficiently usable by our customers,” says Phil Pearson, Sales Management Director at Jungheinrich. “Connectivity is an essential key to further optimising intralogistics. By processing information better and faster with our Jungheinrich FMS, we make our customers’ warehouses even more efficient.”

Thanks to the telemetry units and Jungheinrich FMS, Jungheinrich customers receive real-time data on the condition and use of their trucks, enabling them to optimally manage their fleet. Data transmission to the Jungheinrich Cloud takes place via a mobile connection or Wi-Fi.

“When our customers agree to share the usage and vehicle data of their trucks with us, we can access important insights into the actual use of the industrial trucks. This enables us to tailor our range of solutions even more personally and individually to our customers’ needs,” says Pearson. “This includes, for example, remote diagnostics for the targeted reduction or avoidance of downtimes through more efficient service, or intelligent energy solutions as the basis for cost- and consumption-optimised energy management.”

* Enhanced connectivity thanks to telemetry units in every new truck
* Truck customers now have easy access to the Jungheinrich Fleet Management
* The FMS and telemetry units deliver increased efficiency and performance thanks to better data management

Jungheinrich UK Ltd is one of the top three leading intralogistics providers in the UK, generating a turnover of over £200 million annually. With a team of more than 800 dedicated and highly experienced employees operating from four locations across the UK, Jungheinrich offers the industry’s widest range of intralogistics solutions, including high energy efficiency pallet trucks, stackers, counterbalance trucks, order pickers and more in 600+ truck variants, new or fully refurbished.

Diesel Van Turns Electric at Press of Button

Posted on by David Priestman

An advanced retrofit solution which fits to existing diesel vans to make them both electric (first) and/or diesel at the touch of a button using innovative in-wheel motor (IWM) technology has been launched by BEDEO, an electric vehicle supplier and manufacturer based in Farnham, Hampshire, UK.

The new RE-100 Range Extender, part of its ‘Reborn Electric’ range, enables organisations with large fleets of vans, often with major conversions (e.g refrigeration units, bespoke fitouts, minibuses etc), to retain those vehicles for longer while still transitioning to an electric future. A vehicle fitted with a RE-100 Range Extender is electric first, with 117km of electric range, making it ideal for ‘Last Mile’ deliveries. Its existing diesel mode can be used when needed for longer trips, switching to electric when entering a low-emission zone and densely populated areas to eliminate emissions and accelerate decarbonisation.

At the heart of RE-100 are two in-wheel motors and a battery designed, engineered and manufactured by BEDEO. The in-wheel motors are fitted to the rear axle of the vehicle. The motors are more compact, lighter, efficient and easier to install than an equivalent e-axle and powered by a 37kWh battery. No suspension modifications are required to the front or rear, which means there is no loss of ground clearance and no loss of load space or height.

BEDEO came to national attention in 2019 manufacturing electric vans for significant players in the ‘Last Mile delivery’ market such as OCADO, DHL and TNT. Founder Osman Boyner says that with the concept of Reborn Electric he is providing a new business model for an industry caught between the twin goals of cost and sustainability. “The traditional model of fleet owners is to invest in new vans,” he explains. “But electric vans today don’t meet the needs of the market and even Euro VI diesel vans are still responsible for a disproportionate amount of carbon emissions. With the RE-100 we have created a new category of hybrid that not only meets the needs of the market but also accelerates transport decarbonisation.”

The RE-100 is a hybrid in as much as it can have two modes of power – electric and diesel – but with the BEDEO technology the vehicle cannot be operated as diesel within controlled low emissions zones, unless in an emergency. Outside of controlled zones the driver is in control and can determine when to stay in electric for a more pleasant driving experience, or switch to diesel for longer distances.

The ability to retrofit BEDEO’s IWM into an existing vehicle is an entirely new proposition: “BEDEO has leveraged this advanced IWM technology to develop the next generation of retrofit vehicles, unlimited by the constraints of a standard e-axle,” Boyner adds.

Commercial fleet operators face a number of significant challenges in the next few years, not least the uncertainty of a moving government deadline for an all-electric future which makes the RE-100 launch even more important. Osman believes that while switching to an all-electric fleet is desirable, it is also very expensive and wasteful, requiring investment not only in the vehicles themselves, but also the infrastructure to support them.

“While sustainability is, of course, a key driver, the end-to-end sustainability (whole lifecycle) of the vehicle also needs to be taken into account,” Boyner continues. “It cannot be sustainable to replace a vehicle that has not reached the end of its useful working life, neither is it sustainable to replace not only the vehicle, but also the refrigeration units or bespoke fit-out that many of these vehicles have. Retrofitting with electric overcomes these challenges and more, satisfying the need to reduce emissions in our city centres where the majority of the ‘Last Mile’ journeys are required, breathing new life into older vehicles.”

Today BEDEO can fit Reborn Electric solutions to a wide range of large commercial vans including the Peugeot Boxer, Citroen Jumper, the Fiat Ducato and Vauxhall Movano, with the intention to be a solution provider for all large vans. BEDEO has the capacity to convert hundreds of vehicles at any one time at its sites in Europe.

Reborn Electric is a range of retrofit solutions that includes the RE-100 range extended option and the BE-100, BE-250 and BE-350 full electric options.

AddSecure Partnership with Cold Chain Federation

Posted on by David Priestman

AddSecure, a European provider of secure IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions such as temperature-monitoring and connected fleet management solutions, has announced that it has become an associate member of the Cold Chain Federation. The membership is an important milestone for the company as it expands its presence in the UK and further establishes itself as a leading provider of temperature monitoring and connected fleet management solutions.

The Cold Chain Federation is the UK’s leading trade association for businesses involved in the storage, distribution, and transportation of temperature-controlled goods. As an associate member, AddSecure will have access to a wealth of industry knowledge, expertise, and networking opportunities.

AddSecure’s temperature-monitoring and connected fleet management solutions have already made a significant impact in the temperature-controlled logistics industry. With its advanced technology, the company has helped temperature-controlled businesses ensure the safety and quality of temperature-sensitive goods throughout the supply chain.

“We are delighted to become an associate member of the Cold Chain Federation,” said Paul Lawrence, MD of AddSecure UK. “The Federation’s commitment to promoting best practices in the cold chain logistics industry aligns with our own mission to provide the most advanced and effective solutions to our customers. We look forward to working closely with the Federation and its members to drive innovation and improve the safety and efficiency of the cold supply chain logistics sector.”

AddSecure’s membership in the Cold Chain Federation is a significant milestone for the company, as it expands its presence in the UK and further establishes itself as a leading provider of temperature-monitoring and connected fleet management solutions.

AddSecure is a leading European provider of secure IoT connectivity and end-to-end solutions. The company helps customers optimize their operations, drive business value, and secure vital functions. Headquarters is in Stockholm. Main market served is Europe, with customers worldwide.

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