Aug/Sept 2008

The availability of a comprehensive online telematics product from Volvo convinced specialist cable supplier Draka to stay with this make for its latest trucks

Whilst on-board telematics systems supplied by a truck manufacturer might be seen by some vehicle operators as merely a nice-to-have extra, there are times when such systems can be among the clinching factors influencing the operator's choice of vehicle manufacturer.

That was exactly the case with Draka UK, a leading supplier of low-voltage and special-purpose electrical cables. The company was replacing a batch of seven-year-old Volvo FL rigids, partly to ensure compliance with London's Low Emission Zone (LEZ); and it wanted a telematics system to back up its green credentials by keeping track of vehicle emissions.

It also wanted a system that would monitor fuel efficiency and track drivers' hours in relation to Working Time Directive requirements.

 

Volvo's Dynafleet telematics system has provided the answer. 'It means we can demonstrate improvements in engine emissions to customers,' says transport manager Keith May. 'Its ability to manage drivers' hours is also helping with vehicle utilisation.'

Dynafleet is a Web-based telematics solution. A hardware unit is installed inside the vehicle, together with a combined GPS/GSM antenna. The equipment can be connected to a handheld computer, laptop or barcode reader, and is approved for ADR vehicles. The software is updated remotely. The driver can also have access to the Internet from the cab.

Whilst Draka's previous Volvos were bought outright, the new batch (a mix of Volvo FM and FE rigids) is being supplied on full Volvo contract hire. Maintenance is being handled by the supplying dealer, the Coventry depot of Volvo Truck and Bus Centre East Anglia. This company is also handling Dynafleet data downloading on behalf of Draka as part of the contract.

Telematics were not the only factor in the buying decision, of course. Basically the company liked what it was getting. As Keith May puts it: 'Providing a comfortable workplace for Draka's drivers was paramount when we were specifying the Volvos. Many of our drivers have long service with the company and take good care of their trucks.'

All the new vehicles are equipped with sleeper cabs as Draka delivers nationally on a nominated-day basis – though the company aims to flex deliveries to accommodate same-day delivery requests where possible. Loads can include anything up to 4-tonne cable drums. The company uses the Paragon routing and scheduling system to optimise deliveries.

The new Volvo trucks feature a brand new livery with a full-colour corporate advertisement covering the full length of the curtain-sided bodies, which were built by Transport Enterprise. The vehicles are expected to run up to 120,000 km a year.