Feb-March 2003

Fraser Freight, a Portsmouth-based courier and freight company, says its mobile phone costs have dropped 50 per cent since it installed Thales Telematics' Orchid fleet management system. The company delivers over 300 consignments at up to 80 continental European destinations each month.

Fraser says its fleet managers regularly have to direct its drivers to unfamiliar locations. The Orchid system has allowed them to monitor and pinpoint the drivers' exact location, eliminating unnecessary phone calls.

Fraser has also negotiated a 5 per cent reduction in insurance premiums - secured through the system's record of recovering high-value loads and vehicles safely.

The company says that before installing the Orchid system, difficulties in tracking vehicles across Europe and avoiding unforeseen delays meant it was hard to quote accurate and competitive delivery times.