May/June 2004

Telematics specialist RTL has thought up a novel idea to get truck operators more interested in telematics. Recognising that some users may have reservations about the likely financial benefits of telematics systems, it is marketing a "pared-down" system called Fuel Saver at a budget price, majoring purely on the fuel-saving benefits it brings.

To drive home the attractions, it is offering to get an independent transport consultant, Chris Tarran, to analyse the statistics produced by the system for the user in the first month, and to point up the savings that have been achieved.

"We know that the cost of a full vehicle telemetry system can put smaller operators off," says RTL co-founder Harry Thompson. "That's why we have developed a system that cuts out many of the high technology features, and just saves cash."

RTL seems pretty confident that the savings will in fact be achieved. It says users typically save 3 per cent on fuel costs more or less immediately because drivers start to drive more carefully. The saving comes to £200 a month for a typical truck running 5,000 miles a month, it says.

 

RTL adds that further savings come later when the system starts to produce detailed reports on driver performance.

The basic system includes an Aplicom C-Series computer with modem, and is said to take just two hours to fit. The idea is that other features such as GPS tracking, in-cab monitors and other advanced telemetry hardware devices should be fitted later, once the operator is convinced of the initial payback.

It's a novel concept. We'll report back on take-up when we know more.