Tarmac to track 1,350 aggregate vehicles

Tarmac, the heavy building materials supplier, is fitting a Web-based tracking system in its entire fleet of aggregate vehicles. Around 1,350 vehicles are affected initially, and more may be equipped later. It has chosen the Masternaut system.

Unusually for a systematic fitment programme like this, the affected vehicles are actually owned by third-party suppliers - hauliers who are working for Tarmac either under contract or on a regular basis. It will enable the company to monitor them in real time just as if they were operated in-house.

The company says the system's reporting capabilities will enable it to monitor each vehicle and obtain specific information about it, as well as answering customer queries about aggregate orders and passing on despatch details.

Among benefits, it is hoped that the system will prevent instances where vehicles have to wait on site for excessive periods before tipping asphalt or ready-mixed concrete.

The initial batch of vehicles should have been fitted by spring this year, and more could be equipped by the end of the year.