Middlebrook Transport – Going for Gold

Middlebrook Transport Ltd is a family run business, specialising in steel and hazardous loads. We are based in Alfreton, Derbyshire and supply steel stockholders and construction sites with large beams as well as other construction materials. Rick Bromley explains how the Middlebrook Transport has used the FORS standards to improve fleet efficiency, increased MPG, reduced CO2 emissions per KM travelled, as well as lowered NOx and Fine Particulate Matter emissions, as well as all this we have reduced accidents, improved safety and reduced fines., it really feels like we are playing our part in decreasing the overall impact of transport operations on the environment.

We came across FORS in our operations within the construction sector, we quickly came to see the huge benefits the standards could bring, and we have fully embraced all elements of FORS, realising it would be a positive driver for operational change.

Initially, our Bronze audit was an unfamiliar process for us, but we quickly got things in order, realising we were doing the majority of things correctly, but needing to document and process the information in a more logical manner, subsequent audits have been straightforward and our systems soon saw the benefit.

Once we fully implemented the systems involved in the Bronze standard we found e-learning and performance management were of great benefit, by highlighting certain areas we were able to reduce damage and monitor the fleet usage as well as improve fuel efficiency and implement driver training for established drivers.

Mark Rouse, Garage Manager, moving on to R2C telematics has enabled Middlebrook Transport to change defect reporting and trailer servicing, ensuring better maintenance and asset control

FORS e-learning workshops have helped our drivers appreciate the issues of operating in cities such as London, a greater emphasis on training has helped reduce PCN’s and infringements

Since 2013 PCN’s have reduced by almost 80% this has been a great achievement for Middlebrook Transport, said Andrew Garside, QHSE Manager

We started the progression from Bronze to Silver because we could see the benefits to the organisation particularly in view of the coming environment for operating within London, but in the future other cities as well, it just felt the correct thing to do, and went hand in hand with the improvements we were determined to drive through in Middlebrook Transport

*Annual improvement in MPG and Incidents per 100,000 Kms

• Driver health and fitness review – We monitor drivers health and fitness, we are proactive in ensuring drivers comply with not only legislation, but best practice too. All drivers have to complete a medical declaration, and we have access to councillors should a member of staff witness any unforeseen distressing events.
• Middlebrook Transport have a very high profile in the Derbyshire area, we recruit by reputation and also take on, as well as train young staff, who we put through our entire training program, from Car to Artic, Steel to Chemicals.
• Noise assessment – We are very aware of our environmental impact, particularly noise, The company started at the edge of a residential street close to the centre of Alfreton, but have now relocated to a dedicated commercial site, over a mile from the nearest dwelling. This has reduced the noise impact on our operation, and with the vast majority of our loading sites in industrial areas, this has seen a reduction in noise impact to neighbours, we also are aware of the impact on our own staff and have and do conduct noise studies in the workshop area.
• At Middlebrook Transport we follow the latest innovations closely, Modal shift is limited due to the nature of our primary business, however alternate fuels is an area we are very interested in, we are quoting for electric charging points on our Alfreton site, and in contact with a local innovation company regarding Hydrogen Fuel cell vehicles, which have the capability of delivering the performance required from our industry and customers.

Our plans for the future are to invest in the latest vehicles, training and technology to ensure we comply with the forthcoming standards around our industry and working environment. We are aware the new euro vehicle spec, as well as the vision requirements for the next generation of safer vehicles. At Middlebrook we believe it’s not just about complying, it’s about staying ahead of the game.

As a leading transport provider, achieving FORS Gold would be a demonstration of how embracing the standards can lead to recognition of excellence. It would be recognition of the hard work, effort and dedication that all our staff have put into this process, and the rewards Middlebrook Transport and its staff will reap in the future.

Middlebrook Transport: Website

Please note: All published FORS Gold case studies have been submitted by the accredited company named above and transcribed verbatim.