RC Haulage Services Ltd is a sub-contractor for Tarmac Industries that transports aggregate and asphalt materials supplied by Tarmac. RC Haulage Services Ltd was first established in 2014 and since joining FORS, has been operating much more cost efficiently. FORS has showed RC Haulage Services Ltd how to improve on their fuel efficiency by implementing certain practices and techniques. Managing director of RC Haulage Services Ltd, Rudolph Chambers, explains how FORS has been beneficial to their company.
We first found out about FORS through a fellow haulier, who informed us of how FORS has benefited their fleet. After conducting further research on what the FORS scheme was, we discovered that FORS would help our fleet reduce fuel usage and emission output. FORS showed us that we could begin improving on our fuel efficiency firstly through our drivers. By providing us with the appropriate learning resources, we were able to help our drivers expand on their driver knowledge to help improve on fuel efficiency.
Our initial audit to acquire our first bronze accreditation went smoothly thanks to the guidance FORS provided us with. After implementing the recommended practices from FORS to achieve our bronze accreditation, we saw the noticeable improvements made within the fleet instantaneously. From this point, we were encouraged to aim for a silver accreditation as we wanted to further improve our business and it was clear that this was the next step to take.
Once we were both bronze and silver accredited with FORS, we continued to take full advantage of all the resources and toolkits FORS has to offer to its members. One toolkit we found extremely useful was the fuel tracker. Having the fuel tracker gave us a place to put all relevant information regarding our fleet, fuel usage, costs and KMPL. By having all this information in one place helped keep management of the business more organised and efficient, as we were able to see where our fleet needed to make improvements and whether they had improved.
‘Having the fuel tracker helped keep our fuel records more organised and orderly.’ – Rudolph Chambers
Our drivers at RC Haulage Services Ltd really benefited from FORS e-learning resources which showed through their driving abilities. Having driving modules that are of easy access to our drivers encouraged them to regularly complete the relevant modules. Having our drivers do this ensured that their road safety knowledge was up to standard, and they were aware of the necessary safety procedures that need to be carried out whilst working for RC Haulage Services Ltd.
‘Drivers at RC Haulage Services Ltd are more knowledgeable on road safety when operating in HGV vehicles thanks to FORS’ e-learning resources.’ – Rudolph Chambers
After seeing the benefits gained from becoming both bronze and silver accredited, we are now aiming for a gold accreditation. We believe since we have been implementing the procedures required for a gold accreditation, we have been performing at our most efficient level since launching as a haulage business.
In the last three quarters, we have increased our KMPL by 1.04% thanks to FORS.
|
|
KMPL | Incidents per 100,000 Kms | Number of PCNs |
| Oct – Dec 17 | 1.92 | 0 | 1 |
| Jan – March 18 | 1.94 | 0 | 0 |
| Percentage improvement | 1.04% | 0% | 100% |
At RC Haulage Services Ltd, we ensure that our employees are fit to work by requesting that they complete a health questionnaire form declaring that they are indeed fit to work. If there are any health complications that may affect their driving, we will then refer them to a GP for further consultation. Furthermore, we also request that our employees carry out an eye examination every six months to ensure their eye sight is suitable for driving.
When looking for new recruits at RC Haulage Services Ltd, we offer tipper drivers with no previous experience an in-depth induction and training into their new field. During their training, the new driver will be supervised by one of our experienced drivers. Once they have successfully completed their training and shown they have the ability to drive independently, they can begin their independent driving.
The vehicles used to carry out our mode of work are a major contributor to the roads noise pollution levels. To help reduce this, FORS informed us of the anti-idling method. This method informed our drivers to turn off their engines when their vehicle is idle for a long period of time. Implementing this technique also helped us on saving fuel and reducing monthly costs which we were able to keep track of with the fuel tracker tool provided by FORS.
The aggregate and asphalt material we transport at RC Haulage Services Ltd required a heated environment, therefore our vehicles used to carry out our work must have an insulated body. Our vehicles must have a body that allows us to easily deposit our materials. Currently there are no alternative vehicles that are more environmentally friendly other than a diesel HGV vehicle with a euro six engine. We plan to keep up to date with any improvements or changes made in the vehicle industry and if any alternatively powdered vehicles are made available.
At RC Haulage Services Ltd, we aim to continue supporting our drivers and encouraging them to regularly repeat the relevant driving modules to ensure their road knowledge is up to date. We also plan to ensure our vehicles have the appropriate equipment and accessories to ensure the safety of vulnerable road users and reduce the amount of noise our vehicles produce.
By having RC Haulage Services Ltd become a FORS gold accredited fleet, it would tell our drivers that their efforts of working at their highest standard have been recognized and rewarded. This would then encourage them to continue working at a high standard. Furthermore, we believe being gold accredited would help us acquire more cliental as the accreditation increases our credibility as a haulage business and shows clients that we are working using the best practice.
Please note: All published FORS Gold case studies have been submitted by the accredited company named above and transcribed verbatim.