JSR Haulage LTD is a subcontractor to Aggregate Industries and Tarmac, and are based in the Purfleet depot, Essex. The company primarily transports asphalt and aggregate throughout London and surrounding counties. Advocators of FORS in the daily running of the company, Thanminder Rai, Manager explains how the company has used FORS to make continual improvements, specifically in fuel consumption, cycle safety and ongoing improvements to make the industry more efficient.
I initially came across FORS as a contractual condition through Aggregate Industries, for those working on Crossrail’ explains Thanminder. ‘I did some research to determine whether FORS would benefit us. I realised very quickly that FORS creates a great opportunity for a haulage company to measure its current standards against recognised industry best practice.’
‘When preparing for the initial FORS assessment it was apparent that we already had a system in place, however FORS helped us put our policies and procedures into a comprehensive manual. We passed our Bronze assessment with flying colours and received excellent, positive feedback, which in turn motivated us to continue progressing.’
‘Achieving Bronze FORS reassured us that the procedures we consider to be paramount are also considered high standard within the haulage industry’ continues Thanminder. ‘From this point we were encouraged to work towards Silver status.’
‘Once we were Bronze accredited we really made use of the performance management tool kit, and the telephone support available from the FORS team was extremely helpful in achieving Silver.’
‘Aggregate Industries have shown recognition of our Bronze accreditation and have in response provided us with work on sites such as TfL and Crossrail, which require the close proximity safety equipment.
‘With the support of Aggregate Industries it has helped us achieve Gold‘ explains Thanminder Rai, Director
‘FORS has helped us achieve an improvement in our Miles per Gallon of 15% since 2017’ explains Thanminder Rai, Director
- Performance data –
|
|
MPG |
Incidents per 100,000 Kms | Number of PCNs | Proportion of fleet that uses alternative fuels |
| Year 2017 | 7.28 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Year 2018 | 8.22 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Year 2019 | 8.40 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Percentage improvement | 15% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Driver health and fitness review – The fitness of our drivers is paramount in ensuring the safe and effective running of our Fleet. One way we do this is by ensuring our drivers have regular sight tests which are arranged by ourselves. We also advise and review strategies for healthier living. New drivers are asked to complete health questionnaires and these are reviewed 6 monthly to make sure there are no underlying health issues we should be aware of.- Recruitment of drivers – we have a great retention rate and a low turnover of drivers at JSR Haulage Ltd, with some drivers being with us for 5 years. We advertise to a large community and assess and employ on individual merits.
- Noise assessment – we are aware that our vehicles have a vast impact on the noise pollution in and around London and due to this we have implemented the use of a telematics system which alerts us to engine idling and from this information we are able to train our drivers and make them more aware of noise pollution. At JSR Haulage LTD our drivers are required to sign Noise Pollution Policies so that they are aware of noise levels around them in certain areas and to reduce noise as much as they can.
- Modal shift and alternative vehicles – we make use of the LoCITY commercial vehicle finder tool which alerts us to any alternative vehicles that are available for our business. At present there are not any for the type of work that we do
‘FORS has encouraged and supported our progression through the 3 levels, and we are proud to be one of the small companies to be awarded FORS Gold status. However, our journey does not end here, as it’s all about continual improvement and ensuring we remain proactive in implementing best practice and developing our drivers.
‘With the recognition that FORS now has across the country and parts of Europe, it is very easy to see why you would want to be a part of it, I am glad that we realised the benefits and potentials of the scheme earlier on and were able to apply these in our business. There are updates and new criteria added all the time, and these, once implemented, help to make sure that our fleet is up to date and always striving to be better.
We have positively promoted FORS by liaising with local schools to host presentations talking about Road Safety and the importance of FORS and the Haulage Industry.
Thanminder concludes by saying, ‘The FORS scheme is of great value to any freight business operating in London, or anywhere else. FORS Gold status is achievable for any business, big or small. We encourage all small businesses to achieve FORS Gold.’
*Please note: All published FORS Gold case studies have been submitted by the accredited company named above and transcribed verbatim