Transport tech: The benefits of telematics systems for hauliers

Road transport operators use telematics systems in a range of areas from fuel efficiency and safety measurement to vehicle tracking and incident recording, all with the aim of improving business performance.

With telematics technology providing such a wide range of options, commercial fleets also naturally pick the ones best suited to their operations.

For example, HZ Logistics has invested in a Driver Monitoring System (DMS) from Durite as part of its ongoing commitment to enhancing driver safety and wellbeing,

equipping its fleet with advanced AI-powered in-cab technology designed to detect and help prevent driver fatigue and distraction.

With long-distance routes and tight delivery schedules forming part of HZ’s core operations, the Durite DMS uses artificial intelligence to monitor indicators such as eye closure, inattentiveness and mobile phone use.

When ‘risky’ behaviour is detected, real-time visual and audible alerts prompt the driver to refocus immediately, helping to reduce the likelihood of incidents before they occur.

HZ Logistics uses the technology to support operational improvements, including reduced vehicle downtime, fewer route disruptions, and improved fleet utilisation, by helping to prevent incidents before they escalate.

It also anticipates that the system will contribute to lower collision rates and may support insurance cost reduction over time.

The system also forms part of HZ Logistics’ broader strategy to combine technology with driver engagement, ensuring drivers feel supported rather than monitored.

Plus, compliance with industry safety standards such as DVS, FORS, and CLOCS was another key factor in HZ Logistics’ decision to adopt the technology.

Ronald Livermore, Driver Trainer at HZ Logistics said: “Rather than relying on reactive measures after an incident, the system allows us to intervene in real time, helping drivers correct behaviour before it becomes a risk.

“This ultimately supports a safer working environment for both our drivers and other road users.

“Compliance is a key driver for us. Systems like the Durite DMS support our commitment to meeting and exceeding industry standards.”

Meanwhile, logistics and storage specialist FHS Group has invested in an integrated Webfleet fleet management solution to improve compliance, reduce operating costs and gain full visibility across its truck and trailer operations.

The Wisbech-based business operates a diverse fleet of more than 200 vehicles and trailers, including 44-tonne HGVs, refrigerated trailers, tippers, walking floors, tautliners for ambient goods and low loaders for specialist transport.

Following the introduction of tighter Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) trailer laden brake performance testing standards last year, the company decided to replace separate fleet management systems for its trucks and trailers with Webfleet’s integrated, Electronic Brake Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS)-based solution.

The technology continuously monitors trailer brake performance and enables DVSA-compliant, load-simulated assessments to be carried out remotely, with every brake event recorded digitally.

Alongside improved compliance, FHS Group is also using Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 driver monitoring to tackle fuel consumption, idling and driving behaviour.

League tables have been introduced to encourage positive change, while higher-than-average maintenance costs on a vehicle now trigger reviews of OptiDrive data and targeted driver training.

The new system provides the fleet team with instant alerts for unauthorised vehicle movement and low trailer battery levels, preventing assets from becoming ‘invisible’ when parked off-site.

Bespoke dashboards have also been created for different driver roles, ensuring fair and realistic performance targets.

Jordan McKenna, Director at FHS Group said: “For us, bringing trailers back into the workshop for manual brake tests every inspection meant lost productivity, reduced driver earning time and higher maintenance costs.

“We needed a smarter, more joined-up approach.

“With so much data available, we’ve taken a disciplined approach. Each quarter we focus on one critical KPI, starting with fuel, then moving on to CO₂, servicing and maintenance. It keeps the team focused and delivers measurable results.”

To strengthen onboard safety systems and support compliance with London’s Direct Vision Standard (DVS) requirements, Yorkshire haulier Revis Transport partnered with commercial vehicle CCTV and telematics specialist Centrad.

Revis has fitted Centrad’s dual-camera system across its 60-vehicle fleet, combining forward-facing and nearside cameras with pedestrian and cyclist blind-spot detection technology powered by AI.

The system, which has reduced insurance costs, is designed to alert drivers in real time when vulnerable road users are detected close to the vehicle.

Alongside the camera systems, Revis has also adopted Centrad’s CenHub video telematics and fleet management platform.

The software allows fleet managers to access live video footage, driver behaviour analysis and vehicle health information through a single dashboard.

Revis said the platform enables the business to monitor near misses, identify driver training opportunities and streamline incident reporting using downloadable time-stamped footage.

Neil Hutchinson, Commercial Director at Revis Transport, said: “CenHub has given us a level of visibility and control that we simply didn’t have before.

“With the business now operating 60 vehicles, we have at our fingertips real-time insights into every single asset within our fleet 24/7, enabling us to monitor performance across each vehicle, address issues proactively, and better support our drivers.”

Also, The Nurture Group has deployed Geotab’s GO devices and MyGeotab fleet management platform across its fleet of 2,150 light commercial vehicles and 50 heavy goods vehicles.

The business provides commercial landscaping, grounds maintenance, arboriculture, and winter gritting services to corporate, public, and residential clients around the UK, servicing thousands of sites daily.

With Geotab, The Nurture Group has gained near real-time visibility across its entire fleet – including vehicle location, trip data, driver behaviour, and engine diagnostics – through a single, unified dashboard.

Geotab’s open platform means the group can integrate additional tools and third-party solutions from the system as its needs evolve.

Nick Hills, Chief Operating Officer at The Nurture Group, said: “We need a telematics platform that can keep up with where the business is heading, not just where it’s been.

“Geotab provides the data quality and scalability we’re looking for, with a setup that is simpler and a cost model that works for a fleet our size.”

Hauliers are continuously looking to meet their goals of improving driver and vehicle standards, and a range of telematics specialists are on hand to support them on that journey.