TomTom Business Solutions improves efficiency, safety and customer service for Devon haulage firm

The installation of the TomTom Business Solution's tracking device to general hauliers William C Hockin (Transport) Limited is resulting in improved driver safety, increased customer satisfaction, higher productivity and better compliance with driver hours rules.

Established 36 years ago by managing director Bill Hockin and his wife, local and long distance haulage company William C Hockin (Transport) Limited operates throughout the UK from its Barnstaple headquarters and depots in South Molton and Tiverton. Much of the work undertaken by its 36 truck fleet is on demand meaning the ability to respond quickly to customers and to pick up return loads is vital to the efficiency and profitability of the operation. As Mr Hockin says: "There's no profit in running trucks half empty!"

Two key factors to a haulier's operational efficiency are knowing where the trucks are at all times and having a safe communication link between the traffic office and drivers. This allows ad hoc orders to be allocated, drivers quickly informed and accurate delivery times relayed to the customer. "The haulage industry is highly competitive, particularly right now," adds Mr Hockin, "and we need to be able to maintain a high level of customer satisfaction to win and keep customers."

Thanks to the TomTom solution, the traffic office at William C Hockin is now immediately able to identify the location of each truck in real time. As a result, the office can see which truck is best suited for the job, contact the driver by mobile phone when the tracking system shows it to be stationary, and give a very accurate time of arrival at a destination just by a quick glance at the screen. They also use the system to monitor compliance with driving hours regulations to make sure drivers stay within the rules and take rest breaks and days off at the correct intervals.

William C Hockin (English, PDF, 862 KB)