BIBBY RAMPS-UP TRUCK FLEET WITH MAN AND TELEMATICS
31 August 2012
More than 450 new MAN TGX 440 tractor units featuring telematics systems from Microlise will take to the road with Bibby Distribution over the next 18 months as part of the company’s core fleet replacement strategy for 2012/13.
Along with a commitment to offering customers high-quality equipment with the introduction of new vehicles, the company also believes that enhanced tracking systems will add greater supply chain visibility and improve fuel management across the business by focusing on driver behaviour.
“Keeping the age profile of the fleet down is as much about providing a cost-effective and reliable service to customers as it is about considering the impact of our activities on the environment and the safety of our drivers,” said John Finn, Fleet and Procurement Director, Bibby Distribution. “By understanding how drivers perform, including driving characteristics such as acceleration, braking, gear changes, engine idle times etc, we hope to improve journey times, fuel costs and also driver stress and fatigue levels.”
“In addition, the importance of being in touch with drivers while they are out on the road is often underestimated and undervalued. Telematics systems offer the chance to reduce the stress and time-pressure on drivers by allowing for more efficient planning in the event of unexpected delays.”
An initial 55 of the new Euro 5 MAN units, each displaying Bibby's revamped livery, are now in operation across the business and will be closely followed by a further 131 scheduled for replacement in September. The remaining new vehicles will replace life-expired equipment throughout the course of 2013.
It is also anticipated that by the end of 2013, 100 per cent of the Bibby Distribution fleet will feature telematics systems, which is backed up by an on-going SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) driver development programme delivered by its subsidiary training company, System Training.
“Accuracy and visibility are what make a good logistics company a powerful asset to a customer’s operations. Innovating and investing in these areas is something that is always at the forefront of our minds, regardless of whether we have been working with a customer for two weeks or two years. It’s all about adding value, and that’s where we always strive to come up trumps,” added Finn.
A limited edition MAN Corinthian5 – launched as part of MAN’s 20thanniversary celebrations in the UK earlier this year – will join the Bibby fleet in October. The vehicle will visit a number of Bibby depots offering the chance for drivers to enjoy the luxury of the flagship model.
ends
Notes to editors:
As one of the top ten logistics providers in the UK, Bibby Distribution exists to enable other companies to drive value from their supply chain activities. The company specialises in providing contract logistics, warehousing, distribution, systems integration and added value services to a wide range of customers.
Bibby Distribution operates from 105 locations across the UK, employs 2,500 people and manages 2 million ft² of warehousing space.
The majority of Bibby Distribution’s business is based on long-term partnerships. Its diverse capability also means it can share best practice across the various industry sectors it operates in, from Automotive to FMCG.
The company is part of the £1bn-turnover Liverpool-based Bibby Line Group, a 200 year old family owned business-to-business services specialist. It is involved in ship-owning and operation, shallow water accommodation, offshore oil and gas services, contract logistics, financial services, memorial parks, employment law, health & safety advisory services, specialist plant & equipment hire and retail.
www.bibbydist.co.uk
www.bibbygroup.co.uk
BIB/050/12
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