It is always great to see new technology making the lives of professional drivers better. One such example is the new geofencing software now being used to make van driving and delivery receipt a lot more efficient. Wolseley UK is in the midst of testing the software on three of its routes.
Geofencing is a system that utilises GPS to create digital boundaries or ‘fences’ around a specified location. When a targeted vehicle passes through one of those boundaries, the delivery recipient receives an alert letting them know that the van is just 20 minutes away. One Woolsey customer is helping in the trial by testing their own 60-minute delivery window using the system.
Beverly Plumb Centre branch manager Nye Whittaker told Commercial Fleet that the new technology lets him prepare for an oncoming delivery. Once he knows the Wolseley truck is on the way, a staff member can call their customers to inform them that their orders will be arriving shortly. This enables Beverly Plumb to guarantee one-hour delivery windows even on orders placed as late as 5pm the previous evening. Everyone wins by reducing the amount of time it takes for products to get from the distribution centre to the customer.
As for the van drivers themselves, they enjoy the benefit of delivery recipients being prepared for their arrival. The system reduces the amount of time van drivers have to wait for unprepared receiving departments, allowing them to get in and out more quickly and make maximum use of their time.
Geofencing is designed primarily as a tool to make delivery receipt and van driving more efficient. Nevertheless, we can easily see shippers also using the software to improve overall performance. For example, if a dispatcher were to receive the same alert as the delivery recipient, he would know exactly where his delivery vans were at any point during the day. He would also be able to keep track of drivers not maintaining their schedules.
The data could be collected and analysed for the purposes of better routing. Additionally, drivers not performing well could be addressed, using the data as evidence, of the need for improvement. The possibilities are pretty wide open for anyone willing to explore them creatively.
Here at the HGV Training Centre, we can see plenty of potential for geofencing technology. Even in its early stages it is making van driving more efficient and distribution more convenient for the customer. It will be interesting to see where the technology takes local delivery in the future.
In the meantime, we invite you to consider working with us to complete your van driving training. The HGV Training Centre provides convenient and affordable classes at dozens of locations throughout the UK. Our training programmes utilise a fast-paced and intense approach designed to get you licenced and working as quickly as possible. We are proud to be one of the leading providers of commercial driver training in the UK.
Sources:
Commercial Fleet – https://www.commercialfleet.org/news/truck-news/2015/04/09/wolseley-use-geofencing-to-achieve-one-hour-delivery-slots
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