Lenham Storage, the ambient grocery and beverage Warehousing and Distribution specialists, have seen unexpected additional benefits since deploying TruTac’s new TruControl system.

As one of the UK’s leading grocery logistics experts, Lenham Storage already knew the importance of tachograph management, however, as a business committed to continuous improvement they wanted to build on their impressive compliance performance.

Whilst Lenham have always been good at managing tachographs they realised by using TruControl that they could take compliance to a higher level. So, instead of just ‘ticking a compliance box’ they used the valuable data to drive best practice and efficiencies throughout the business.

This holistic approach has seen not only a significant reduction in driver infringements but also improved administration, better auditing controls and significant driver behaviour improvement through enhanced debriefing and education.

“Every responsible transport operation needs to keep tight control of driver infringements” says Steve Phibbs, who oversees tachograph analysis, driver reports and WTD compliance at Lenham Storage.  “However, we wanted more than just tacho analysis, and have driven multiple admin efficiencies by investing in this latest technology.”

With around 250 vehicles involved in the daily distribution of grocery and ambient goods to multiples, high street retailers, hotels and farm shops throughout the UK, Lenham recognised the need to install a fleet compliance control system. They now debrief drivers quicker, track recommendations to ensure training has been done and improved management reporting delivering tighter auditing controls.

TruControl has 24/7 web-based reporting as standard, allowing Steve and his team instant access to key operational data just minutes after downloading. This, says Steve, provides total control over all WTD and compliance information enabling strategic management decisions to be made.

Steve added “Controlling tachograph data is a key part of maintaining a legal and efficient fleet but TruControl has taken this to another level. It’s easier to use, has KPI data available in management dashboards and has saved crucial admin hours for managers. TruControl does much more than keep us compliant with Hours Law and WTD, it delivers untold operational efficiencies and peace of mind.”

To eliminate possible driving licence verification issues, Lenham has also introduced TruLicence –  a bespoke TruTac package designed to instantly check UK drivers’ licences for compliance and insurance purposes.

“Using the TruLicence software” says Steve, “we can check and monitor each driver’s licence details, including points, qualifications and medical status, without the burden of lengthy manual procedures. It’s fast, accurate and easy to handle and most importantly, we can make sure no one is driving without a valid licence.”

Implementing TruControl was also a fast and pain free process, according to Steve. “The changeover only took a couple of days. Within no time, we had over 150 trucks and drivers using the system from our four UK sites in Maidstone, Andover, Aylesford and Sittingbourne. TruTac provided some initial on-site training and are always at the end of the phone for assistance.”

Lenham Storage is a family-owned and run business, and since 1946 has specialised in ambient grocery and FMCG storage and distribution. The company has over ¾ million square feet of shared-user warehousing, including 75,000 pallet spaces for racked or bulk stow storage.