Guest Express Transport provides fully managed logistic solutions for clients requiring hassle-free distribution of their goods. As one the premier airfreight movers at Heathrow, they have built a reputation for efficiency and reliability, and their already extensive client base is expected to increase with the introduction of the third runway.
Simon Guest, Director of Guest Express Transport says, “Our vehicle fleet covers all sizes; we can also facilitate tail lift, Moffett and ADR movements. Airfreight is a fast-moving time critical business that requires a flexible team to react to you and your customer needs. We also operate part and full loads for general haulage customers. We aim to be an extension of your business, making every movement as smooth as possible and allowing you to concentrate on your own business with peace of mind.”
The Brief
Guest Express had previously used Smart Witness Forward Facing Cameras, but wanted to expand on the solution by utilising the latest product developments.
Following the recent legislation of Direct Vision Legislation (DVS) being implemented for all goods vehicles over 12.5 tonnes travelling within Greater London, it was clear Guest Express were going to need to upgrade the camera capability they had on their vehicles. From 1st March 2021, the legislation will be enforced by Transport for London (TfL), and is based on a ‘star rating’, indicating how much a driver can see from the cab in relation to other road users. With this in mind the decision was made to implement 360 degree cameras around vehicles.
Introducing this camera system would also allow Simon to apply for Silver accreditation for FORS (Fleet operators Recognition Scheme). Guest Express had previously achieved Bronze accreditation of FORS & this addition would support them in going for the next level.
Our solution
We upgraded Simon’s camera equipment to the Smart Witness CP2 solution. It’s the world’s most advanced incident camera with powerful LTE (or Wi-Fi) video transmission, built-in tracking and telematics data. Developed to provide evidence of events leading up to and during a road traffic accident, the CP2 provides instant notifications & videos of incidents in less than a minute. The cameras include global SIMs from our connectivity partner, Aeris to enable seamless communication back to the control hub.
The cameras are all set up to be managed through our SaaS Foretrack Connect asset tracking system, an easy to use, out of the box solution with many added features to help Simon manage and track his fleet.
The following improvements in vehicle/public safety and compliance include the following:
- Conforming to compliance & safety standards required by DVS & FORS
- Adding reversing cameras has especially raised the safety levels for any member of the of the public that may be moving around the vehicle. Artic lorries are extremely big, so being able to have visuals of the surrounding areas has made this a much less daunting & dangerous task.
- From an insurance compliance perspective, installing the Smart Witness 360 Camera Solution reassures the insurance provider that drivers are supported in keeping the public around them safe. This is turn helps in driving down the insurance premiums. Insurance costs for this type of business are significant, so any efficiencies that can support lowers costs are welcomed by the company.
Additional benefits for the operations team, drivers & customers
- Introducing a camera system also protects Guest Express’s drivers from falling victim to ‘Crash for Cash’ style schemes. London & the surrounding areas are prime for crimes of this type, and the camera system gives drivers the peace of mind they need to be able to prove their innocence if required. This also supports lower insurance costs and protects against personal injury and non-genuine claims.
- From an operational perspective the company is able to not only see where the vehicles are via the tracking system, but they can also see if a lorry is being unloaded. This enables accurate customer information as to when the job will be complete, also giving the next customer accurate timing of when to expect their load to be delivered.
- At times 2-3 lorries will be in the same place delivering - having visuals of what’s happening when they have arrived onsite gives the operational team additional information on how to plan for the day ahead, making this a great management tool
- Reporting on harsh breaking – giving management the information they need. Vehicles are expensive to maintain so if drivers require additional training this is also a cost saving benefit.
- Panic Button – This feature gives both drivers & customers peace if mind that drivers know that if they find themselves in a difficult position in the case of a high jack they can access support at the touch of a button. Customers are pleased about this additional feature, especially when high value loads are being transported, preventing the possible loss of their goods in transit.
Simon at Guest Express Transport said:
“As a business we want to deliver the best for our customers, whilst having the safety of our drivers and the public at the forefront of our operations. Implementing the Smart Witness 360 Camera Solutions via Foresolutions has enabled us to support the growth of our business by moving forward with DVS & FORS accreditations. The system gives us the whole picture of how the fleet is operating, location information, increased safety, driver & customer support, insurance assistance which in turn has made us more operationally efficient.
We are pleased with the outcome & look forward to working with Foresolutions to implement further efficiencies throughout the business”.
