Bibby Distribution is fitting vehicle telematics systems throughout its transport fleet. A total of 450 tractor units, all of them MAN TGX 440 models, are due to be equipped with Microlise equipment as they come into service over the next 18 months, replacing all Bibby’s existing core fleet.

The first 55 of the new vehicles are already in operation, introducing a new livery, and were due to be followed by a further 131 vehicles in September. The rest will replace life-expired equipment in the course of 2013.

John Finn, the company’s fleet and procurement director, cites a variety of reasons for using telematics equipment. “By understanding how drivers perform,” he says, “including driving characteristics such as acceleration, braking, gear changes and engine idle times, we hope to improve journey times, fuel costs and also driver stress and fatigue levels.”

He adds: “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.”

He says the company operates a policy of keeping down the age profile of its fleet. “It’s 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,” he explains.

Bibby Distribution has grown steadily over the past 15 years, and is now reckoned to be the UK’s largest independent logistics company. It operates from 105 locations across the UK, employs 2,500 people and manages 2 million sq ft of warehousing space. It is part of the Bibby Line Group.

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