Truckfile drives smoother maintenance for Shaw & Son
Haulier James Shaw & Son says it has simplified vehicle inspection processes and cut out the paper trail previously relied upon for maintenance recording, thanks to the adoption of digital management systems from Truckfile.
James Shaw & Son can trace its history back to the 1950s, when founder James Shaw, along with his brothers George and Peter, commenced trading with a single Bedford rigid. James’s son, Stephen, joined in the ’70s and now the third Shaw generation is at the helm of the company, in the shape of managing director Andrew.
The company provides transport services to a wide range of customers, hauling everything from trailers to wet wipes across the UK.
The Merseyside-based operator is now using Truckfile packages to keep its fleet of 36 tractor units and 59 trailers safe and compliant, and to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of its in-house workshop, which is staffed by two technicians and a tyre fitter.
The move to digital management happened almost by chance. General manager Chris Thompson recalled: “I was actually on the RHA website looking for some new defect reporting stationery, when I came across an advert for Truckfile.
“I decided to dig a bit deeper and could see the potential for making the management of our fleet compliance much smoother and easier. The cost seemed very competitive too so we decided to go for it – and it’s one of the best things we’ve ever done.”
On the efficiency improvements achieved via Truckfile’s Workshop Application, Chris Thompson said: “The best aspect for me is the visibility – every bit of information I need about all our vehicles is there on one screen.
“I can see which trucks need servicing, MOT testing, taxing or tachograph calibration, as well as any reported defects. I don’t have to go looking for anything, it’s all right there in front of me.
“For our technicians, too, the benefits are clear,” he continued. “They use handheld tablets and a touchscreen terminal to record all vehicle inspections and jobs completed. It’s so much simpler and quicker than using paper forms.”
The ability to easily cross-reference with workshop loading schedules also means forward planning can be much more effective.
“We’ve been able to iron out the peaks and troughs that we sometimes had to endure previously,” he continued.
“So instead of having four trucks in for service one week, and 10 the next; we’re able to ensure there are six or seven week-in, week-out.”
Although the initial plan was only to invest in a workshop management system, James Shaw is also now making use of Truckfile’s Driver Application.
“This brings a range of benefits too,” said Mr Thompson. “Drivers can do their daily checks with smartphones and don’t have to carry paperwork around with them. It’s also much easier for the office to keep track of all our trailers. The system records whenever one is collected or dropped off and the information is instantly accessible.
“Defect reporting is far more efficient, as Truckfile removes duplication which allows our workshop to focus on jobs that require attention most urgently. Scaled up across a fleet, that saves a huge amount of time.”
He continued: “Overall the installation of Truckfile into our workshop and fleet has been a real breath of fresh air and is helping the whole operation to run much more smoothly. The support from the Truckfile team has been great, the system is actually really easy to use but we have been guided through it every step of the way.”
