Deltion’s CarrierNet Hazard Avoidance Routing Tool (C.H.A.R.T.) has many benefits for a transport operator (TO). These are the obvious benefits:
Complete coverage of all routes
Vehicles can only move with registered characteristics, removing the potential for bridge strikes from loaded flatbed trailers or similar operations;
Detours due to road works etc, can be accommodated and routes produced will be valid for the loads – these may vary from the official detours provided by traffic authorities.
Cost savings due to accident avoidance such as bridge strikes
In the UK, the TOs responsible for a bridge strike are liable for all associated costs. Every bridge strike is expensive, averaging £13,000. Bridge strikes are usually caused by hauliers or busses and the TO involved could be liable for all the costs of bridge and road inspection, repairs, train delays, vehicle and load damage, as well as any harm to other road users. In fact, a TO will probably be investigated by the DVSA and, in some cases, it and/or the driver could face prosecution.
Cost savings due to improved route planning
CHART provides the best routes taking into account hazard avoidance, real-time traffic issues and more – all of which adds up to cost savings via fuel efficiency and time savings due to route planning efficacy
C.H.A.R.T.’s flexible cost structure
Agree a contract to provide year round total coverage or;
Purchase a flexible approach to provide coverage for selected vehicles only on an as needed basis
Manage transport operations better
All information is stored in C.H.A.R.T.’s own BI tool that can be used to provide Plan v Actual for journeys to provide reports, with a standard set of reports available and others may be configured as required.
User capabilities are determined by assigned roles and permissions to provide the highest levels of security via a single sign-on.
Enables a TO to build C.H.A.R.T. into its own ways of working – rather than being a one-size-fits-all solution, C.H.A.R.T. can be tailored to work with any set of standard operating procedures
The other, perhaps less obvious, benefits of C.H.A.R.T. are:
Ease of Use
Integrates with existing systems to pull through planned orders into loads.
Allows companies to update vehicles and/or trailers directly from fleet management systems.
Uploads driver rosters directly from workforce management systems or similar.
All vehicle, driver and order details can be integrated into C.H.A.R.T. direct from source data, removing any double keying.
Minimises traffic risks
Delivers ‘turn-by-turn’ routing.
Any deviations can be alerted in real time, to allow management to plan the required responses proactively.
Improves customer service
CHART will provide accurate arrival information based on the correct real time updates for the vehicle and customer service staff can provide all the latest updates, including for detours.
Customers can also check on progress of journeys themselves via the C.H.A.R.T. portal.
Real-time traffic updates will provide the best ETA’s possible.
Provides better response to relevant authorities
All journeys are recorded, both planned and actual, and can be used easily provide real-time reports.
Designated areas can be avoided as and when required by local authorities
Provides benefits to external stakeholders
Can be given a copy of the routes (or access with viewer rights if agreed by the TO).
Integrate map regions to avoid in routing for particular vehicles; this can be based on times of day as well.
Assess performance on an objective basis, with reports then being tailored accordingly by operators to produce a more efficient and transparent service.
Drivers can focus almost exclusively on service delivery.
If you would like more information about C.H.A.R.T. or wish to discuss specific issues including subscription models, please contact please contact Bashir Khan – bashir.khan@deltion.co.uk