A PORTSMOUTH-based courier and freight company has slashed its mobile phone bill thanks to a new fleet management system.

Fraser Freight is using Thales Telematics' Orchid system because it claims it provides greater visibility for its mixed fleet of vehicles resulting in a more efficient and reliable delivery system.

The company delivers more than 300 consignments across Europe each month and its fleet managers are regularly faced with the costly and time-consuming task of directing its drivers to unfamiliar locations by phone.

The installation of the Orchid system has allowed fleet managers to monitor and pin-point the exact location of its mobile work force – eliminating many phone calls and driving down communication costs by 50%.

In addition to the significant reduction in mobile phone costs, the courier company has successfully negotiated a 5% reduction in insurance premiums, due to the system's record of safely recovering stolen high value loads and vehicles.