Commercial fleet briefs: Latest from Chassis Cab, JHS Logistics, AssetGo, McCarron Coates and McCulloch Group

DAF dealer Chassis Cab relocates East Anglia premises to Newmarket

Chassis Cab, a DAF dealer, has opened a new facility in Newmarket as part of its growth and operational development in East Anglia.

The new premises, rebranded to ‘Chassis Cab Newmarket’ in line with the group’s three other locations in Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, and Fenstanton, is the result of a relocation from the group’s previous location at Universal Garage in Isleham, and brings together all Chassis Cab departments in one building.

In comparison to the previous location, Chassis Cab Newmarket features a 152% increase in workshop floor space and a 128% increase in parts floor space.

Robert Baxter, managing director at Chassis Cab, said: “Opening our new site in Newmarket is a proud moment and the result of significant investment and dedication from a highly motivated workforce.

“The expanded and modernised premises not only benefit our staff through improved capacity and a more cohesive working space, but it also further enhances the service we deliver to our customers.

“We’re excited for the next chapter in our story, and I thank everyone who has contributed to the successful transition.”

JHS Logistics cuts vehicle downtime after switch to pay-as-you-go breakdown repair service

Southampton-based port logistics provider, JHS Logistics has reported significant reductions to vehicle downtime after switching to TNS 365 as its breakdown repair and recovery provider.

With a fleet of 44 tractors and 50 trailers, JHS Logistics provides container haulage and other logistics services to all major UK ports.

Since switching to TNS 365’s pay-as-you-go service, JHS has benefitted from its network of dedicated commercial vehicle technicians – meaning JHS vehicles are never more than 90 minutes from a mechanic.

Scott Manser, operations manager for JHS Logistics, said: “It has been brilliant since day one; we’ve had zero problems and are very happy with it. 

“It is a modern and up to date system that is very easy and straightforward to use.”

To utilise TNS 365’s system, users log a breakdown online with details and images.

“The way the platform is set up is perfect for us,” Manser continued.

“We just log into the system, record our breakdown and upload the photos.

“Being able to add pictures is great as it means the mechanic can see which parts they need to bring to the vehicle - which has massively reduced downtime.”

AssetGo officially DVSA approved as systems provider for drivers’ hours

Fleet and compliance management systems provider, AssetGo, has been approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as a systems provider for drivers’ hours as part of the DVSA Earned Recognition (ER) scheme.

The ER scheme provides an opportunity for vehicle operators to show that they meet driver and vehicle compliance standards, with accredited operators requiring fewer roadside checks and gaining a stronger reputation with clients and regulators.

AssetGo is already involved with the scheme as an approved provider for vehicle maintenance and, as a systems provider for drivers’ hours, is now in a position to offer full ER data integration – supporting transport operators in achieving the highest levels of compliance.

AssetGo’s commercial director, Matt Abrams, said: “Becoming a DVSA-approved provider for drivers’ hours under Earned Recognition is a significant milestone for AssetGo. It reflects the strength of our platform and our commitment to helping operators streamline their compliance processes.

“We’re proud to now support our customers across both core areas of the scheme – maintenance and driver hours – through one seamless system.”

McCarron Coates advises fleets to introduce more measures to combat driver fatigue

Leeds-based fleet transport insurance specialist, McCarron Coates, has highlighted the duty of care that employers owe to drivers on the road – advising UK fleets to avoid over-reliance on British driver hour regulations for their fatigue compliance.

The broker highlighted that between 10 and 20% of all crashes are caused by driver fatigue, pointing to rising levels of stress in society and a rise in sleep apnoea as important and contributing factors.

McCarron Coates urged UK employers to be more vigilant about identifying fatigue in their drivers, and to encourage drivers to acknowledge when they have incurred any lack of sleep. The broker noted that, with this information, decisions can be made as to how best to support drivers when fatigued.

Additionally, McCarron Coates recommended making use of vehicle diagnostics and monitoring tools to detect fatigue in drivers.

Director, Ian McCarron said: “We have seen major advantages when customers have installed forward-facing cameras in the cab.  

“These can detect signs of distraction and potential fatigue, by monitoring lack of concentration and non-observation of the road. They could also highlight physical signs that a driver is about to fall asleep at the wheel and issue audible alerts.  

“With alerts also available for actions such as late braking and moving across lines – potential signs of a micro-sleep – such cameras can be great allies when it comes to keeping claims down and keeping drivers, and the public, safe from fatigue.”

McCulloch Group uses Webfleet to reduce speeding and fuel costs

Rail handling and logistics company, McCulloch Group, has experienced a significant reduction in speeding and improvements in fuel consumption since incorporating the Webfleet fleet management solution in October 2024.

Based in Ayrshire, McCullock Group operates a fleet of 50 vans and 13 HGVs.

Webfleet has provided the company with PRO i driver terminals which pair with a fob-based driver identification system, allowing individualised tracking and analysis of driving behaviour. This has led to a reduction in the company’s speeding incidents.

David Hume, McCulloch Group’s transport manager, said: “With constant pressure to meet tight turnaround times, but strict working hour regulations in place to protect employee wellbeing, tackling speeding between jobs had become a top priority.

“Coupled with a high-profile internal campaign to raise awareness of the safety risks of speeding, Webfleet’s OptiDrive insights have helped us completely transform driver behaviour. Speeding within our operations has been drastically reduced.”

Additionally, its use of Webfleet has seen the company save thousands of pounds in fuel, with less idling and better driving – enabling the cost of the Webfleet system to be recouped in less than six months.

“Idling used to total 72 hours in a 24-hour period across the full fleet,” noted Hume.

“That’s now been reduced by over 80%.”

Beverley Wise, Webfleet UKI regional director for Bridgestone Mobility Solutions, added: “McCulloch Group’s proactive use of Webfleet is a great example of how technology can drive measurable improvements in safety, sustainability and cost control.”