Challenge:
Spiral Logistics faced the challenge of enhancing efficiency and expanding its market presence to better serve drivers and customers in the field. As a specialised logistics company that operates dedicated fleets for clients in the steel and construction sectors, the organisation aims to deliver top-quality service while maintaining high safety and compliance standards.
After coming under new management in 2019, the company sought to transform its operations by streamlining processes and cutting costs, all while ensuring that the vehicles they provided were fully compliant and tailored to the specific needs of their customers. With a remote workforce of drivers, Spiral Logistics recognised the necessity for robust safety management and efficient reporting to provide peace of mind regarding driver safety and vehicle compliance.
I can rely on Teletrac Navman for exception reporting and alerts to give me the information to provide that sleep-at-night factor as a business.
- Peter Jorgensen, Managing Director
Solution:
Initially, Spiral Logistics utilised Teletrac Navman’s GPS tracking solutions, primarily to provide location services to their customers. However, under new management, led by Managing Director Peter Jorgensen, the company sought to refresh its technology offerings and explore additional value for customers and growth opportunities.
Jorgensen noted that Teletrac Navman was a natural fit for the logistics and steel sectors due to its strengths in safety management, including features such as fatigue monitoring, mass management, and electronic forms. The adoption of solutions like TN360, FTC Manager, Sentinel Electronic Fatigue Management, Multi-Camera, and Mass Manager has allowed Spiral Logistics to grow and improve in numerous ways.
The transition to digital record-keeping has streamlined administrative processes, significantly reducing the time spent on paperwork. Jorgensen explained that previously, the company relied heavily on spreadsheets for vehicle maintenance, odometer readings, fuel tracking, and asset management. Now, all this information is consolidated within the system, allowing them to replace three full-time administrative positions with roles focused on driver engagement, which is critical for reducing turnover.
In addition to enhancing internal efficiencies and lowering costs, Spiral Logistics has improved the value offered to customers through advanced fleet management technology. Jorgensen highlighted that digital solutions have been especially beneficial for their customers in the steel industry, where drivers work directly at customer sites without a central depot. This necessitated a reliable remote system to manage operations effectively.
Jorgensen emphasised that having Teletrac Navman’s technology is essential for transporting steel, as it mitigates risks associated with safety incidents. He remarked that without robust safety measures, providers could face liability for events beyond their control. He also stated that successful change management was crucial for the effective implementation of these solutions. Engaging drivers early in the process was vital to maximise the technology's effectiveness.
To facilitate acceptance of the new technology, Spiral Logistics employed a phased approach to implementation, starting with simple digital paperwork. This strategy demonstrated to drivers the immediate benefits of the new system, such as faster response times for requests. By investing time saved on administrative tasks into training drivers, the company fostered a cultural shift that built trust and encouraged buy-in when installing cameras during the final phase of deployment.
Spiral Logistics now offers its customers comprehensive visibility of their fleets, consistent reporting, and the assurance that the company has a robust safety management system in place. Jorgensen believes that the quality of reporting benefits both Spiral and its clients, providing the necessary information to ensure peace of mind in their operations.
Results:
Since implementing Teletrac Navman’s suite of solutions, Spiral Logistics has achieved significant advancements in their operations:
- Increased Value for Steel-Carrying Companies: The company is now able to deliver enhanced value to clients in the steel sector through advanced fleet management technology.
- Streamlined Processes and Administrative Efficiency: The transition to digital record-keeping has improved internal processes and dramatically reduced administrative burdens.
- Business Growth of 35-40% Over Three Years: The integration of Teletrac Navman solutions has contributed to substantial business growth since the new management took over.
Enhanced Driver Safety and Customer Assurance: The implementation of robust safety measures has improved driver safety while providing customers with peace of mind.
About Spiral Logistics:
Spiral Logistics is a specialised logistics company focused on the steel industry. They design and operate dedicated vehicle fleets for partners in the steel and construction sectors, utilising technology to uphold the highest safety and compliance standards. The company offers a diverse range of specialised vehicles, from rigid trucks to prime movers with extendable trailers, operating across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane while providing personalised and flexible services to meet customer needs.