The Oldham based heavy-lift transport operator has grown its fleet of crane-equipped vehicles by more than 30%, increased turnover by 30%, and reduced empty running by nearly 40% by using BigChange field service management software.
“BigChange gives us 24/7 visibility of our operation which means we can be reactive and make timely decisions based on evolving situations and on-site circumstances. It also provides the mechanisms to share this information with our customers and partner organisations to improve service levels.
“However, it’s not all about the day-to-day decisions. BigChange provides the intelligence we need to make strategic, long-term decisions that support sustained growth and will help ensure the next 30 years of our business.” Lance Bromley, Director & Transport Manager, HTF Transport.
Using the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management, and business intelligence tools, is boosting efficiencies and reducing costs at HTF. Advanced scheduling tools ensure efficient vehicle usage and integrated location tools, including What3Words and the 6-digit code used by utility companies, means drivers can easily navigate to the exact delivery or collection point. Automatically generated ETAs are boosting customer service and increasing onsite productivity, and electronic Proof of Delivery documents, including date and time stamped photographs, are reducing customer queries.
Location driven alerts are also helping HTF respond to changing legislation, such as clean air and low emission zones, and the BigChange Collaboration Network allows for a seamless exchange of job critical information with key customers that are also BigChange users, such as Generator Power, Sunbelt, and ABird Generators.
“BigChange means we can do the ‘on the ground’ stuff better. Our drivers know where they are going, and what they can expect when they get there, and have the processes in place to access and capture all the information they need. We can also share this information, in real-time, with customers and partners which has been fundamental to retaining existing customers and attracting new ones.
“This information is also helping us make decisions that are crucial to the ongoing success of the business. Using BigChange we have significantly reduced our costs, with better scheduling and reduced empty running, and we can look at the profitability of each job. We can also look at vehicle usage and use this to inform how and when we expand our fleet to ensure maximum return on investment.” Lance Bromley, Director & Transport Manager, HTF Transport.
About:
A family run business, now in its second generation, HTF was established in 1989 and has become one of the leading HIAB and specialist logistics companies in the UK. With a fleet of more than 20 specialist HIAB hire vehicles, tractor units, and ramp equipped vehicles, HTF specialises in haulage, event, and container transport. From its depot in Manchester, HTF services the whole of the UK with its Euro 6 compliant trucks a common sight across the North-West.