Telematics help trucks go the extra half mile

Arla Foods claims an upgraded telematics system it has just fitted to its new vehicle fleet will enable its trucks to travel an extra half a mile per...

Arla Foods claims an upgraded telematics system it has just fitted to its new vehicle fleet will enable its trucks to travel an extra half a mile per gallon.

The UK dairy giant said the web-based system monitors engine performance, petrol consumption and driver behaviour and clamps down on habits such as harsh breaking and over-revving. It can provide an individual driver profile, which can then be used to improve their driving style.

“We are giving drivers the opportunity to constantly improve the way they drive,” said Rafe Dimmock, senior driver trainer at Arla’s Stourton dairy. “Already in 2009 we have improved fuel consumption and increased the number of miles achieved per gallon by 0.5.”

Arla recently announced the purchase of new milk tankers featuring a specifically designed global positioning system, which automatically logs the farm address and producer number on arrival to collect the milk. They can collect milk samples and are fitted with high-speed pumps, which can collect up to 50,000l an hour - double the previous pump rate. The tankers had cut the time taken to collect milk from 20 to 30 minutes to under 10 minutes, said Arla.