Project Overview
A UK third-party logistics (3PL) operator running 340 HGVs and 12 distribution centres needed to replace four ...
Technology Stack
Compliance & Standards
The Challenge
A UK third-party logistics (3PL) operator running 340 HGVs and 12 distribution centres needed to replace four separate systems: a legacy TMS (Transport Management System from 2011), a GPS tracking system (no integration with TMS), a manual POD (Proof of Delivery) process, and spreadsheet-based SLA reporting. Operator's Licence compliance (DVSA, tachograph data), UK GDPR for driver data, and real-time customer visibility portal were the requirements. Budget: £140,000.
Our Approach
Samsara fleet telematics API
real-time vehicle position (30-second interval), tachograph data (driving time, rest periods, infringement events), vehicle diagnostics (fault codes, fuel consumption), and HOS (Hours of Service) compliance monitoring.
DVSA compliance
automated tachograph analysis generating weekly compliance reports.
Infringement alerts
driver-specific real-time alerts for HOS violations before they become DVSA reportable offences.
TMS Route Optimisation
- Google Maps Platform Routes API with HGV-specific constraints: height restrictions, weight limits, road type exclusions.
- Multi-stop route optimisation: 50+ delivery stops per route, time-window constraints per customer, vehicle capacity constraints.
- Dynamic re-routing: real-time traffic integration — route updates pushed to driver cab via in-cab unit.
- Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA): ML model trained on historical route completion data improves accuracy vs Google Maps default.
React Native driver app
digital POD (photo, signature, barcode scan), delivery exception reporting (damaged goods, access issues, customer not available), and real-time communication with depot.
Customer visibility portal
real-time consignment tracking, ETA notifications (GOV.UK Notify equivalent — email/SMS), and POD document download.
Customer API
webhook for consignment status events for customers with WMS integration.
DVSA and Operator Licence Compliance
Operator's
Licence
vehicle maintenance schedules (MOT, safety inspection intervals) tracked and alerted.
Tachograph analysis
- automated infringement detection and DVSA-format compliance reports.
- Vehicle daily walk-around check: digital checklist replacing paper — defects reported to workshop management system.
- Drivers' hours dashboard: real-time HOS status per driver, weekly/fortnightly driving time summaries.
The Results
Platform live at 18 weeks, £132,000 — under budget.
Route efficiency: 8.4% fewer vehicle-miles (fuel saving + carbon reduction).
On-time delivery performance: 87% → 96%.
Customer portal adoption: 89% of customers using portal for tracking (reducing customer service calls 62%).
DVSA compliance: tachograph infringement rate reduced 71%.
POD dispute resolution: average 3.2 days → same-day (digital POD eliminates paper chase).
“8.4% fewer vehicle-miles across 340 HGVs is a material cost saving and a significant carbon reduction. The DVSA tachograph infringement rate down 71% means our drivers are safer and we are not accumulating regulatory risk. The customer portal has transformed our service perception — 89% adoption in 3 months." — Operations Director, UK 3PL (name withheld)”
Project Details
Related Case Studies
View AllIoT Fleet Telematics Platform — UK Commercial Vehicle Operator
A UK commercial vehicle operator with 320 HGVs needed to replace three separate fleet management systems (GPS ...
Logistics SaaS Platform — UK 3PL Provider
A UK third-party logistics (3PL) provider managing warehousing and fulfilment for 85 eCommerce clients needed ...
Supply Chain Visibility Platform — UK FMCG Manufacturer
A UK FMCG manufacturer producing 340 product SKUs across 4 factories needed real-time supply chain visibility ...
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Let's discuss how our technical expertise can help you achieve remarkable results.