Technology is key to keeping up with big boys

Technology provider Isotrak believes that truck operators of all sizes will increasingly be forced to use telematics if they want to be able to keep up with bigger logistics providers.

Craig Sears-Black, sales and marketing director at Isotrak, says: "To some extent, large operators have to have good systems and processes to get their business to work effectively, and of course smaller firms can get away with more flexibility and less rigid processes.

"But you have to ask [if that flexibility] gets you where you need to be and whether it makes you sufficiently competitive against the big firms, which are achieving efficiencies by using technology."

He points to systems used by Stobart Group, part of which is provided by Isotrak, as an illustration that technology is applicable for all operators.

He adds: "A smaller haulier might not consider itself a direct competitor of Stobart, but the efficiency and utilisation improvements they can gain [by using IT systems] will enable them to differentiate themselves further against their competitors.

"But even from a purely operational perspective, it makes sense for a smaller haulier to invest."

Sears-Black says operators will seek IT systems above and beyond simple telematics - "where's my truck?" software, as he puts it - that concentrates on vehicle fill, optimisation and emissions reduction.