Intelligent trucks are efficient and sustainable. Lehnkering gets CarCube
14 December 2009 by LS
The German logistics provider and specialist for chemical and steel transports Lehnkering equips its fleet with a new telematics system in order to optimize the fleet operations. All trucks will be provided with "CarCube", an on-board computer system developed by the Belgian company Punch Telematix. This new system will be integrated in the In-House-Software CargoWare of the Lehnkering GmbH and it will account for further improvements in transport arrangements across locations.
"We intend to offer perfect logistics services to our clients. Therefore, the perfect handling of business processes and information is of particular importance. With the flexible functions of CarCube together with our software we are able to operate complex logistics processes in an exact and proactive way", says Sven Vogel, Head of the information technology and member of the management board of the Lehnkering GmbH. "CarCube sets a milestone for Lehnkering. The system helps us to realise a seamless process integration beginning with the IT-systems of our clients up to our drivers."
CargoWare continuously reports the current position and the "track & trace information" of the vehicles. Therefore, Lehnkering is able to efficiently plan the disposition of its trucks and their drivers to avoid empty runs as much as possible. Submitted telemetric data and a telematic assistant analysing the driving style in terms of braking, changing gears or acceleration, also helps to reduce fuel consumption.
In addition, the on-board computer transmits all order and delivery data plus the current position; it works as a navigation and communication system that can be used as a handsfree set and for sending text messages.
"Before going for this system we considered several aspects. Not only because of the increasing efficiency but also the lasting arrangements of our logistics services we favoured the implementation", says Hans van den Bosch, CEO of Lehnkering Chemical Transport GmbH. „CarCube is a very flexible system through which we are able to meet our obligations towards our clients and the environment. The sequences of operations are efficiently organized and the carbon dioxide emission is sustainably reduced." Moreover, the Punch Telematix' module „FleetHours" introduced automated expenses accounts.
The CarCube is an on-board computer that combines the areas of telematics, telemetry, navigation and telephony in one single device. While the driver gets all information clearly arranged on one display, the dispatcher is able to place orders via a back-office application and to identify the current position of the truck as well as its fuel consumption. As the on-board computer sends all telemetric information via an FMS-interface in real time, it is possible to reduce the fuel consumption not only for future but also for ongoing trips.
For 25 years Punch Telematix, with its headoffice in Belgium, has been developing on-board computers. Since 2008 the CarCube is also sold in Germany by the Punch Telematix' subsidiary in Muenster, a town in Westphalia/Germany. „We are particularly pleased we have with Lehnkering another logistics service provider among our clients operating throughout Europe", says Carsten Holtrup, Managing Director of Punch Telematix Deutschland GmbH.
About Lehnkering
Lehnkering is one of the leading logistics service providers in Central Europe with turnover totaling approx. € 650 million and more than 2,700 employees. The company has had more than 135 years of extensive experience in providing logistics and services in the chemical and steel sectors. Lehnkering provides its customers with individual solutions as a neutral service provider and partner. They consist of classical logistics services (Logistics) and far-reaching value-added services (Services).