References
Coupétrans
It pays to use on-board computer in driving style training
Coupétrans keeps a grip on costs with CarCube
For years, container transport has been inextricably associated with fierce competition. Keeping a firm grip on costs is therefore a must for hauliers wanting to operate successfully in this sector. For this reason Coupétrans in Rijkevorsel (Belgium) has equipped all of its 17 own lorries with a CarCube on-board computer.Rapid communication
Coupétrans specialises in carrying sea containers from the port of Antwerp throughout Belgium and Europe, particularly Germany and France. With CarCube, the container carrier has migrated from using a vehicle tracking system to a complete on-board computer solution. “It means a variety of benefits for us”, explains director Guy Coupé. It allows the planning department to keep continuously informed of trip sequencing. “Not only can they see where the lorries are, just as with the tracking system before, but also what the status of a trip is.”Via the menu on the on-board computer, the drivers relay all relevant trip data, such as container numbers and loading/unloading times. “We must be able to tell our customers the container numbers quickly”, says Coupé. “No problem with CarCube.” Via FleetWorks, CarCube’s webbased backoffice solution, information can be made available to customers rapidly and easily. “That was one of the deciding points when we chose CarCube”, claims Coupé.
Monitoring driving and rest hours
Coupé believes that another advantage of CarCube is being able to keep a close eye on driving and rest hours. Coupé: “The on-board computer warns the driver when the maximum permissible driving time is approaching. The planning department also constantly has a current overview of driving times covered and still available.”In addition, Coupétrans uses the on-board computer for faultlessly and rapidly communicating orders to the drivers and for processing hours/expenditure, for which CarCube is linked to FleetWatch from LogicWay.
Driving style training with CarCube and DrivOlution
Coupé speaks highly of the collaboration between Punch Telematix and DrivOlution. The container transporter is the first to benefit from using CarCube with Driving style assistant and FMS reporting during the driving style training of DrivOlution. Coupétrans chose the ecodriving training course, which meets the compulsory requirements of the statutory refresher training of 35 hours every 5 years.On Coupétrans lorries, a link was made to the vehicle’s FMS-CANbus. This interface ensures that such engine management data as speed, idling, use of cruise control, acceleration, deceleration and engine speed can be read off.
Before training commences, DrivOlution analyses the consumption and the drivers’ driving style by reference to the FMS reporting generated by FleetWorks. Then the drivers can be coached in a targeted way to drive more safely and more economically. “DrivOlution has also correctly tuned the parameters of the Driving style assistant”, explains Coupé. Furthermore, DrivOlution trained the office-based employees in interpreting the FMS reporting.
“A significant benefit of using CarCube in driving style training is that the results are measurable”, believes Coupé. “Drivers are quick to react to an instructor with ‘What more do you think you can teach me?’. During the DrivOlution training session, via the Driving style assistant on CarCube, they immediately see the effect of adjustments in their driving style. That hits home well.”
After the training, DrivOlution continues to coach Coupétrans drivers for another month. Since the effects of a training course reduce as monitoring consumption and driving style wane, the drivers continue to use CarCube’s driving style assistant. This makes it possible to show in real time how they are performing in terms of consumption, accelerating (too fast), braking (too hard), engine speed and idling. Coupé follows their driving performance via the FMS reporting. “The driving style training therefore has a lasting effect and over the longer term too we can keep a grip on the consumption.”
Website: www.coupetrans.be
Number of employees: 20
Vehicle fleet: 17 tractor units, 28 multifunctional chassis 20'-40' HC and 8 20' chassis
Activity: carrying sea containers from the port of Antwerp throughout Belgium and Europe, particularly Germany and France
Territory: Europe
Application: CarCube on-board computer with CANbus-interface, driving style assistant and FMS reporting
Integration with FleetWatch hours/expenditure module of LogicWay.