PHS Teacrate Cuts Response Time with GPS

When you supply some of the biggest names in the fast-moving retail and food sectors it is imperative to be able to respond promptly and effectively to ad hoc requests. That's why PHS Teacrate, the UK's largest crate rental company, has recently introduced a tracking system to its delivery and collection vehicles.

The GPS tracking system, which covers all PHS Teacrate vehicles based in 10 depots throughout the UK, enables route managers to pinpoint delivery vehicles in proximity to customers who have made unscheduled requests. Vehicles can then be directed appropriately to fulfil requirements without having to return to a depot for instruction. It means that not only is the response time cut, but mileage is also reduced – a bonus for both the customer and the environment.

Alan Thomas, Operations Director for PHS Teacrate says, “We deal with more than 6000 clients and transport around 10 million crates and pallets a year, so it is crucial that the distribution fleet can respond to last minute demands as swiftly as possible to keep both our business and our customers' businesses moving. Our new vehicle tracking system has proved invaluable as both a management tool and as an additional service feature to our customers. The GPS tells us exactly where a vehicle is so managers spend less time on the phone locating drivers, and customers can be told which PHS Teacrate vehicles are in the vicinity and available to make an ad hoc delivery. Very often we are just around the corner and can respond immediately.”