For nearly 40 years, Border Aggregates has supplied natural aggregates and stone products to the landscaping and construction sectors across the United Kingdom. In recent years the well-renowned haulage and aggregate firm has acquired numerous transport companies and now runs 35 vehicles from its two sites based in Lancashire.
For a decade, Border Aggregates has used a Transport Management System to create a slick, efficient work environment that encourages business growth. We catch up with the company’s Finance Director, Andy Hetherington, to discuss why they had a Transport System and how it has continued to support them.
HaulTech: You’ve been using the Transport System for a decade, how did you work prior?
Andy: We used to work with paper tickets and booking diaries. The issue with working that way is the amount of paperwork duplication and lack of visibility for everyone and the more you grow the more paperwork there is to deal with, which can be painful for staff.
So we asked around to see how other firms were working to see if we could improve on what we were doing. Bulmans Bulk Haulage told us they were using a HaulTech Transport System and they recommended we try it, so we did.
HaulTech: How did the change from paper to a system affect the business?
Andy: Change doesn’t come easy but we adapted to it fast and the system does exactly what it says on the tin, or exactly what we were told it would do. It has streamlined our business and simplified the way we work. Jobs get done in a fraction of the time.
HaulTech: Where have you seen the biggest impact?
Andy: As Finance Director, the biggest impact for me was and still is invoicing. The Transport System integrates with Sage which means I can get the work done rapidly. Using a system also gives you greater accountability as you can see what you’ve done and not done, while it’s easy to miss things with paperwork.
HaulTech: Ten years on, do you believe a Transport System was the right choice?
Andy: With the way the world works today, having a system is the right choice. It’s a new era and technology is at the forefront of that, I am glad we adopted a system back then, otherwise, we’d have to do it now and be behind the curve. This system is taking us into this new era, helping us to run our operations smoothly.
HaulTech: You’ve also stuck with HaulTech as a provider for a decade; can you tell us why?
Andy: They came recommended to us and once we spoke to the team, we knew the relationship was right. The system has always supported us and the customer service team at HaulTech has been helpful every time we’ve needed them. You can’t ask for much more.
HaulTech: Would you recommend a system to other haulage firms?
Andy: Yes, it’s the way forward and HaulTech is the right provider if you want a good system backed up by good customer service.
Looking to step into the next era of your transport business? Then reach out today by clicking here, calling 01782 662244 or saying hello@haultech.co.uk.
