Based on the outskirts of Cambridge, S R Harradine is a bulk haulage firm that specialises in moving aggregates and muckaway along. But that’s not all—they’re eco-warriors too! With a bustling recycling yard, they’re on a mission to shrink their carbon footprint and give materials a second life. The family-run firm’s operations began in 2000 with just one tipper, twenty-four years on, the company operates 30 vehicles and has around 40 staff members. For the company’s Operations / Transport Manager, Bryn Harradine, their growth has been exhausting, exciting and overwhelming. We spoke to Bryn to recount his company growth experience and how he managed to reclaim a life outside the family business using technology.
HaulTech: As Transport Manager, what methods did you use to create efficiency across your fleet?
Bryn: We used to work using pen and paper, as most old school companies do, and when the only way you know is pen and paper, you believe it’s the most efficient way to manage your fleet. I’d be using a paper book to record work, writing tickets for drivers and having no social life. I couldn’t bring anyone on board to help out either. How can you share paperwork when you both need to work on it at the same time?
The process of pen and paper worked, but it doesn’t work for teams, nor if you want a social life, holidays, or to be able to rest when you are sick.
HaulTech: How did you deal with so much pressure and the key-person responsibility on yourself?
Bryn: I would’ve continued working the way I did, had I not found out about Transport Software. My friend/ family member suggested we should use HaulTech’s Transport Management System as it has propelled their operations.
Since using it, I’ve got my weekends and evenings back and even managed to go on holiday. It’s streamlined the way I work.
HaulTech: In what ways has a system saved you time?
Bryn: I don’t have to re-write anything, and the system automatically updates when a driver has completed a drop. It’s even streamlined the way we communicate with the drivers. Before, I had to text them their work and it took up large portions of my day. Now the system updates them for me and they can just crack on with their day.
HaulTech: In what other ways has a system helped S R Harradine?
Bryn: It’s allowed us to bring more staff into the fold. When we were using paper, it would be difficult to share that with someone. Now I can be on the system doing what I need to do whilst others can have their own login and add jobs, make changes, and updates. We’ve had two new staff members in the office since the system; it’s allowing us to grow exponentially.
HaulTech: Did you have any hesitations about a system?
Bryn: I’ve never been tech-savvy. The idea of going from tradition to technology is the right step, but it’s frightening. I found the leap simple. HaulTech sent out a training manager, Fenella, and she walked us through everything. After that, it became second nature. If I can learn to use a Transport System, then anyone can.
HaulTech: Would you recommend Transport Software to other hauliers?
Bryn: Transport software has been a game-changer for our company and allowed me to have my life back. I would absolutely recommend it to any firm out there.
Ready to reclaim your free time and grow your firm? Reach out today by clicking here, calling 01782 662244 or saying hello@haultech.co.uk.
