Established in 1974, Mainline Haulage began their journey operating just a single van out of Mainline Service Station in Wolverhampton. Fast forward 50 years to 2024, the company now operates circa 40 HGV’s out of Willenhall and is just getting warmed up. This year marks their golden anniversary and is perfectly aligned with the firm’s technological evolution. Stepping into their next 50 years, the company’s Managing Director, Damien Lack explains why a Transport Management System will put them on the right foot forward.
HaulTech: Damien, can you talk to us about being a Managing Director of a haulage firm?
Damien: I joined Mainline back in September of 2023 having previously spent 15 years in logistics across the Express Parcel and Retail sectors. It’s my role to make sure the business gets sales, that the staff and drivers are content and performing well and to take the business to the ‘next level’ which includes upgrading our Transport System.
HaulTech: As someone who has spent nearly 2 decades in the transport industry, why did you think it important to upgrade the way the company works and get a new Transport Management System?
Damien: It all comes down to one thing, modernisation. In my previous transport experience, I worked with extremely large companies that used software and excelled at what they do. It’s why they became so large in the first place, they put an infrastructure in place which helped them to grow.
I think in transport it’s vital to evolve and take that step so as to not get left behind. Using a software package just opens up so many doors.
HaulTech: What has Transport Software done for Mainline Haulage so far?
Damien: The biggest and best change we’ve witnessed so far is with our Accounts Department. Previously the way we worked involved loads of paperwork, it took a long time and a lot of energy. Now it’s all changed with the HaulTech software. When a job is done, the driver takes a pic as proof of delivery, the POD comes into us instantly and we email the invoices straight across.
It’s easier for our accounts team and helps us to boost our cashflow as we are no longer physically mailing invoices or waiting for PODs to come back in.
HaulTech: How did the staff in the business find adapting to a new system?
Damien: Change is always met with nervousness but 2 months down the line and it feels like we’ve had the system forever. We wouldn’t change it and prefer it to the way we used to work.
Even for our drivers using the app, some have been with the company for decades and adjusted to using the POD app in just a few days. It’s simple for them to use and sometimes the simplest things are the best.
HaulTech: Have your customers noticed a difference in the service they receive?
Damien: We launched the Customer Service Portal which works alongside the Transport System, it allows our customers to book their work on and review POD’s and invoices, and the reception of it has been great. The customers have bought into it and if it makes their lives easier then it’s a win-win for us.
HaulTech: Would you recommend HaulTech as a Transport Software provider?
Damien: Absolutely, it’s been a game-changer for our office staff, drivers and customers. When searching for Transport Software, we went out to tender and chose HaulTech because it’s built by hauliers for hauliers and now we have the system in place, it’s doing everything that was promised and more.
Interested in seeing how a Transport System can help your business? Then contact us today by clicking here, calling 01782 662244 or saying hello@haultech.co.uk.
