3 years ago, we wrote about Michael Baddeley Transport joining HaulTech for a Transport Management Software (TMS) solution. The bulk haulage firm aimed to ambitiously improve its operations through the use of technology. In this article, we speak to the company’s Operations Manager, Rob Tobin to see if they achieved their goal and to learn how a software solution has impacted the business and its staff.
HaulTech: In 2020, mid-pandemic, Michael Baddeley Transport decided to take a leap and move from its legacy processes to a Transport Management System, why is that?
Rob: The Pandemic created a lot of opportunity in the haulage sector and a lot of companies like our own saw amazing growth. When that growth spurt arrived suddenly, the processes we were using were no longer feasible because we were already at maximum capacity. We were working on spreadsheets, which have been a staple of the transport industry for years, just like using pen and paper was a staple before that. A Transport Management System felt like a natural progression, especially for our requirements at the time.
HaulTech: What kind of impact has a system had on the business?
Rob: We should have put a system in a lot sooner, the things it has allowed us to do are incredible. We originally had a team of 6 people managing the fleet and we were all at capacity. A few of those people left due to retirement among other reasons, now we have a team of 2 and thanks to the system we do the job in a fraction of the time it took all 6 of us to do. We’ve not needed to hire any new staff, yet our capacity has increased.
HaulTech: What features of the system have allowed you to create a more efficient process?
Rob: Adding jobs is simple, we do it once and then that gets sent to the drivers’ phone so they know what they’re doing for the day. It used to take me so long to text them the jobs, but now the system does it for us and it gives them more information which mitigates them having to call the office if we accidentally forgot to inform them of something. Plus it used to take me a day a week to scan in all the POD’s and paperwork that drivers brought back, now they just send them to the system from their phones. Because we receive the PODs instantly it means we can invoice faster so our cash flow has improved.
HaulTech: Was there any pushback from people within the business?
Rob: No one likes change so of course we had pushback. And I understand the pushback, when you are used to working the way you always have and then someone changes it, that is difficult and it’s challenging. But, after having time to adapt, everyone got used to the system and they prefer using a system. It would be much more difficult to get anyone to go back to the old ways now.
HaulTech: What would you say to other firms who are against introducing Transport Software into their business?
Rob: I understand the hesitation but once you have a system, you’ll realise the fear wasn’t worth it. It’s a massive game-changer and I think it’s a necessary change as the world evolves with technology.
HaulTech: Would you recommend HaulTech to other Transport companies?
Rob: Definitely yes. We did look at other providers but HaulTech’s system looked the best for us and the customer service is phenomenal. It’s made a world of difference for us.
If you’re interested in embarking on a technology journey to improve your operations like Michael Baddeley Transport then contact us today by clicking here, calling 01782 662244 or saying hello@haultech.co.uk.
