William Bennett, Director of WJ Bennett sits down to talk with HaulTech about his company and shows us some of the unique artwork installations the company has helped with.
WJ Bennett was launched in January 2020. The Hampshire-based haulage professionals specialise in moving unique artwork installations and abnormal loads across the United Kingdom and Europe. They also provide a transport service for the more typical day-to-day items and are considered a one-stop shop within the industry. Managing Director, William Bennett and his team have grown the business since its inception and will be doubling its fleet size this year to contain eight HGVs and two 4×4 all-terrain vehicles. Now we have the privilege of speaking to Will about his company, some of the fantastic installations they helped with (including work for the Queen’s Jubilee) and how he made WJ Bennett as efficient as possible.
HaulTech: Can you tell us about some of the installations your company has done over the years?
William: Most recently we installed some bronze heraldic beasts, a sigil of the United Kingdom which was gifted to the Queen for her jubilee and recently unveiled by King Charles, pictured below. The crowned lanterns actually symbolise the guiding light her late Majesty had been throughout her reign. We also recently had our specialist team carry out a full contract lift when delivering a Horse at Water from Morris Singer Foundry to Oslo, Norway. The trip took four and a half days, and our drivers travelled 2,500 miles through 8 countries.
HaulTech: What is the process behind jobs like these?
William: It depends on the client. Sometimes we work with the client from the moment something gets manufactured by collecting and delivering the materials required until the sculpture is finished and we install it. Other times it will just be the installation. When dealing with abnormal loads, no job is the same but that keeps the job exciting.
HaulTech: How do you plan this work?
William: We used to use paper diaries and delivery notes which made things a little bit manic. Quite often drivers will leave our yard on Monday and not return until Friday which made it extremely difficult to get the information across to the team. By the time we did get in touch with them, they would have to duplicate everything we have already done and write down their own delivery notes, it was a real hassle. Now we have a transport system and the drivers have an app on their phones which keeps them instantly updated with any changes we need to make.
HaulTech: What has the system accomplished for you?
William: Since the implementation of the system, we’ve actually cut our administration time down by 75%. We don’t have to faff around with paperwork, we get to update the team on the road and we have extra security knowing every collection and delivery is time and location stamped. And the best thing we have found with the system is that we can tailor it to our needs. We looked for a system to help with our operations for a while and we couldn’t find one that supported a company like ours that does abnormal loads but HaulTech’s system does everything we need it to do.
HaulTech: How do your drivers find the app?
William: They love it, they don’t have to mess around with a bunch of paper delivery notes anymore. We’ve got drivers from the age of 23 up to the grandad of the company at 43 and they all think the app is great.
HaulTech: Would you recommend the Transport Management System to other companies?
William: Absolutely, in fact, I have already shown it to a few friends at other companies. I think it is worth the investment and with the amount of time it has saved me in administration, it’s actually making me money.
Want to learn how a transport management system and driver app can support you and your company? Then contact us today by clicking here, calling 01782 662244 or saying hello@haultech.co.uk.
