ASCO is expected to save around £194,000 a year after rolling out Webfleet technology across its van, truck and trailer fleet.
The global logistics and materials management specialist has introduced fleet management, trailer tracking and driver monitoring systems as part of a wider push to improve safety, compliance and efficiency.
Around 280 trailers have been fitted with Webfleet’s Electronic Braking Performance Monitoring System (EBPMS) following changes to DVSA trailer brake testing requirements.
The system monitors braking performance while vehicles are on the road and flags potential issues against DVSA standards.
Mick Smith, transport and operations manager at ASCO, said: “Our priority was to improve braking safety through continuous, proactive monitoring rather than relying solely on periodic inspections.”
He said access to live brake performance data had reduced the need for more frequent rolling road testing while helping to cut maintenance costs, workshop workload and vehicle downtime.
“Webfleet’s digital alternative gives us the confidence of continuous brake performance oversight, backed by robust evidence for our compliance and maintenance processes,” he added.
The rollout has also addressed gaps in ASCO’s previous vehicle tracking system.
Some drivers regularly enter high-risk fuel terminals, where older tracking devices had to be unplugged or isolated because of spark ignition risks.
ASCO said this could occasionally lead to vehicles leaving sites before devices were reconnected, creating gaps in fleet data.
Webfleet developed a bespoke hardwired solution designed to remove that problem.
“As a key provider to the energy industry, some of our drivers are in and out of high-risk fuel terminals every day,” Mr Smith said.
“Our previous tracking devices had to be unplugged or isolated on-site due to spark ignition risks.”
Remote tachograph download technology has also been installed across 102 trucks.
This gives managers more up-to-date visibility of remaining driver hours and allows them to intervene before a potential infringement occurs.
“This allows managers to proactively warn drivers to take a break before an infringement occurs, rather than identifying the issue several days later,” Mr Smith said.
ASCO is also using Webfleet’s OptiDrive 360 platform to monitor driver behaviour and target areas such as speeding and idling.
Managers can filter the system to show relevant teams and vehicles, while the company is planning to introduce driver league tables by department and vehicle type to encourage positive performance.
“Webfleet has made us all much more effective,” Mr Smith said.
“It's helped us to rewrite our driver standards and, by telling us who's doing what, how and where, alerts us to when we should intervene.”
He added that the technology supports ASCO’s focus on safety, service and sustainability.
The full rollout covered 383 vans, trucks and trailers and was completed within a matter of weeks.
ASCO said the installation work was carried out around its operating timetable to avoid vehicle downtime.
Alex Crane-Robinson, regional director UK and Ireland at Webfleet, said: “ASCO optimises the movements and operations of some of the world’s most critical industries, where safety and efficiency are essential.”
He added: “This rollout shows how connected fleet technology can help customers strengthen compliance, improve visibility and unlock measurable operational savings.”