TruTac ticks all the right boxes for Burman Plant
Volumetric concrete operator all set for new HGV rules with onboard hardware from TruTac
Burman Plant, the volumetric concrete and plant hire specialists, say they have ‘embraced with ease’ the recently introduced Department for Transport (DfT) regulations that now require certain categories of vehicles to fall under HGV Operator licencing regulations.
Since 1 September 2018, as with most volumetric concrete operators, Burman Plant have been required to comply with EU drivers’ hours and working time (WTD) rules.
‘It was a bit daunting at first,’ conceded director and founder Matt Burman, ‘but TruTac quickly got us started with the new onboard hardware – which took less time to fit than a radio – and very soon we were able to tick all the right boxes to fall in line with compliance stipulations.’
On 20 May 2018 the DfT revised the rules regarding vehicle testing exemptions. As a result, around 29,500 HGVs – including breakdown, road construction and engineering plant vehicles – will be subject to the existing operator licencing regime and must therefore meet the relevant compliance rules.
There is, however, a phased implementation between 20 May 2018 and 20 May 2019, depending on the vehicle category.
For Burman Plant, the revised rules meant a complete change of approach and several new compliance disciplines, where before there had been virtually none.
‘Luckily, this was all packaged up for us by TruTac,’ continued Mr Burman. ‘We are using a range of software modules – TruControl, TruView, TruChecks, TruDriver and TruLocation – which make it easy for drivers and admin staff to implement and control.
‘All data come straight from the vehicles via remote download to the computer, with no time wasting at the end of each shift. This of course saves time, keeps things accurate and provides us with all the key information we need, including drivers’ hours, infringements and general housekeeping.’
Each element of the system was explained to Burman Plant employees on site by a TruTac technician. Furthermore, TruTac created templates based on Burman Plant’s existing work patterns so that the new software would exactly match their specific operational requirements.
For example, using TruChecks, the mobile app software was based on Burman’s current vehicle daily check sheets, making logging in, walk-round checks and reporting easier, faster and paperless.
‘Knowing that all the information required by law is being properly monitored and recorded gives us great peace of mind,’ concluded Mr Burman. ‘We may have been 12 years without tachographs etc, but already it feels like we are compliance experts.’
