Freight Best Practice - Peter Binham
Issue: Summer 2009
Back in May, I was delighted to be involved in the launch of the DfT's new On Line Benchmarking programme or OLB. This new web-based system represents a step change in the way that fleet operators can compare performance across vehicles, across fleets and across companies.
Back in May, I was delighted to be involved in the launch of the DfT’s new On Line Benchmarking programme or ‘OLB’. This new web-based system represents a step change in the way that fleet operators can compare performance across vehicles, across fleets and across companies.
Over the years many companies across many sectors have taken part in Freight Best Practice benchmarking surveys. Those involved will know the time and effort required to collect and compare key operational information such as vehicle fill, utilisation and mpg can really help focus a business on where it can best make improvements.
Following a highly successful pilot programme within the primary distribution sector, the OLB system has now been launched to all sectors within the road freight transport industry. The system is an industry first, designed to allow you to compare performance instantly, anonymously and securely. The system requires no additional software, it’s internet based and free to use. Reports can be run on a continuous basis and instant updates on your performance are available as further data is added to the system.
While it’s clear to me that OLB should be a key tool in any operator’s monitoring and reporting armoury, what’s also clear is that there is a wealth of benchmarkable information available to operators via existing transport management systems that is simply not being used. So, over the coming months we’ll be working closely with suppliers of these systems to identify ways in which links between their systems and On Line Benchmarking can be developed.
Like any benchmarking exercise, the more people involved the better. And, I can promise you that the effort required to create continuous and ongoing performance reports through OLB is a whole lot less than before. The system can also save you a significant amount of money by enabling you to test the effect of interventions such as driver training or anti-idling campaigns before actually implementing them.
Where else can you get instant reporting that shows how well your operation is performing compared to your sector and peers? To see On Line Benchmarking for yourself, you can gain access via the Freight Best Practice website www.freightbestpractice.org.uk. Simply log on and follow the instructions on how to register.
Peter Binham is spokesperson for the Freight Best Practice Programme and a consultant for the transport and engineering consultancy AECOM.
For further information, contact Peter via e-mail: peter.binham@aecom.com or visit: www.freightbestpractice.org.uk
Published: 06/07/2009
