27 10, 2010 – Foretrack™, the unique fleet management and satellite tracking system offered by Carrier Transicold, is paying for itself and helping to reduce vehicle emissions, according to one customer that is funding the use of this satellite technology from the reduction achieved in fuel consumption across its fleet.

Kings-Lynn-based 3 Distribution Ltd. specified the Foretrack system earlier this year across its 26 commercial vehicles running Carrier refrigeration units. A solution was sought after 3 Distribution’s trials with other aftermarket fleet management systems failed to meet the company’s requirements on demanding multi-drop and multi-collection contracts.

“It is refreshing to find a system that integrates into our existing technology and delivers on its promises,” said Patrick Finch, director of 3 Distribution. “Not only do we now have real-time visibility of the entire temperature controlled fleet, but we have the additional bonus of monitoring the performance of all refrigeration units instantaneously.

“We calculated that even a one per cent reduction in fuel consumption across the fleet would effectively pay for operating the system. So far, we have achieved a three per cent saving, just as the team at Carrier suggested we would.”

The Foretrack system allows customers to see the status of each refrigeration unit within the fleet, including temperature, running time, set point, downtime, and, on the tracking side, the exact location of the vehicle, average speed, journey length and time, cumulative distance travelled and routes taken. E-mail or SMS alerts are also sent to the transport office to highlight any unexpected deviation from the set point.

“We can now analyse many aspects of the business with far more clarity and identify areas for cost savings and operational efficiencies,” Finch added. “We can ensure that our customers are kept informed on the status of their deliveries and answer queries with the immediacy required.”

As well as having instant access to fleet information via a secure Internet log-in, 3 Distribution can also generate comprehensive reports at the touch of a button. The Foretrack system also allows the company’s drivers to better plan their routes by giving visibility to driver behaviour statistics.

Justin Grace, managing director, Carrier Transicold UK, said, “It’s great to see that customers like 3 Distribution are using the Foretrack system to its full potential and, more importantly, reaping the benefits in cost reductions brought about by user-friendly data and trend analysis.”

3 Distribution Ltd. specialises in the temperature controlled distribution of food products nationwide. It operates a modern fleet of commercial vehicles, including 26 tractor units, operating with 26-pallet refrigerated trailers, plus two smaller 26 tonne rigid vehicles, also with refrigerated bodywork.

For more information visit www.carrierforetrack.com