Butlers Buses on time, every time with FleetMatics fleet management system

After using the fleet management system from FleetMatics for just six months, Butlers Buses is already experiencing significant benefits both in terms of reduced fuel consumption and improved timekeeping. The family run firm, which has been in operation for more than 45 years, is based in County Cork, Ireland and, with its fleet of 14 vehicles, provides services ranging from local outings to extended touring and international travel.

 
Before using the fleet management system from FleetMatics, Butlers Buses had had no prior experience with fleet tracking. After a competitor had shown the FleetMatics system that it used to Managing Director, Ian Butler he was already aware of the impressive ease of use of the web-based solution and the potential cost reduction benefits his company could realise.
 
According to Mr. Butler the main reason he chose to implement the FleetMatics fleet management solution was to retain control of his growing fuel costs. "While the fleet size at Butlers has grown, fuel costs have also risen dramatically," explains Mr Butler. After a free online demonstration, which provided a graphic overview of the fleet on the move, as well as access to comprehensive field data to generate reports and automated alerts, Mr Butler promptly decided to invest in the FleetMatics fleet management system.
 
"We initially conducted a trial," said Mr Butler, "this was mainly to assess how the system works and to get some raw data for initial trend analysis. Once I was assured that the system was up and running, I announced it to the fleet drivers and provided them with comprehensive training."
 
"We use the standard dashboard of the FleetMatics system to monitor speeds and idling times," said Mr Butler. "This ensures we keep our drivers and customers safe and sound during their travels, as well as keeping fuel costs down."
 
Another important benefit Butler Buses has experienced while using FleetMatics is to maintain the drivers' good time keeping and offer them assistance from the office if they need additional directions en route to avoid heavy traffic or unexpected road works. "Time keeping is vital for us," asserts Mr Butler, "we can never be late for our customers whether it's for a golf trip, airport transfer or school outing."

"Our coaches spend a lot of time away from base touring and it is important that they are parked in a safe place overnight especially as fuel siphoning has become an issue again for us knowing exactly where our coaches are parked overnight along with the benefit of street view gives us great peace of mind," says Mr Butler

FleetMatics has enabled us to show our drivers exactly how they can individually have a direct impact on lowering fuel costs by reducing idling times and employing a more economical speed/driving style. Mr Butler says, "We are confident that we have reduced our fuel bill by at least 6% which equates into savings of up to 6,800 per annum this alone is well-worth the investment in FleetMatics."

Mr Butler adds, "The FleetMatics system has helped us monitor our drivers' hours, ensuring they are keeping within the legal limits and continue to comply with the law This can be done live using FleetMatics rather than analysing tachograph records, which can be up to 3 weeks old."