Press Release

Tachographs have been integral to the UK’s transport industry for decades, evolving from manual logs to digital devices that enhance compliance and operational efficiency. The introduction of digital tachographs in 2006 brought significant improvements in monitoring driver compliance and opened the door to substantial business benefits for those willing to embrace them. In this shift, Convey continues to play a crucial role in supporting both new and experienced users on compliance and keeping businesses informed about regulatory changes and best practices, enabling them to operate more effectively, cut costs and increase productivity – all of which boosts profitability.

Recently, the UK’s commercial vehicle sector has faced immense challenges. Analysis shows that nearly half of all haulage companies set up since 2019 have entered insolvency proceedings or closed down, with approximately 62,234 out of 125,801 firms having ceased trading.* In 2023 alone, 494 hauliers entered insolvency*, and it is estimated that 33% of businesses in the sector are deemed maximum risk, up from 22% the year before*.

While it may not be immediately obvious, tachographs can be part of a wider solution that helps transport operators be more efficient and productive. They can provide valuable data to help businesses refine their processes, ensure regulatory compliance, and minimise expenses, which contributes to overall business optimisation. The mortality rate for companies handling the transport of cargo is reported at 54.4%*, underscoring the importance of operational efficiency for survival.
*(Source: https://motortransport.co.uk/scale-of-new-company-closures-revealed-in-data-analysis/22711.article)

Karen Crispe, Commercial Director at Convey, says:
“In today’s tough environment, it’s crucial for haulage companies to take advantage of every opportunity. With nearly half of new haulage companies at risk of insolvency, businesses should adopt a data-driven approach and remain flexible to succeed. Just as we continually evolve our platform to meet the changing demands of the transport industry, operators should embrace similar adaptability for a successful future.”

A key feature of Convey’s Tachograph Analysis Module is remote tachograph downloading, which, alongside our Convey RD+ unit, can help businesses save significant levels of time and money while enabling real-time tracking of drivers. This combination automates the digital download process, ensuring no data is missed and provides valuable insights into vehicle locations. Recent data shows that the number of operators using remote downloading systems has increased to 46%, up from 28% in four years*, reflecting the growing recognition of these benefits.
*(Source: data released in Motor Transport’s ‘Hot Topics: Cameras and Telematics 2022’ report)

Additionally, Convey is accredited for both elements of the DVSA’s Earned Recognition scheme, enabling customers to use our Earned Recognition module to evaluate their performance against KPIs before officially joining. This feature offers valuable insights into business operations, highlighting missed KPIs and specific driver or vehicle issues. It empowers operators to demonstrate compliance with driver and vehicle standards while achieving industry recognition and operational excellence by meeting DVSA-set KPIs.

By analysing tachograph data, operators can make informed decisions,  improve driver productivity, and optimise routes, resulting in reduced fuel consumption and operating costs. Maintaining compliance with tachograph regulations helps companies avoid costly fines, as regular data downloads are essential to prevent penalties.

In a financially uncertain industry, streamlined compliance through modern tachograph systems provides a cost-effective way to improve business efficiency, increase productivity and improve bottom-line performance.  It could just be the difference between merely surviving and thriving in this highly competitive transport sector.