Vertas, one of the largest integrated facilities management companies in Great Britain, has made significant strides in enhancing fleet efficiency and sustainability through its partnership with Trakm8, a leading fleet management specialist. Managing a diverse fleet of 313 vehicles—including vans, pool cars, mini-buses, and coaches—the company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and reducing its ghg emissions by 90% by 2050 from a 2021 baseline year, with near-term target of reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030.
In a bid to support these sustainability goals, Vertas integrated advanced telematics technology into its fleet by partnering with Trakm8. The collaboration began with the installation of Trakm8’s Connect 330 plug-in solution, which provides real-time data on vehicle and driver performance. Later in the year, Vertas will further upgrade its system to include the RH600 telematics camera, one of the most advanced 4G integrated telematics cameras in the UK. This system combines telematics data with an in-cab camera, offering a comprehensive view of fleet management to improve both operational efficiency and driver behaviour.
The implementation of Trakm8’s technology followed a two-phased approach. The first phase saw the installation of the Connect 330 plug-in solution across Vertas’ commercial fleet of 298 vehicles. This provided immediate improvements in fleet efficiency, allowing Vertas to monitor and optimise driver behaviours in real-time. The second phase, set for later this year, will see the introduction of the RH600 telematics camera. This advanced system will provide deeper insights into vehicle performance and driver behaviour, helping Vertas to further reduce emissions and improve overall fleet efficiency.
Lee Howes, Head of Fleet and Passenger Transport at Vertas, highlighted the significance of the partnership, stating, “Trakm8’s telematics technology allows us to manage vehicle and driver efficiency, which is essential as we work toward our Net Zero target. Their plug-in solution was perfect for our diverse fleet, with flexibility to upgrade as we continue to innovate.”
Since the implementation of Trakm8’s solutions in early 2023, Vertas has achieved substantial environmental and financial outcomes. Trakm8’s technology, allows Vertas to optimise fuel usage and reduce carbon emissions. In addition, Vertas operates a pool fleet of 41 fully electric vehicles in collaboration with Suffolk County Council, which has led to the complete elimination of 56.35 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually. The shared Suffolk County Council and Vertas Pool Cars scheme is the only 100% full EV scheme of its kind in the country.
In addition to the environmental gains, the telematics system has also provided significant financial savings. Through improved management of fuel consumption, maintenance schedules, and driver behaviours, Vertas has realised substantial estimated cost savings across several key areas. These include fuel savings of £257,140, vehicle maintenance savings of £47,742, accident repair savings of £37,518, and insurance premium savings of £39,513, bringing the total estimated savings to £318,179.
The system’s ability to monitor and reduce inefficient driver behaviours, such as idling and harsh braking, has also contributed to these savings. Additionally, by providing proactive maintenance alerts, the telematics system has helped reduce costly vehicle downtime and prevent expensive repairs. These operational improvements have directly contributed to a Return on Investment (ROI) of 185.23%. The total costs for the hardware, software, and service charges over a year were £111,576.94, and with the estimated savings of £318,179, Vertas achieved a ROI of £206,602.06.
Joe Heidari, Fleet & Optimisation Sales Director at Trakm8, expressed pride in the partnership, stating, “We’re proud to work with Vertas and provide tailored solutions that meet the needs of such a diverse fleet. Our fleet management technology is not only enhancing their service to customers but also driving their sustainability efforts forward.”
The collaboration between Vertas and Trakm8 exemplifies the transformative potential of data-driven fleet management solutions. By reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and maintenance costs, Vertas is not only improving its operational efficiency but is also advancing toward its ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. This successful partnership serves as a model for the future of sustainable fleet management, where innovative technology drives both environmental and financial performance.
