Bretts Transport signs Microlise deal to boost MPG

Bretts Transport has signed a technology partnership with Microlise worth more than £500,000. The deal covers 180 fleet assets and is aimed at helping Bretts improve miles per gallon by 3%.

The Cambridgeshire-based logistics, haulage, distribution and warehousing operator will deploy Microlise's transport management system, along with telematics, compliance software and electronic proof of delivery tools. The rollout will replace what Bretts described as a fragmented set of systems with a single platform covering planning, execution, invoicing, compliance and delivery records.

The project covers Bretts' 54 tractor units and 126 trailers, used across its retail, foodservice and manufacturing operations. The new system is intended to help reduce mileage, improve vehicle utilisation and cut time spent on administration.

Electronic proof of delivery will be managed through Microlise's SmartPOD app, designed to remove manual paperwork from delivery processes. Microlise said its annual industry report found that businesses spend an average of 2.3 hours a day manually recording proof of delivery, at a cost of £172.40.

The telematics tools will give Bretts real-time visibility of vehicle performance and driver behaviour, while the compliance system is accredited under the DVSA Earned Recognition scheme. This is intended to help the operator keep vehicles and drivers aligned with regulatory requirements as rules change.

Efficiency drive

The investment comes as transport operators face pressure to manage fuel use more closely, improve fleet productivity and reduce paperwork. For Bretts, the goal is a 3% improvement in MPG across a relatively large mixed asset base, where even small changes in routing, driving style and vehicle use can have a noticeable financial impact.

Wayne Minney, Transport General Manager at Bretts Transport, said: "This investment represents a significant step forward in how we manage and optimise our transport operation. By bringing planning, fleet performance, compliance and proof of delivery together into one connected platform, we are moving away from fragmented systems and creating a much clearer view of our operation.

"One of the biggest benefits will be the advanced reporting capability. We will have access to the information we want, when we want it, in real time, allowing our teams to make faster, better-informed decisions. Whether looking at vehicle utilisation, mileage, MPG, driver performance, compliance or delivery performance, we will be able to identify trends and act much earlier, rather than simply reviewing what has already happened.

"With 180 assets, small improvements can deliver significant results. We have set a clear target of improving MPG by 3%, alongside reducing mileage, improving utilisation and removing unnecessary administration.

"Ultimately, this investment is about giving our people better tools and better information to create a more efficient, compliant and data-led operation, while providing a strong platform for Bretts' continued growth."

Single platform

The agreement also reflects a broader trend in road transport, as operators seek to bring planning, compliance and delivery data into one system rather than rely on separate software and paper-based processes. Consolidating those functions can give transport managers a fuller view of costs and performance, particularly in fleets with a wide range of customers and delivery schedules.

Microlise, which provides fleet management and connected vehicle software, said Bretts approached the project with a clear view of the operational changes it wanted to make. The supplier works with more than 2,500 clients globally and handles more than 800,000 subscriptions each year.

Tim Featonby, Sales Manager - New Business at Microlise, said: "From the outset, Bretts Transport had a clear vision of what it wanted to achieve - improving efficiency, reducing emissions and simplifying day-to-day operations. By bringing transport management, telematics, compliance and proof of delivery together on a single platform, we're helping the team build a more connected operation that will support its ambitions for many years to come."