Vehicle Booking System commences at Widnes IRD

In striving to constantly improve vehicle turnaround times, intelligent systems have been employed to drive average times down to current levels by lifting containers to a "fast track" lane in advance. Any time in excess of 15 minutes is investigated. The success of these systems depend on advance information being provided and all third party hauliers who intend to send vehicles into the terminal are encouraged to send a pre-booking request via the website. A link has been added for hauliers or shipping lines to pre-book container lifts. Following receipt, availability of the containers is confirmed and then lifted a designated area, ready for when the LGV arrives. When the pre-booking system is used the collecting vehicle will be afforded a top priority service and a turnaround in under 15 minutes. This facility has been launched as a free service with no penalties for missed appointments as we understand the rigours of running a transport operation.

How it works: Click on the 'Pre-book container' link and complete the simple form generated. Click on 'submit'. On receipt a return email will be generated clarifying whether or not the requested container is available and that the relevant releases are correct. If all checking processes have been successful, a unique reference is issued for the transaction. On arrival at the terminal the driver will then only be required to quote the O'Connor reference and the vehicle registration to be serviced.

New Additions to the Vehicle Fleet

12 New Scania R Series.

1st March 2006 will see the first 12 of 37 new Scania R420 6x2 LGV's join the O'Connor fleet this year. The high specification vehicles supplied by Haydock Commercials are fitted with spacious CR19 Topline cabs. The Scania Opticruise Gearchange Management System is not only capable improving the performance of the engine but can also provide enhanced driver comfort and control.

O'Connor Fleet Engineer, Bill Mills, commented, "With the Topline cab and the Opticruise automatic gearbox, we are issuing our drivers with top of the range equipment, this has been reflected in a significant increase in both driver morale and vehicle performance."

Vehicle, Driver and Load Security

The O'Connor Group has officially appointed Seveneye Limited to fit tracking devices to the vehicle fleet. A number of units have been undergoing rigourous testing by selected drivers over a period of 4 months which have proved successful. The benefits of tracking vehicle and load are primarily for security and driver safety.