TNT Express is rolling out its latest state-of-the-art mobile communication units for deliverystaff in the UK. Up to 250 new Mobile Worker units, costing £250,000, are going into service for
drivers at international depots. Other countries rolling the new units out this year include Italy,Benelux and the International Business Unit.The Mobile Worker communication handsets provide real-time updates of collections and deliveriesand improved communication between delivery vehicles and operations. The units will be introducedat TNT’s depots at Stansted, London Heathrow, Northampton, London City, Manchester International,Liverpool and Glasgow International from April this year.
When the Mobile Worker device is in the depot, it uses the local TNT network for wirelesscommunication via a radio frequency. This allows the driver to log on and produce his deliverypaperwork, via scanning the consignments – at no cost to the business, TNT said. Once the driverleaves the depot, the scanner swaps seamlessly to the external communications network GPRS –General Packet Radio Service.
This solution enables data to be sent to and from the driver, including collection requests forcustomers. This will include a Proof of Delivery at the point it is completed, including thereceiver’s name and the time it was delivered. On return to the depot, Mobile Worker switches backto the TNT network for debrief and log-off.
The new device has been trialled at the Northampton depot for eight months. Brian Wagstaff,Depot Operations Manager at Northampton, commented: “This is far simpler than anything we have usedbefore and is much better for all involved. We’re not chasing drivers for information anymore,which, in turn, means that our customer service queries have gone right down.”
Nigel Barton, TNT Express Services Director of Operations, said: “The units are future-proofedfor electronic signature capture and the reduced hardware and running costs will enable it to beused in even the smallest of depots. This is the technology of the future that we are using todayand it is going to deliver real benefits for our drivers, customers and ultimately, the business asa whole.”
