Transports Rivals reduces its operating time by 10% and cuts its fuel consumption by 1L/100 km with Samsara

“All the data provided by Samsara is very useful for understanding our drivers' daily lives and what needs to be improved. We can identify the best driving practices and apply them across the organisation, which not only helps to reduce the number of accidents, but also our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with an average reduction of 1 litre/100 km.”

Eric Rivals, CEO of Transports Rivals

Standout benefits:

• 10% time saving in operation time

• Average fuel savings of 1 litre/100 km

• Reduction of carbon emissions

A passionate and innovative family business

Founded in 1965 by Roger Rivals and managed for some thirty years by his son Eric, Transports Rivals now has over a hundred employees - including 60 drivers - and a diversified fleet of 150 vehicles. Always focused on customer service quality and the constant modernisation of its operations, Transports Rivals has steadily broadened its scope of activities over the years to distinguish itself through a wide range of transport and logistics services: courier services, chartering, transport of dangerous goods, refrigerated transport, etc. 

The company has also evolved in terms of digital transformation and environmental performance. With the ongoing aim of reducing its greenhouse gas emissions, Transports Rivals regularly renews its vehicle fleet with Euro 6 standard trucks equipped with AdBlue, while gradually making the transition to non-fossil fuels. 

"Today, around 25% of our fleet is made up of electric vehicles and vehicles running on 100% vegetable-based fuels, made from rapeseed. For an SMB like us, this means we can both make a positive impact in terms of our environmental objectives and stand out from the crowd to win certain businesses", emphasises Eric Rivals, CEO of Transports Rivals.  

Technology and connected tools are also strategic for the company, enabling it to be ever more efficient and constantly improve customer satisfaction. "The accuracy, reliability and speed of data have become decisive factors in the transport industry. 25 years ago, it was all about moving goods. Today, it's data and traceability that are the most strategic assets in making the difference and providing the best quality of service to customers. That's why we chose Samsara solutions," sums up Eric Rivals.

Last-generation geolocation

Having previously been using a geolocation system that was no longer satisfactory, Transports Rivals decided to turn to a new solution capable of providing the precision and functionality it required in terms of customer service. Following a market study and tests of various solutions, Transports Rivals chose Samsara tools. Deployment is being phased in, and all Transports Rivals production vehicles will be equipped by 2024. 

"We were convinced by Samsara for several key reasons. Firstly, the simplicity of installation: we can do everything ourselves very easily, without having to call in an installer and without immobilising our vehicles. Secondly, the accuracy and reliability of the geolocation data: unlike competing solutions where we found bugs, Samsara is ultra-precise. That makes all the difference, both for us in terms of operations and for our customers, to whom we can provide reliable information in real time", comments Eric Rivals. 

The Samsara platform enables Transports Rivals to save time in operations, while being able to keep customers waiting for deliveries informed. Thanks to geolocation, operators no longer need to contact drivers by phone or call their customers to check the status of a delivery. "With the Samsara platform, our operators have seen time savings of 10% on average, while being able to provide customers with immediate responses when necessary. This is a considerable advantage in terms of brand reputation: today, solutions like Samsara's are essential for the company's image and to give customers confidence", emphasises Eric Rivals.

Dashcams and good driving practices

Another area on which Transports Rivals wanted to focus was the development of good driving practices, both to improve driver safety and to help reduce the fleet's carbon emissions. This approach is based on joint data from the platform and Samsara dashcams - the latter currently being fitted to around ten vehicles in the Transports Rivals fleet. 

"All the data provided by Samsara is very useful for understanding our drivers' daily lives and what needs to be improved. We can identify the best driving practices and apply them across the organisation, which not only helps to reduce the number of accidents, but also our fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, with an average reduction of 1 litre/100 km," says Eric Rivals with satisfaction. "Regarding the dashcams in particular, everyone in the company quickly understood the benefits. We've seen immediate results, and the data they provide enables us to be even more effective in improving as a team.” 

"In addition to the benefits in terms of operational performance, safety and customer service quality, Samsara tools also play an essential role in the company's image. The fact that we have the latest generation technology clearly helps to strengthen the confidence and satisfaction of our customers, but also of our drivers. It's an extremely virtuous factor for the company's efficiency and reputation", concludes Eric Rivals.