ATS Transport modernises fleet management and charts course towards zero-emission transport with Samsara

“Thanks to Samsara, we now have accurate data and real-time fleet visibility. The system offers far more capabilities than we anticipated – from safety improvements to supporting our sustainability goals.” Bo Zerhouni, Operations Manager, ATS Transport

Standout benefits

• Driver start-up time reduced from 15 to 5 minutes per journey

• Significant reduction in incident rates through AI-powered dashcams

• Enhanced fuel efficiency through driving behaviour insights

• Effective support in the transition towards zero-emission fleet

Navigating the challenges of expansion

Over 17 years, ATS Transport has evolved from a one-person operation with a single van to a versatile transport company with 90 vehicles and nearly 110 employees. ATS Transport offers a comprehensive service package, from parcel delivery to national and international transport, with a strong emphasis on flexibility and 24-hour service.

The growing fleet brought new challenges. ATS Transport had been using a basic GPS system for fifteen years. However, they were encountering limitations. “There were frequent disruptions, and every modification required an engineer. This was costly in terms of time and money. Moreover, we were dealing with rather high incident rates and fuel consumption”, explains Bo Zerhouni, Operations Manager at ATS Transport. 

Driver acceptance, safety benefits and seamless self-implementation

Although ATS Transport wasn't actively seeking a new supplier, their interest was piqued by Samsara's modern approach. The AI-powered dashcams, in particular, captured their imagination. Samsara's AI technology offers them the perfect balance between safety and privacy. The cameras only record situations that aren't compliant with regulations, such as mobile phone use while driving or following too closely. “This way, we protect our drivers' privacy whilst having immediate evidence in case of incidents.”

Despite initial hesitation about the dashcams, drivers are now convinced of the benefits. They recognise that the system is there to make their workplace safer. ATS Transport has immediate access to footage in case of accidents or claims. They can also take swift action in phone or parcel theft cases.

Drivers have insight into their driving behaviour through the app, and some have even turned it into a friendly competition to achieve the highest score. Next year, ATS Transport intends to link this to a bonus system. They are already seeing considerable improvements in driving behaviour and a reduction in idling time. 

Samsara's self-implementation approach proved to be a significant advantage. “It's remarkably straightforward,” says Zerhouni. “You simply plug in the units, and they work. After a few times, you know exactly what to do. This applies to all Samsara solutions, from telematics to trailer tracking and temperature monitoring. This gives us flexibility and reduces downtime.”

Streamlined operations and customer experience

The integration with ATS Transports Transport Management System ensures a fully digitalised process. Drivers use the app for vehicle checks, receiving jobs, and uploading CMR documents. Where drivers previously spent fifteen minutes on paperwork, they're now on their way within five minutes. It's also made a tremendous difference for planning. All information is immediately available digitally, and ATS Transport can respond quickly to queries or issues.

Customer experience has significantly improved with ATS Transport using Samsara’s solutions. Customers now benefit from real-time visibility into their shipments, including the ability to track vehicles via personalised links or access a dedicated portal. The integration of digital temperature monitoring provides immediate access to precise data, reducing the need for frequent status enquiries. This enhanced transparency streamlines communication and fosters greater trust and efficiency in client relationships.

Partner in sustainable growth

Sustainability is at the heart of ATS Transport’s vision, and Samsara plays a pivotal role in achieving these goals. The company is working towards zero-emission operations for its parcel service by the end of 2027. Samsara provides actionable insights into vehicle readiness for electrification, helping ATS make informed decisions about fleet upgrades. By analysing detailed data, ATS discovered that more vehicles were suitable for electrification than initially anticipated. This has already led to the purchase of 25 electric Ford E-Transits, which will significantly reduce both operational costs and CO2 emissions. 

"We can now clearly see the costs of running diesel vehicles compared to electric ones, and Samsara shows us exactly where we can save – both financially and in terms of CO2 emissions," Zerhouni explains. Beyond fleet electrification, Samsara’s tools support ATS in identifying additional opportunities to improve fuel efficiency and reduce idle time, aligning with the company’s broader commitment to environmental responsibility.

Future-focused partnership

For ATS Transport, partnering with Samsara was a strategic decision. “They're not the least expensive option, but they offer the most comprehensive solution,” says Zerhouni. “The combination of modern technology, excellent support and focus on innovation aligns perfectly with our ambitions.”