TMA Express optimises the management of its operations and reinforces the safety of its drivers with Samsara

Standout benefits:

• Better management of transport operations

• Improved fleet safety thanks to dashcams

• Real-time driver time management

Maintaining growth in a highly competitive market

TMA Express was founded in 2013 by Charlène Mary and Karim Aït Soumane. Initially specialising in the subcontracting of small parcel deliveries, the company has evolved to include HGV transport, and has rapidly gained market share - firstly in the Chartes region, where it originates, and then more widely in France and Europe.

Buoyed by sustained growth, TMA Express now has 70 employees and a turnover of €6 million. The company has a fleet of 70 vehicles ranging from 3 m3 to 44 t.

"We operate in a particularly competitive market, especially in the face of smaller organisations offering low-cost services. It is therefore essential to constantly adapt and evolve in order to maintain our growth and continue to expand into new markets", comments Karim Aït Soumane, co-founder of TMA Express. "This adaptation is reflected both in our ability to constantly improve our performance and the quality of service we deliver to customers, and in our ability to incorporate new standards and new energies. In fact, we have set ourselves the target of renewing our entire fleet with new energies by 2030. To support this transformation and achieve all these objectives, we need the right tools and the latest technologies.”

In 2019, TMA Express decided to replace its existing geolocation solution, which had reached certain limits and did not offer the necessary accuracy. This change was also an opportunity for TMA Express to integrate complementary technologies, such as on-board cameras, to enhance the safety of its drivers and reduce the number of road accidents.

"When we studied the market, we realised that Samsara differentiated itself from its competitors with particularly effective, latest-generation solutions. We also appreciated their ability to respond very quickly to our specifications with great precision", emphasises Karim Aït Soumane.

A step ahead in the management of day-to-day operations

After a one-month test period, TMA Express deployed Samsara solutions throughout its fleet. The company installs the telematic gateways itself, very easily, without needing to call on an external service provider. "For the installation of the first gateway, a Samara technician guided us by videoconference and it took us barely 15 minutes. We installed the subsequent units completely independently and very easily, taking just 5 minutes per vehicle," points out Karim Aït Soumane. 

The accuracy and reliability of the geolocation data, which is transmitted in real time, means that TMA Express is much more efficient in the day-to-day management of its transport operations.

"Our business demands a very high level of responsiveness. We work 99% on a just-in-time basis and we have to make decisions very quickly. With the Samsara platform, we can see exactly where our drivers are in real time, so we can respond immediately to our customers' requests", explains Karim Aït Soumane. "The data provided by Samsara also enables us to manage our drivers' movements more easily, particularly on long-distance routes, and to adapt our transport plans more effectively.” 

Samsara's efficiency is also reflected in the quality of its after-sales service. "The after-sales service with Samsara is incredible. When we contact them with a question, we get a response within 30 minutes. For us, who work on a just-in-time basis all the time, having such a responsive partner is invaluable," comments Karim Aït Souman.

TMA Express has also been able to equip its drivers with the Samsara mobile application, which helps to optimise fleet maintenance, in particular by enabling them to walk around their vehicles and take photos to automatically report any defects or breakages. 

Samsara data can also be used to detect anomalies in fuel consumption. "Thanks to the Samsara fuel curve, we realised that one driver, who had been with us for a long time, was using around 100 litres of fuel per week in the tractor. The damage amounted to several thousand euros, and we passed the case on to our legal teams. Faced with this type of situation, and in general, we are able to generate income by monitoring the consumption of the equipment", comments Karim Aït Souman.

Drivers safety

In addition to geolocation technology, TMA Express has deployed Samsara's on-board AI cameras and warning systems on its vehicles. This decision is in line with TMA Express' policy of strengthening the safety of its drivers, as well as its desire to constantly improve the company's image - for both employees and customers.

On-board AI cameras coupled with safety alerts have significantly improved the quality of drivers' driving. "We are seeing a steady decline in the number of driving incident alerts and the adoption of a smoother driving style, which is also reflected in less wear and tear on tyres and brakes. This improvement in the safety of our drivers is making steady progress: since the start of 2024, there have been no accidents in our entire fleet! The drivers clearly feel more responsible", Karim Aït Soumane points out. "As well as helping to raise awareness among our drivers, these tools are also very useful to us in assessing new drivers during their trial period."

All these benefits - improved management of operations and operational performance, and a permanent improvement in driver safety - have become a differentiating argument when TMA Express responds to calls for tender. "We systematically highlight everything Samsara enables us to do when we meet prospective customers. In their eyes, it's a factor that considerably strengthens our credibility and our image of professionalism", says Karim Aït Soumane with satisfaction.