Builders FirstSource, Inc.

Builders FirstSource (BFS), a $2 billion diversified manufacturer and supplier of structural building materials and services to homebuilders, selected Fleet Director after an extensive review based on field trials in several regions.

Builders FirstSource clearly recognized the value and benefits that an intelligent driving solution could deliver to their business such as lower fuel consumption and the ability to more effectively route vehicles achieving more deliveries without increasing fleet size or driver headcount. However, before moving forward and implementing a solution, Salim Baltagi, vice president of logistics, created and headed up a rigorous selection process including regionally-based field trials.

Some of the most critical selection criteria and solution requirements:

• A broad set of fleet management and driver productivity and safety measurement tools,
• An integrated system that would monitor engine idle times, provide maintenance alerts, automate state fuel tax reporting and other DOT report preparation,
• Record driver activities for start, stop and on-break times as well as vehicle speeds,
• An interactive and easy-to-use system
• A high quality, sturdy system backed by a vendor with an established track record, and
• Training and support such that the transition to a new system would be seamless, minimizing disruptions to the business.

“Obviously, Fleet Director won the competition hands down,” said Mr. Baltagi. He continued with,“Our fleet logs average around 4,000,000 miles per month. Fuel consumption is watched very closely. After installing Fleet Director, engine idling times dropped significantly. By knowing each truck’s location and status in real time, we are making more deliveries per day with the same or fewer numbers of trucks. We no longer criss-cross routes. Out of route miles have been virtually eliminated.”

BFS credits the 2-way communications with helping cut fuel consumption as well. Many deliveries are made to new housing developments where street signs and house numbers are not yet available. Fleet Director navigation and GPS tracking allow dispatchers to give drivers turn-by-turn directions to the proper location. This has saved countless wasted miles.

Fleet Director’s Alert software has improved security. Many alert parameters are in place. These include geo-fences, engine hours of operation and speeds. Any exception will notify appropriate personnel at their workstation, via cell phone or pager.