AFS Delivery is the backbone of the AFS Group. Founded in 2016, we started with just 12 drivers and 12 vans, in 1 depot. Today, we operate with 450 drivers and vehicles, in over 32 depots.
A big focus for us over the years has been to help improve the overall driver experience. Through vehicle telematics, performance coaching and thorough vehicle checks, drivers are now safer than ever.
Formed in 1981, Hamilton Robertson is an independent insurance brokerage providing a premium service, initially throughout Glasgow and West Central Scotland, and now covering England through their London offices.
They provide commercial insurance across many different classes of business, and personal insurance including Motor, Home and Travel.
AFS were introduced to HRIB in 2020, when we were experiencing growth due to the increase in delivery demands caused by the pandemic. Scott Goudie, Co-Owner of AFS Group, explains how their approach has worked for us: “Graeme Robertson (Chairman of HRIB) was recommended to me. From the beginning it was clear he was coming from a different angle from what we’d previously experienced.
“He talked through how he wanted to work with us, offering different and more competitive options. He was interested in understanding our risks and I believe the policies we have through HRIB are helping us to run the business a lot better. HRIB also knew the way ahead in terms of managing our risks better.”
Graeme explains more about HRIB’s approach: “We suggested how to manage their Motor Fleet Risk more effectively and provided them with a solution to manage premium spend more accurately. And we gave them an enhanced claims service with an insurer who, like us, is passionate on settling third party claims at best possible cost.
“We also discussed and agreed some immediate opportunities to improve their accident frequency and accident management controls. And we put in place five key implementations with immediate effect.”
These implementations included introducing a simpler approach to reporting incidents and accidents, allowing faster settlement; a revised after-accident interview approach using HRIB tools tailored for AFS; and regular claims management meetings.
Shortly after starting AFS, we realised that there wasn’t a software solution on the market to help manage all the challenges faced by last mile delivery couriers.
We needed a solution that could help manage our vehicles & drivers, schedule effectively, send accurate invoices, reduce insurance premiums, and keep us fully compliant. To grow and scale our business, we needed to build our own software.
We’ve spent four years developing a platform which has brought benefits to both AFS and HRIB.
Scott comments: “The delivery industry has changed and so have we. We have grown from a delivery company into a company specialising in delivery, vehicle hire, vehicle repair and software.
“We realised we needed to be smarter around how we used technology to be competitive. So, we created software that is bespoke and able to grow as we grow.
“With the software we can be more proactive, find root cause of accidents, and look at driver behaviours. We’re a responsible company taking risk management seriously. We care about the drivers and want to keep them safe.”
Graeme adds: “The technology such as dash cams, telematics systems and client management system designed by the AFS tech team is working very well. It’s reducing claims costs, identifying what happened in an incident and identifying drivers at risk of having an accident.
“The software provides a clear, accurate version of accidents including video footage. It allows us to help AFS deal with the claim more effectively and give advice and guidance to them.”
Scott continues: “With Graeme’s help, and our software solution in place, we’ve been able to significantly reduce our insurance premiums and better manage our risk. It’s a win-win!”
This year we’ve taken the decision to share our software solution “UniQore” with the wider logistics community via our software partner. Now everyone can enjoy the same benefits as we do.
For more information on Hamilton Robertson Insurance Brokers, visit: https://www.hamiltonrobertson.co.uk/
To talk to AFS about how we can help your business grow and get it to the next level, contact us today.