If there is one thing consistent in the world of transport and logistics, it‘s that the supply chain will be under immense pressure throughout the festive period. Heightened customer demand with vast levels of online orders and movement of more goods, over a short interval add further pressure to an industry already feeling the strain of high work volumes, changes in regulation, rising costs and driver shortages.

 

A recent report from Motor Transport estimated that 6.2 billion deliveries would be processed across Ireland and Europe this winter, representing a 10.9% increase on the previous year, further highlighting the growing demand on the transport sector to deliver the goods. Additionally, the Freight Transport Association Ireland (FTAI) in their Distribution Costs 2024 report, noted that operators experienced an average of 11.4% increase in business overhead costs in 2024, emphasising the importance of running operations as efficiently as possible.

Yet with this inevitability, there are ways to help alleviate these pressures, that not only help reduce the administrative burden but also help road transport operators to run with increased efficiency and greater control, to make better use of resources, all at the same time.

Here, we will discuss 5 ways that the Eureka Transport Management Software (TMS) and set of integrated solutions can help Irish road haulage operators over the Christmas period, and why a TMS is an indispensable asset during exceptionally demanding times.

 

 

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Ease of use

Operators want tools that simplify processes and enhance efficiency, not systems that overcomplicate processes for their teams. With the Eureka TMS, handling the festive delivery rush at any other peak times becomes faster and easier.

 

Automated load planning can be configured to reduce a transport planner’s workload by building loads automatically for them to review, the drag-and-drop functionality makes building loads quick. Due to the simplicity of the system, when team members go on leave over the Festive season, their colleagues can easily pick up where they left off on the TMS, meaning minimal disruption to the haulier during peak periods. Additionally, the TMS, MoveIT, is intuitive and simple enough for users with varying levels of skills to pick up with ease.

Additionally, route optimisation is a powerful feature for multi-drop and groupage deliveries, automatically generating the most efficient routes, and enabling planners to cut down on empty miles.

Drivers also benefit from Eureka’s simplicity. The DispatchIT driver app is easy to adopt and use, giving drivers a simple way to capture electronic proof of delivery (ePODs) quickly and return them to the office instantly via the app. This streamlines delivery confirmations and invoicing, reducing delays and ensuring operations run efficiently, without the reliance on processing time-consuming paperwork, and administrative duplication through manual methods.

 

Greater Visibility and Control

A clear overview of haulage operations is essential to ensure work is going to plan and to proactively manage exceptions. With all the information in one place, operators can make data-driven decisions, and identify where they are performing strongly and where improvement is needed. This insight becomes especially valuable during high-pressure periods such as the festive season when a fast response is required.

 

Eureka gives operators real-time insights and visibility. Through live data integrations with modules such as vehicle tracking, job status updates from drivers and driver hours updates, operators gain invaluable insights fed directly into their TMS. This means that not only can quick decisions be made regarding the operations, but operators can keep their customers and teams informed more easily.

Tensions can often run especially high during the busy festive period, and having the ability to provide quick resolutions to issues, or questions, is very useful for operators to keep their customers happy. Eureka gives its users peace of mind, knowing they have the tools to manage challenges effectively for their customers.

 

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Synergy Across Operations

Working across multiple departments with disjointed workspaces or management software can not only be confusing to manage but also has the potential to lead to avoidable yet costly errors.

 

Fortunately, Eureka’s range of modules offers hauliers a user experience where information is seamlessly integrated, keeping all work updated and centralised in one location, keeping everyone informed, avoiding duplication of effort and helping to significantly reduce errors.

 

So what range of solutions does Eureka offer to hauliers in all departments?

 

Eureka TMS range of software solutions
                 The range of software solutions that Eureka offers to haulage operators

 

It is rare to have a set of solutions such as this, that integrate so easily with each other. Data is shared across modules in seconds, keeping everyone in the loop by updating each user in real time. This includes modules for all departments across the operations, transport managers, planners, warehouse operators, accounts teams, and drivers.

Utilising this level of interconnected systems when there are peak volumes of work, and providing clarity to employees throughout the operation, really helps to reduce the amount of potential stress the operation’s team, and customers will face.

 

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Customer Communications & Service

The Festive season can be stressful for both transport companies and their customers, making exceptional customer service essential, as during these times it is something that can often affect customer retention.

 

Eureka’s MoveIT Customer Portal simplifies the process for all, by allowing customers to book jobs online themselves, with jobs then automatically added to the TMS ready to plan. This not only saves time manually creating jobs but also gives customers greater control, ensuring quick and efficient order management during busy periods.          

Real-time updates are equally important for customers. With the DispatchIT app, drivers provide live job status updates, while integrated tracking allows planners to share geographical locations and progress. This transparency keeps customers informed, reduces stress, and helps to build trust when it matters most.

At the point of delivery, Eureka’s DispatchIT app captures signatures or images at job completion, and then automatically uploads them to the TMS. This can then be shared via email to customers, or they can access them through the customer portal. Combined with the Track & Trace feature, which provides a full consignment history. These tools help to enhance communication and ensure a seamless, reliable experience for customers during the holiday rush.

 

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Sector-Specific Features

Choosing a TMS that aligns with both your business and the type of goods you transport is crucial, especially during the busy festive period when workloads increase.

 

Many systems rely on a “one-size-fits-all” approach, which often falls short for hauliers with specialised requirements. Fortunately, Eureka recognises that every business is unique and offers sector-specific functionality designed to streamline operations, help manage increased demands efficiently and deliver exceptional service when it matters most.

Here are some examples of MoveIT’s sector-specific features that could help operators find success during peak seasons:

  • Crane Hire Management: Designed for crane hire operators, this feature allows scheduling, booking, planning, and reporting on crane movements, providing full visibility of their availability for planners.
  • Drivers Adding Jobs: Ideal for tipper haulage work, this feature enables drivers to create and update jobs on the go through the driver’s web portal. As planners may not know how many runs a driver will need to do, or the exact weight or other information during a job, this allows drivers to accurately add jobs, and essential references quickly and easily.
  • Ferry Integrations: Simplifies ferry management within transport legs, with operators able to book, amend and cancel ferry trips directly through their TMS. Accompanied with live updates, this provides all necessary details within one system.
  • Customs Module: Addressing post-Brexit transport challenges, and general potential customs disruptions, this tool ensures drivers are prepared for EU and UK border checks, reducing potential delays, and keeping deliveries on schedule. For more information, please visit https://www.eureka.ie/brexit/
  • Temperature Control: For frozen, chilled, or FMCG products, this feature allows TMS users to set ideal temperature ranges within applicable vehicles, sufficiently providing the correct environment and helping to maintain compliance in a heavily regulated sector.

With the haulage sector being so tight on compliance, Transport Management Software is an essential tool to help operators monitor key information, including temperature controls, customs checks, vehicle standards, and so much more. Eureka, a patron of the IRHA (Irish Road Haulage Association) provides users with the means to help transport businesses adhere to these compliance and regulations, helping to avoid substantial fines.

 

So, why choose Eureka?

 

With over 20 years of experience working alongside transport businesses, the team at Eureka knows the Irish haulage market like no other. As an Irish-based software provider, our products are developed and supported by our dedicated team in Wexford, ensuring that Transport Management Software solutions are tailored to local needs and challenges.

Since joining the Mandata Group in 2022, our ambition to innovate has only intensified. Our core focus remains on delivering market-leading integrated transport management software to our customers, designed to help them overcome industry challenges and support their growth aspirations.

To learn more about how Eureka can help you to minimise disruption during the holidays, whilst keeping your operations efficient, speak to our team by requesting a demo here.