Streamlining Crew Transport for Direct Rail Services

The Client

Direct Rail Services (DRS) is a leading UK national rail freight operator, specialising in secure and reliable transport solutions.

Established in 1995 and operating under the Nuclear Transport Solutions (NTS) brand, DRS supports critical industries, including the nuclear sector, through expertise in rail freight and logistics.

The Challenge

Direct Rail Services required reliable, nationwide taxi transport to ensure their drivers and crew members could safely and punctually reach their work sites and return home.

Their existing booking process meant that they were facing inefficiencies and rising costs in managing crew transportation. With over 20 local taxi companies handling driver and crew transfers, the system resulted in:

• Inconsistent service levels and pricing.

• Complex payment processes and fragmented reporting.

• Limited visibility into live vehicle availability and booking data.

To improve efficiency, ensure reliable transportation, and maintain cost control, DRS required a centralised approach, scalable taxi transport with real-time booking capabilities and robust reporting tools.

The Solution

In July 2023, Direct Rail Services partnered with CMAC to streamline their taxi services. Leveraging CMAC’s advanced transport management platform, DRS was able to; access real-time vehicle availability and streamline online bookings, consolidate reporting and invoicing into a single, user-friendly system, proactively identify cost-saving opportunities and reduce unnecessary journeys.

Through CMAC’s technology, tailored support and proactive partnership management, DRS achieved measurable improvements:

• Journey Efficiency: Average monthly taxi journeys dropped from 950 in the first nine months to 800 in the most recent six months, with average journey distances reduced from 11.74 to 8.94 miles.

• Cost Savings: A 30.15% reduction in average monthly taxi spend.

• Sustainability: Improved use of rail transport by flagging high-cost, long-distance, and daytime journeys.

In addition to achieving impressive key results, DRS experienced valuable additional benefits, including:

• Enhanced Safety: Vetted suppliers and drivers ensured compliance with stringent industry safety standards, facilitating secure transport for crew members.

• Operational Efficiency: Real-time tracking and centralised invoicing, simplified transport management and reduced administrative overhead.

• Sustainability Focus: The partnership encouraged the use of rail transport over taxis for long-distance travel, reducing carbon emissions.

The partnership with CMAC transformed DRS’s crew transport operations, coordinating reliable, safe, and efficient journeys while driving down costs. By combining cutting-edge technology and industry knowledge, CMAC continues to enable Direct Rail Services to uphold its reputation for operational excellence and maintain its reputation as a trusted leader in the rail freight industry.