As a subsidiary of Andlauer Healthcare Group, a provider of logistics services across the U.S. and Canada, Boyle Transportation is part of a network that deploys more than 1,000 vehicles from cargo vans to tractor-trailers. The company offers secure, temperature-controlled truck transportation to clients in the biotech/pharmaceutical and government/defense sectors.
“We operate throughout the lower 48 states and Canada along with our sister company, Skelton Truck Lines, to deliver point-to-point expedited service,” said Ernest Acevedo, director of fleet maintenance and onboard technologies at the Billerica, Massachusetts-based carrier. “We strive to become our customers’ number one choice for safe and reliable transportation of their high-value cargo by creating a brand built on outstanding reliability and safety. That level of service is what makes us a top hauler of choice for our customers.”
Acevedo noted that a key focus in that approach is to field premium equipment by aligning with OEMs like Freightliner, Great Dane, and Thermo King.
“When the pandemic caused supply chain issues, we adjusted our purchasing practices to get new vehicles and evaluated our current equipment to resize and reposition the fleet to meet our customers’ demands,” Acevedo said. “Today, the issue is lower resale values, so we’re focused on being smart about where we offer used equipment for sale and the avenues we use. It’s about being creative.”
For Acevedo, the decisions that are being made today are what will pay dividends for Boyle and its customers in the future. For example, investments in premium equipment will have a return in lower maintenance costs, better fuel economy, and driver retention. Upgrading to the latest trailers with better materials, technology, components, and architecture adds to their longevity.
Vehicle and driver safety initiatives are another area where Boyle sees a return on investment. All new tractors in the fleet are equipped with the Detroit Assurance suite of safety systems and Netradyne forward-facing cameras. In addition, tractors and trailers have disc brakes and roll stability systems.
“Improving safety is about risk management,” Acevedo said. “Systems that protect vehicles and drivers, like cameras that give us the information we need to address unsafe behaviors, help us effectively reduce or eliminate on-road incidents.”
See also: Mobile service fuels fleets’ growth
For Acevedo, performance measures help Boyle Transportation continuously improve maintenance effectiveness.
“The maintenance department doesn’t make money for the company, so our goal is always to spend less, but it goes beyond that,” Acevedo stated. “It’s also about spending money strategically. Our success is in having safe and reliable equipment by proactively taking care of defects before they disrupt our operations. Having high levels of equipment availability ensures we can make on-time deliveries and reduce unscheduled repairs.”
About 70% of the service needs for the Boyle fleet are met by company shops in Massachusetts and Indiana. The balance takes place at carefully vetted vendors that adhere to Boyle’s standards and practices. Included are Freightliner, Great Dane, and Thermo King dealers, Love’s and TA service operations, and Michelin tire suppliers.
Boyle Transportation uses Fleetio maintenance software to manage vehicle maintenance. Through an API, the fleet’s Samsara ELDs provide telematics data on odometer readings, diagnostic trouble codes, and vehicle locations. With the Fleetio Go mobile app, drivers complete daily equipment inspections and submit driver vehicle inspection reports electronically.
“Having integrated systems means we can exchange information and connect different parts of our operation,” Acevedo said. “It also allows us to review updated and consolidated fleet metrics in a centralized dashboard and make data-driven decisions.”
That’s especially crucial for managing the Boyle fleet in today’s operating environment, Acevedo noted. “Everything is under a microscope,” he explained further. “Providing the same high quality of service while remaining profitable in today’s tough financial climate is more of a challenge.
“That requires taking a different approach and using data to make more predictive and proactive maintenance decisions,” Acevedo continued. “It takes a look at the big picture and the details to make that happen.”
And that's what continues to set Boyle Transportation apart as a provider of temperature-controlled transport solutions, according to Acevedo.
“We can change direction if needed,” he added. “We can be a company that does one or many things as our customers’ needs require. That’s why we have maintained an outstanding reputation for service and why we’re excited about the future.”
