In this interaction with Babu, Proprietor, PMP Group, Rajesh Rajgor finds out how Bridgestone has delivered outstanding value to the fleet operator through better tyre mileage and reduction in total cost of ownership (TCO)
In a highly competitive market like India, a company needs to stand out with its deliverables to achieve success. For a logistic service provider, ensuring faster deliveries to its clients at the most economical rates and providing value to the customer are of utmost importance. PMP Group, which is in the business of transporting cement and raw materials in the highly mature transport hub in Namakkal, central Tamil Nadu, understands this business mantra quite well. The transporter, known for catering to the cargo movement needs of the Ramco Group, has 140 tractor-trailers in its stable. The fleet’s prime movers are from Ashok Leyland in 6×4 and 4×2 configuration.
Before PMP accorded its trust on Bridgestone tyres, the cement transporter was incurring high costs, quite literally, towards the vital cog in the wheel – tyres. Apart from fuel costs, highway tolls, fleet maintenance and drivers’ salaries, the company was spending more than what it wished for on tyre costs. Things soon started to change once Brigdestone came into the picture.
Delivering significant benefits and savings
Today, 95 per cent of PMP’s vehicles are fitted with Bridgestone tyres. The transporter uses two tyre patterns from Bridgestone – G611 and M751 tubeless, both based on expert recommendation from the tyre maker.
Elaborating on PMP’s decade-old association with Bridgestone, Babu shares: “60 per cent of our vehicles are loaded in both legs of the trip while the remaining 40 per cent have load only in one direction. Altogether, we clock 7,000 to 8,000 kms per month and for our fleet of 140 vehicles, we were consuming an average of 75 tyres per month. We were looking for a reliable tyre solutions partner who could help us reduce our overall TCO due to tyres as well as bring down the Cost-Per-Kilometer (CPKM). Our monthly tyre consumption has reduced to 45-60 tyres per month since we switched to Bridgestone, mainly possible because of the long running and excellent fuel efficiency of their tyres.”
The above benefits have translated into reduced TCO for PMP Group and today, Bridgestone tyres comfortably clock an initial tyre life of 1,20,000 kms on the operator’s vehicles. Delving into numbers, Babu shares, “Bridgestone has brought down our CPKM from 3 paisa to 2 paisa which is a significant reduction. Additionally, our vehicles fitted with Bridgestone M751 tubeless radial tyres complete a round trip of 500 kms consuming only 45 litres of diesel whereas our vehicles fitted with tyres from competition used to consume nearly 55 litres for the same trip. Overall, we have seen cost savings to the tune of 15 per cent by switching over to Bridgestone tyres which is a massive boost for our business.”
‘Bridgestone handles all tyre related issues’
Bridgestone is quite aware of transporters’ woes, especially when it comes to aftersales service support. The globally-proven tyre solution partner believes in the saying ‘Good products keep customers interested, but aftersales service keeps them loyal’ and hence Bridgestone leaves no stone unturned in providing expert tyre maintenance and tyre management support to its customers. The PMP Proprietor testifies: “Bridgestone’s local team visits us twice a month and guides us on problems that can arise due to improper and incorrect tyre maintenance practices with respect to tyre pressure, tyre alignment, wear and tear, etc. We used to maintain 10-15 per cent higher tyre pressure than the recommended value, assuming it helps the vehicle run faster; but the Bridgestone team advised us to maintain the correct tyre pressure and explained its benefits. The Bridgestone team’s expert inputs and guidance have helped us understand the importance of maintaining correct tyre pressure to achieve the desired tyre and fuel mileage. We now check tyre pressure every alternate day.”
Another aspect that has thoroughly impressed PMP is Bridgestone’s proactive response to complaints and problem resolution. “Apart from the tyre check-ups, if there are any mechanical issues with the tyre or axle related problems, the Bridgestone team guides us with suitable corrective measures. Moreover, in case of any manufacturing defect in the tyre, Bridgestone’s support system proactively engages with us for repair or replacement of tyre without the need for frequent follow-ups. As a customer, we find such an approach to be extremely comforting – they handle all tyre related issues and we focus on running our business,” beams Babu with a smile.
Pragmatic personalized services
So, is there anything apart from highly reliable tyres and uncompromising service support that holds PMP and Bridgestone together? Yes indeed – pragmatic personalized services.
In Babu’s own words, “Bridgestone provides us genuine personalized recommendation that helps us get familiar with their products and patterns and the benefits they offer considering the load and terrain conditions we operate in. Their on-ground support team makes it comfortable for us to express our requests, opinions and suggestions. Based on their recommendation, we fill our tyres with nitrogen air and also have in-house machines for the same.”
Bridgestone also conducts regular training sessions for PMP’s drivers where tips and best practices for tyre maintenance are shared. “The Bridgestone team has convinced us that tyre mileage does not depend only on the tyre but can be enhanced by focusing on other aspects such as driver behavior and vehicle running and maintenance practices. Bridgestone conducts a driver training program at our premises every quarter in which they talk about a wide range of issues ranging from optimum braking, maintaining optimum speed when the vehicle is laden and unladen, checking tyre pressure to avoiding using mobile phone while driving, alcohol abuse, benefits of proper sleep and ensuring healthy mind while working behind the steering wheels,” he informs.
Having been a key customer of Bridgestone for over a decade and a carriage and forwarding agent of the brand for 8 years running, PMP feels the tyre maker is an extended business partner and its staff are like part of the PMP family. “We have shared a bond with Bridgestone for so many years and are happy with the overall working experience which no other brand has been able to match until now. The respect they show us and the entire transport community through various proactive and CSR initiatives makes us feel valued. We believe the bond will only strengthen as we reap the benefits of their products and services and continue to see huge savings as a result,” concludes the fleet owner.
“We have seen significant cost savings, to the tune of 15 per cent, by switching over to Bridgestone tyres which has given a massive boost for our business.
– Babu, Proprietor, PMP Group
How Bridgestone has impacted
PMP’s biz
• Over 30% reduction in CPKM
• 22% drop in tyre consumption
• 15% overall cost savings