Peter Cox, Head of Transport at CLEAN Linen & Workwear, brings 13 years of leadership and a driver’s perspective to his role, having progressed from the road to managing a dynamic fleet. CLEAN Linen delivers linens and uniforms to hotels and businesses, handling over 1.5 million deliveries annually with a 200-strong driver team.
Operating a diverse fleet of 120 commercial vehicles—40 light commercial vans, 88 gross vehicles (including 12- and 18-tonne trucks, drawbar combinations, and tractor unit trailers)—and 35 cars across seven UK sites, CLEAN is a cornerstone of reliable service. Cox’s pride in his “fantastic drivers” and collaborative team underscores CLEAN Linen’s commitment to safety and excellence.
Peter Cox
Rising Collisions and Unreliable Systems
Clean Linen & Workwear faced mounting challenges with rising collision rates, which inflated insurance premiums and compromised driver safety.
Their previous telematics and camera provider, in use since 2012 for Olympic contract compliance, had faltered after corporate buyouts. Service levels plummeted, with unreliable equipment and inaccurate data eroding driver trust. “The drivers didn’t believe the data,” Cox noted, highlighting how inconsistent collision investigations across seven sites—likened to “marking their own homework”—lacked uniformity and often defaulted to disciplinary action.
Without advanced features like “Ai detection” (object identification), Clean Linen struggled to meet its three-year “improvement plan” target of a 33–39% collision reduction by 2024, necessitating a new approach to foster safety and trust.
Samsara’s Technology and a Peer-Led Coaching Model
Frustrated by their provider’s shortcomings, Clean Linen initiated a market review and tender process. Samsara’s generous trial offer, flexible terms, and superior service outshone competitors.
In July 2023, a trial across 20 vehicles validated Samsara’s capabilities, particularly its “AI detection” for triggering safety alerts, which Cox called a “real game changer.”
Following the trial, Clean Linen rolled out Samsara’s Vehicle Telematics and AI Dash Cams across its commercial fleet, integrating forward-facing and 360° cameras via a centralised gateway.
To address driver concerns about monitoring, Clean Linen adopted a transparent, supportive approach. An open-door policy, dedicated email, FAQs, and five communication documents clarified the system’s purpose, triggers, and policies (e.g., mobile phone violations).
Drivers accessed real-time data via their phones, fostering accountability and engagement. Clean Linen introduced a peer-led coaching model, empowering drivers like Senior Driver Sean Farrell to provide targeted feedback. “Samsara gives you the data on how a driver is driving before I head out with them,” Farrell explained, enabling tailored coaching on issues like harsh braking.
Two dedicated staff triaged events, ensuring consistent evaluations, while a 1-100 scoring system tied to quarterly bonuses incentivised safety, eco-driving, and compliance.
Driver well-being was prioritised through mental health first aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme, reinforcing a culture of support.
Remarkable Safety Gains and Cost Savings
Samsara’s implementation, paired with Clean Linen’s coaching model, delivered transformative results. Collision rates dropped by 38% company-wide, with the Camberley depot achieving a 52% reduction and a 50% improvement in safety scores.
Overall fleet safety scores soared by 80%, with many drivers now consistently scoring in the 90s. Eco-driving scores at Camberley improved by 23%, contributing to a 14% MPG increase and a 97% reduction in speeding hours, slashing fuel costs. Repairs and maintenance costs fell by 10%, extending vehicle lifespans and reducing downtime.
These safety improvements led to substantial insurance premium savings, with Cox projecting up to 60% reductions by providing robust data to Clean linen’s UK broker.
Centralised collision investigations, supported by Samsara’s data, eliminated bias and considered factors like routing and driver well-being, ensuring fair outcomes.
Clean Linen’s holistic approach—combining technology, coaching, and well-being support—has fostered a safety-first culture where drivers feel valued and motivated.
Looking forward, Clean Linen is exploring Samsara’s Connected Training to standardise compliance training and campaigns like GOAL (Get Out And Look) for safer reversing.
Samsara’s dashboard supports Clean Linen’s ESG goals, assessing diesel vehicle ranges for potential electrification (e.g., 210 miles actual vs. 275 miles stated) and aligning with a policy for cars to emit under 75 grams of CO2.
Weekly telematics reports to senior leadership bolster sustainability efforts, while the “lone worker” feature promises to enhance emergency responses.
By integrating advanced technology with a supportive culture, Clean Linen has not only reduced costs and collisions but also built a safer, more sustainable future for its fleet and drivers.
