Marlin Industries, the integrated manufacturing and logistics business within the cable industry, has dramatically reduced insurance claims and improved driver performance following the adoption of a dual-facing dashcam from SureCam. The video telematics solution – fitted on a fleet of 20 HGVs that operate from bases in Wales and Scotland – is used to investigate collisions and near misses, so the company can better manage insurance costs and ensure drivers are operating responsibly.
“We have significantly expanded our haulage capabilities in recent years to handle both in-house and third-party loads, which created some operational challenges for us,” explains Lee Williams, Transport Manager at Marlin Industries. “We recognised the need for greater visibility over high-risk incidents to ensure our drivers are safe, operating vehicles correctly, and not being unfairly blamed. The dashcams have given us the understanding needed to create a strong group of drivers, eliminate most claims, and ultimately protect the business.”
In 2023, Marlin Industries experienced a spate of claims, both non-and at-fault, which highlighted driver risk within the haulage fleet and have since pushed up insurance costs. However, the company lacked the insight to thoroughly investigate incidents and identify areas of concern and improvement. As a result, Marlin Industries took the decision to install SureCam’s dual dashcam, with forward-and driver-facing lens, to gain a complete view of exactly what has happened in the event of a near miss or collision.
Marlin Industries has worked closely with drivers to overcome any privacy concerns, even making the usage of footage and supporting data part of their contracts. This has reassured drivers that they are not under constant surveillance, and personal interactions and activities are not being monitored. The company has also ensured that any positive driving actions are praised, and when an issue is identified, it is committed to offering supportive engagement and training wherever possible.
“Driver mistrust has typically been around the nature and frequency of the monitoring, so it has been important to involve them in the entire process, ensuring they understand the reasons for the dashcams and the benefits both to themselves and the company. This has led to a noticeable change in driver behaviour with no claims in the past 12 months and only a handful of near misses. The dashcams have allowed us to minimise insurance cost rises this year and we expect to see a reduction in premiums in 2026,” adds Lee Williams.
Moving forward, Marlin Industries is looking to enhance its fleet and video telematics system, working with SureCam partners Geotab and Maxoptra to implement a single access platform that includes integrated vehicle tracking, remote tachograph download and delivery planning. This will enable the company to combine complementary technologies to target fleet efficiency, productivity, safety and risk improvements.
Sam Footer, Partnership Director at SureCam commented: “We are helping our commercial fleet customers, such as Marlin Industries, to overcome real-world issues and challenges. Our industry-leading solutions and support are making it possible to target business and operational benefits that deliver measurable ROI, while safeguarding drivers and other road users.”