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There’s numerous benefits of using two-way radios, or other similar technology, in the transport and logistics industry. From improved communication and collaboration across a vast geographical area to enhanced safety for lone workers, there’s a solution for every type of business.

In this blog, we will share a range of solutions that can be adopted within the industry to boost safety, efficiency, and productivity. 

PoC solution

One of the best (and most current) solutions on the market is Push-to-Talk Over Cellular (PoC). 

Utilising cellular networks for coverage, PoC combines the functionality of two-way radios (instant communication) and the technology of smartphones (applications) to create a solution that is ultra-reliable and ultra-smart. 

Unlike two-way radio systems, there’s normally no requirement for additional infrastructure to achieve wide area coverage. 

This is because PoC devices operate on 3G, 4G, and WiFi signal. So, if your workers are spread across the country, PoC will give them nationwide coverage as standard. With a roaming SIM, end users will even experience worldwide coverage, should their need stretch beyond the UK. 

Wide area coverage, and instant access to Push-to-Talk applications means PoC should be a go-to, cost effective solution for transport and logistics companies – especially as they can have workers in different geographical locations at any given time. 

Read our Go North East Case Study for a real-life example of a public transport company utilising PoC technology across their entire fleet of buses. 

Digital Mobile Radio solution

The more traditional two-way communication solution for end users is Digital Mobile Radio (DMR). Standard two-way radio devices are used, but the range of choices (in respect to models and systems) is almost endless. 

There's a DMR system that suits businesses of all sizes. Whether it's a regional bus company, or a sea port, everyone has different communication needs, and DMR is so flexible and accommodating that solutions are tailor made and budget friendly. Here's an overview of the available DMR solutions we specialise in: 

• Direct Mode: available for up to 200 users, this is a simple connection that allows all radios to have the capacity for radio-to-radio conversations - with access to basic voice, data, and text applications. 
• Single Site Conventional: available for up to 200 users, two-way radio communication is made possible via radio repeaters that create seamless coverage. Greater coverage in difficult locations is made achievable with a network infrastructure of radio repeaters. 
• IP Site Connect: available for up to 200 users across 15 geographical locations, voice and data capabilities are greatly enhanced. A wide area network is achievable for those who have workforces spread across different locations or sites. 
• Capacity Plus (Single Site): this is a single digital trunking system that provides end users with cost-effective two-way communication for a single site that requires wide-ranging coverage. 
• Capacity Plus (Multi Site): this digital trunking system connects up to 15 independent sites, each with up to eight voice repeaters and up to 12 dedicated data repeaters to provide cost-effective two-way communication. 
• Capacity Max: this system is independently connected using IP architecture - and brings two-way communication and commercial operations into the digital age. Uninterrupted service is provided thanks to multiple layers of system redundancy, and diagnostics are carried out remotely, negating the need for site visits (therefore eliminating or reducing callout costs). 

The body camera boom

Body-worn cameras continue to grow in popularity. Their main purposes include capturing vital footage when incidents take place and deterring people from carrying out abusive behaviour or acts of violence. 

Back in April 2024, ScotRail equipped all its front-line staff with more than 1,000 Motorola VB400 body-worn cameras. 

The £1.6 million investment tripled the number of body cameras in their fleet from 350 to the 1,000-figure. The increase is in part down to ScotRail finding a positive change in passenger behaviour when they were informed that they were being recorded. 

And the positive outcome is rubbing off in other areas of the sector. You now have bus drivers recording anti-social behaviour in real-time and handing the footage over to the police, and you even have road management companies utlising the technology as they're fed up of abusive language being hurled their way. 

On the surface, body cameras appear simplistic in nature. But in reality, there's a wide range of device that go beyond the ability to record footage. Some body cameras have GPS location tracking, push-to-talk over cellular capabilities, and peer-assisted recording.

Head over to our 2wayradioshop website now where you'll find an impressive range of body-worn cameras to choose from. 

Body cameras are also the perfect choice for lone workers (like train conductors or bus drivers) who come into contact with the general public without another colleague present. Using a body camera will deter people from being abusive or carrying out acts of violence against lone workers - and the ScotRail story proves it. 

Multiple solutions, multiple benefits

In conclusion, the transport and logistics sector is one that benefits from a range of different solutions. Ones that boost worker safety, workplace efficiency, and worker productivity. 

If you’d like to find out more about the work we’ve done for transport and logistics companies, contact us today. Alternatively, call us on 0800 328 0100. We're open Monday to Friday between 8:30am and 5:15pm.