MEMPHIS, Tenn. (June 25, 2009) -- Showcasing industry leadership in cost and company management, ARS/Rescue Rooter has greatly reduced collision costs by implementing an integrated collision cost reduction program. Combining both traditional training and technology-based monitoring for their fleet, including a GPS-enabled DriveCam created at the company’s request, ARS/Rescue Rooter has seen a reduction in collision costs, ranging from 30 to 70 percent per branch.
“Controlling costs is key for any business in this economic climate, but, to be effective, these controls must also contribute to the company’s effectiveness and improvement of the working environment,” said Scott Swisher, ARS/Rescue Rooter director of risk management. “Through our integrated program, we are both reducing costs through operational efficiencies and reinforcing our commitment to employee safety by combining training and technology.”
The company’s focus on collision cost reduction started with a back-to-basics approach of training all drivers on the key principles of driver safety. Now, to protect drivers and the vehicles, and to reduce costs, ARS/Rescue Rooter is installing the GPS-enabled DriveCam system throughout their fleet.
The company already had a DriveCam system in place, which is a palm-sized, exception-based video event recorder mounted in vehicles behind the rearview mirror to capture sights and sounds inside and outside the vehicle prior to, during and after an incident. ARS/Rescue Rooter then approached DriveCam with the idea to incorporate real-time GPS technology into the system, which is now in place.
By incorporating this GPS functionality, the company is able to better route drivers to reduce miles driven, thus saving on fuel and maintenance costs and reducing collisions.
Currently approximately 10 percent of the fleet has GPS-enabled DriveCam systems installed. By 2011 the GPS-enabled DriveCam will be installed throughout the entire fleet, numbering more than 3,600 vehicles.
About ARS/Rescue Rooter
ARS and Rescue Rooter are leading brands of American Residential Services L.L.C., providing heating, air conditioning, indoor air quality, plumbing, drain cleaning and sewer line services across the United States. Based in Memphis, Tenn., American Residential Services L.L.C. has approximately 4,000 employees.
ARS/Rescue Rooter operates a network of more than 60 company operated, locally managed service locations spanning 25 states and the District of Columbia. United by exceptional service, the ARS/Rescue Rooter Network serves both residential and light commercial customers through a knowledgeable team of trained specialists. Providing elevated service and ensuring the highest standards of quality, ARS/Rescue Rooter has the experience to do any job right – the first time.
The company is growing nationwide both naturally and through acquisitions, with recent acquisitions including: Air-Trol Heating and Air Conditioning of Indianapolis; Atlanta-based Universal Heating and Cooling; Heating and Air Conditioning Services of Boston; and 24/7 Service Corporation of Las Vegas, which operates Yes! Air Conditioning, Yes! Plumbing and Sunset Sheet Metal & Air Conditioning.
American Residential Services L.L.C. is owned by CI Capital Partners LLC, Royal Palm Capital Partners Inc., and management. CI Capital Partners LLC, www.caxton-iseman.com, is a New York-based private equity firm. Royal Palm Capital Partners Inc., www.rpcp.com, is a private equity investment and management firm, and through its affiliates, the owner of publicly and privately held companies.
For more information about ARS/Rescue Rooter, visit www.ARS.com.
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