How Jacobs Transport Made Communication Faster, Safer, and Easier for Drivers

About Jacobs Transport

• Industry: Transport and Logistics
• Location: Genk, Belgium
• Number of Employees: ± 115 employees (including 95 drivers)

Jacobs Transport is a fast-growing transport company specializing in logistics solutions for the steel sector, automotive industry, packaging, and construction. With most of their employees—especially drivers—constantly on the road, effective communication was a massive challenge.

Challenge: reaching drivers and transport staff on the road

Jacobs is a rapidly growing transport company specializing in logistics solutions for the steel sector, automotive industry, packaging industry, and construction. Due to the nature of their work, most employees – especially drivers – are primarily on the move, making it difficult to reach them efficiently and consistently.

Before implementing a digital communication solution, Jacobs used:

• Verbal communication and WhatsApp, which were not always effective due to the dispersed locations of the employees.
• Paper documents and notice boards in the office, which drivers rarely consulted.
• Emails, which were not actively used by all employees, especially drivers.

Because of this fragmentation, the team often missed important updates, safety regulations, and operational announcements. Jacobs needed a better, faster, and safer way to reach all employees in real-time.

The Solution: JACAPP, Powered by Speakap

Jacobs Transport aligned employee needs with the benefits of digitalization by implementing the employee app Speakap. Jacobs chose Speakap as their internal communication platform, fully customized to their corporate identity and launched as JACAPP. With JACAPP (Speakap), Jacobs Transport can share newsletters and messages, have agreements signed, order company uniforms, organize training and events, and much more.

Why Speakap?

• Accessibility for everyone – Employees can log in without a business email address.
• Push notifications and real-time communication – Crucial for drivers on the road.
• Multilingual support – 70% of the drivers have a native language other than Dutch.
• Digital documents and forms – To make processes like sick leave and vacation requests more efficient.

The introduction of JACAPP was grandly executed with a launch campaign:

• Graffiti and balloons in the cafeteria – To attract attention.
• Posters and QR codes in strategic locations – Such as toilets and the drivers' room.
• Welcome video from the CEO – To underscore the importance of the app.
• Stickers and goodies with the JACAPP logo – To excite employees.

Results: Faster, Safer, and More Efficient Communication

The implementation of JACAPP has had a measurable impact on communication and engagement within Jacobs:

• 85% of employees have registered and use the app actively.
• Fast information flow – Updates reach employees directly, without relying on physical notice boards or verbal communication.
• Increased interaction and engagement – Employees respond to and share messages about their workday.
• Improved HR processes – Requests for leave and sick notifications are now fully digital.
• Cost savings – Less paperwork means fewer extra trips to the office for drivers! This saves many hours and liters of gasoline annually! And this is just one example!
  
  

The app is now used daily for various purposes:

• Driver communication: Updates about routes, traffic issues, or new guidelines are shared immediately.
• Safety instructions: Employees receive and confirm safety regulations via the app.
• Interaction and social connection: Colleagues can share messages, post photos, and congratulate each other.
• Digital forms: Damage and leave requests now go through the app, including the ability to upload documents.
• Personal profiles and chat function: Employees can easily communicate with colleagues without external tools like WhatsApp.

A great example of how JACAPP is used is the digital notice board. Drivers can post real-time notifications such as:

• A dangerous traffic situation on a specific route.
• A weighbridge check in Germany, so colleagues are informed.

Additionally, the app has proven crucial for crisis communication. During a recent sector strike, Jacobs could quickly communicate with all employees about the consequences and adjusted work schedules.

Conclusion: Efficient and Modern Communication in the Transport Sector

Thanks to JACAPP, Jacobs has made internal communication faster, more interactive, and more efficient. Employees, especially drivers, feel more connected to the company and stay informed about important information. Processes also run smoother now that more emphasis can be placed on digital capabilities.

Thanks to Speakap, we can reach all our employees, regardless of their location, in real-time. Our drivers now feel more connected to the company, and we have seen a tremendous improvement in the speed and accuracy of our internal communication.

‍Jill Gielen Operations Manager at Jacobs Transport

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