CLEAN Linen & Workwear makes significant savings on annual insurance premiums and builds peer-led coaching model with Samsara

"We now have a centralised process which brings the consistency we need to the forefront of all insurance investigations. It's not just the collision investigations that are reaping the rewards, but also the coaching benefit of evidence-based learning." Peter Cox, Head of Transport, CLEAN Linen & Workwear

Standout Benefits

• 38% reduction in collision rates company-wide, with some sites achieving over 50%

• 14% improvement in MPG and 97% reduction in hours driven over the speed limit

• 10% reduction in repairs & maintenance expenditure

• 80% improvement in overall fleet safety scores

• 23% improvement in eco-driving scores at Camberley depot

A novel approach to encouraging safe driving habits

CLEAN Linen & Workwear delivers linens and uniforms to hotels and businesses across the UK, with their 200-strong driver team serving customers with over 1.5 million deliveries annually.

Operating a diverse fleet from 3.5-ton vehicles through to 18-ton trucks and articulated vehicles across seven UK sites, the company faced a significant challenge: collision rates were steadily increasing, driving up insurance costs and impacting driver safety. 

“Our previous telematics and camera providers were put on notice about their performance,” said Peter Cox, Head of Transport at CLEAN. “The drivers didn't believe the data. At the time, seven sites were carrying out their own collision investigations and all coming up with different answers into the root cause—it was almost like they were marking their own homework.”

With unreliable telematics and a collision investigation process that defaulted to disciplinary action, it was difficult to encourage drivers to alter their habits or make meaningful improvements to safety. The company needed a new approach that would provide accurate data while fostering a culture of support rather than punishment.

Building trust through transparency and coaching

CLEAN replaced their outdated tracking systems with Samsara's Vehicle Telematics and AI Dash Cams while redefining their approach to driver management. By empowering drivers to become peer coaches and focusing on support rather than punishment, they created an environment where safety became a source of pride and friendly competition.

Samsara provides accurate, real-time data that drivers can access directly via their phones. This shift from manager-only visibility to shared access has been transformative, as drivers can now see their own metrics and understand exactly where improvements are needed.

"Samsara gives you the data on how a driver is driving before I head out with them," said Sean Farrell, Senior Driver at CLEAN. "I can make little tweaks to help them improve, and speak to them in a way they'd like to be spoken to."

This data-driven approach allows for targeted coaching sessions focused on specific behaviors rather than general feedback. When a driver shows patterns of harsh braking or acceleration, coaches can address those issues with practical demonstrations and training. The system also identifies positive driving habits, enabling coaches to recognise and reinforce good performance.

CLEAN have also established a structured coaching pathway where events captured by Samsara are triaged by two dedicated staff members, ensuring consistent evaluation across all sites. These events are then assigned to coaches who have specific timeframes to address them—with priority given to serious events like policy violations, while less critical issues like harsh braking can be addressed in regular, repeat sessions.

Incentivising excellence through data-driven rewards

To further drive engagement, CLEAN implemented a comprehensive driver bonus structure in 2024, for performance-related incentives directly tied to Samsara metrics around safety, eco-driving, and compliance.

CLEAN uses a 1-100 scoring system with clear targets for drivers to aim for. Drivers achieving these set thresholds receive quarterly bonuses plus an additional compliance bonus for those without infringements, penalty charge notices or prosecutions.

The company also prioritises driver wellbeing through mental health first aiders and an Employee Assistance Programme, recognising that personal challenges can affect driving performance. This holistic approach and an open-door policy helps drivers feel valued and supported beyond just performance metrics. 

"Driver wellbeing is of the utmost importance to our business.” said Cox, “We want our drivers to feel truly valued and fully supported to enable us to bring new safety features to the fore and fully underpin our safety strategy and common goal in getting our people home safely every day."

Driving impressive results

CLEAN’s focus on safety culture and coaching has translated into impressive improvements. Collision rates have dropped by 38% company-wide, with the Camberley depot achieving a remarkable 52% reduction—as well as improving safety scores by 50% and eco driving scores by 23%. Overall safety improvement has led to significant reductions in insurance premiums.

Their emphasis on eco-driving techniques has yielded a 14% improvement in MPG alongside a 97% reduction in speeding hours. These combined benefits have not only minimised fuel costs but also significantly improved compliance standards across the fleet.

The coaching approach focused on smoother driving styles has cut repairs and maintenance expenditure by 10%, extending vehicle lifespans while reducing downtime. Meanwhile, the peer mentoring system has driven an 80% improvement in overall fleet safety scores, with many drivers moving from the 70-85 range to consistently achieving scores in the 90s.

"The benefits we've realised through the use of the technology, plus all our risk management and collision investigation work, has given us the opportunity to invest more into our driver training program," said Cox. The company's insurer was so impressed they awarded CLEAN a cash bursary, which is being reinvested into expanding their coaching and training capabilities.

Looking at the road ahead

Building on their success, CLEAN is now exploring additional Samsara capabilities including Connected Training, which they're currently testing to standardise toolbox talks and compliance training, and better communicate campaigns like GOAL (Get Out And Look) when drivers are reversing out of loading areas and protecting vulnerable road users.

For CLEAN, the partnership with Samsara has helped transform their approach to safety. By combining the right technology with a positive coaching culture, the company has built stronger relationships with their drivers and ensured that everyone feels safe, supported, and confident while out on the road.