We are excited to share a recent feature from the July 2025 edition of Fuel Oil News, highlighting how Nolan Oils, an Oxfordshire-based fuel distributor, transformed their operations by integrating D.T.S. Powered by DeliverUp’s fuel delivery management software. This case study provides a compelling look into how moving from traditional paper-based processes to modern technology can drive significant improvements in efficiency, customer service, and overall business growth.
The challenge: Outgrowing paperwork and manual processes
With over 50 years in fuel delivery and a third generation now involved, Nolan Oils had grown significantly, operating with 12 vehicles across two depots. However, this growth brought new challenges. Mark Nolan, owner of Nolan Oils, identified paper-based processes as a key area restricting further expansion. Manually tracking paperwork became too time-consuming, diverting valuable time away from customer interaction. The team recognised that to thrive amidst economic, political, environmental, and regulatory challenges, changes in operational controls and data management were essential. They sought a technological solution to reduce errors during delivery and reconciliation, enhance customer service, and build for the future.
The D.T.S. solution: A partner for holistic business transformation
Nolan Oils undertook extensive industry research, reviewing feedback and conducting site visits with peers to find a solution that offered robust features, reliability, and excellent customer service. What became clear was the need for a partner who focused on the business as a whole, ensuring every department had access to data, systems, training, and support. D.T.S. was chosen for its excellent credentials in supporting businesses’ transition from paper to technology-based processes.
D.T.S. seamlessly coordinated the entire implementation, from providing and installing hardware on trucks and interfacing with meters and printers, to setting up with FuelSoft (their accounting, CRM, and scheduling package) and delivering comprehensive user training. D.T.S. personally accompanied drivers, even those with 30 years of experience, during the early use of the system to ensure a smooth transition.
Key features delivering real-world impact
The D.T.S. solution brought a suite of powerful features to Nolan Oils:
- Delivery management application: This guided drivers to the correct location, tank, product, and volume.
- Live data access: Planned and actual delivery details became accessible live via a web portal for office staff, providing key insights into stock management, vehicle location, and field challenges.
- Faster operations and improved cash flow: Live and accurate recording of delivery details increased invoicing speed and response time to customer questions, positively impacting cash flow and customer service.
- Enhanced data and flexibility: Historical data offered valuable insights for vehicle checks, stock management, and regulatory queries. Live location and stock data also enabled confident additions of extra or emergency deliveries to existing loads.
The most surprising benefit, according to Mark Nolan, was the significant improvement in communication between the driving team and the office. Drivers spent less time on update calls, and office staff had immediate access to necessary data, which boosted delivery volumes, sales numbers, and cash collection speed.
Real-world results and testimonials
The positive impact of the D.T.S. system is clearly reflected in testimonials from the Nolan Oils team:
- Management: Praised D.T.S. for becoming “part of the team” and delivering “the platform for growth that we set out to achieve”.
- Drivers: Initially sceptical, one driver stated, “By the end of the first day… I was much more comfortable. After a week… I really don’t want to ever go back to using paper tickets”.
- Office manager: Highlighted D.T.S.’s “fabulous” support, even during early mornings or weekends, which “undoubtedly made the process easier”.
Mark Nolan summarised that with reduced errors and easier data access, Nolan Oils now has “the space to grow the business and has seen revenue growth, delivery volumes and customer satisfaction”. He concluded with “A big thank you to the team at D.T.S.”.
This case study is a powerful testament to how D.T.S. empowers fuel distributors to overcome operational challenges and achieve sustained growth through intelligent technology solutions. If you’re looking to transform your fleet operations, D.T.S. is ready to be your dedicated partner.