Minimising truck fuel consumption is essential for a fleet’s profitability, even in good times. The good news is that immediate techniques and training are available that can significantly improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Roadtrains.com.au asked Karlie Shire, Scania’s Driver Trainer for Western Australia, to share these strategies to reduce fuel consumption.

Karlie Shire, a seasoned Scania enthusiast based in Perth, brings a wealth of experience to the trucking industry. Her exceptional performance in the 2016 Driver Competition caught Scania’s attention, leading her to become a respected Driver Trainer for Western Australia. With her extensive knowledge and hands-on experience, she is well-equipped to guide fleet owners and operations managers in the trucking industry.

Today, Karlie provides Scania’s acclaimed driver training services to fleet operators and drivers of new trucks as part of Scania’s strategy to ensure they benefit from the highest uptime and most efficient total operating economy.

“We don’t try to teach drivers how to drive; they already know that, and many of them are extremely experienced, safe drivers,” Karlie says. “Our training aims to help them understand how the new technology included in all Scania trucks can help them get better performance and durability from their workhorses and to reduce fatigue as much as possible. Operating the truck more efficiently naturally leads to an improved fuel economy and a reduced environmental impact,” Karlie says.

The concepts of truck driving remain much the same; however, technology has vastly evolved and improved. Karlie, can you explain how modern driver training promotes safety and economy?

“Drivers also have a lot more expectations on them than they once did, as never have the roads been busier or more congested with so many logistical timeframes to meet,” Karlie explains. “We now have the means to measure the safety and efficiency of a driver, built from years of research with input from the best drivers all over the world. Now, with the latest technology in Scania trucks and the comprehensive Scania Database and Connected Services, we continually learn safer and more efficient ways to get the job done.

 

What driver training sessions are available from Scania, such as classroom-based, half-day, full-day, on-the-job, or monitored coaching?

“We tailor training to meet customer requirements, be it classroom-based, half-day, full-day, on-the-job, or monitored coaching,” Karlie says. But by far, the most common form is on-the-job coaching, where benefits can be seen in real-time, in real situations. This often includes a run-through of the prestart requirements, cab familiarisation, computer training, and driving tips.”

Small fleet owners often question the tangible benefits of a half-day driving session with a driver trainer. How would this investment enhance safety, efficiency, and overall performance?

For example, I’m a small fleet owner, and I’m keen to understand the tangible benefits of a half-day driving session with a driver trainer. How would this investment enhance safety, efficiency, and overall performance?

Driver training is not about teaching skilled and experienced drivers how to drive. It’s about providing them with further education and support, much like how even the best athletes have coaches to help them achieve their goals. This is especially crucial in the heavy vehicle industry, where drivers can benefit from a coach to navigate their complex and dangerous jobs.

“Driver training equips drivers with the knowledge they need to contribute to their organisation’s sustainability and safety goals. By demonstrating and showing them what their vehicle can do and how it can assist them in their day-to-day tasks, we can reduce wear and tear, improve fuel economy, lessen the risk of accident or injury and alleviate some driver fatigue, to name a few. This is not just a short-term fix, but a long-term investment in your fleet’s success,” Karlie emphasises.

Similarly, what benefits would I gain from enrolling my drivers in monitored driver coaching?

“Monitored Driver Coaching provides the opportunity to have ongoing support after the initial session, “Karlie continues. “This can help maintain momentum in the future and ensure the things learnt are implemented and not forgotten due to job stresses, life and so on. It also holds drivers accountable for their driving behaviours. It makes it harder to hide bad habits, intentions or attitudes with a Scania Monitoring Report or a Scania Driver Report Card providing feedback on their success and growth as a driver.”

As a fleet owner or operations manager, what are the benefits of implementing a driver reward incentive for drivers who meet or exceed fuel economy targets?

People like to be rewarded and recognised for good work. Most people want to be helpful and make a difference. Furthermore, a bit of appreciation goes a long way,” Karlie reveals. “I often hear comments in the heavy vehicle industry that there is very little respect given to drivers or recognition of extra effort. Too frequently, good drivers get disillusioned and demonstrate poor behaviours and attitudes when they feel no one cares about their effort or their pride in their work. This is where incentives can assist in making sure they know they are appreciated for their effort. It could also motivate those less inspired by company goals to contribute to them in a helpful way. Often, having an incentive can turn the work into a fun and friendly competition between the drivers. They can compete to outdo their teammates, and there’s always some good-natured ribbing around, too!

However, Karlie cautions that fleet managers should be aware of potential pitfalls when implementing a driver reward incentive program.

“Fleet managers should be mindful as drivers compare their runs with each other. For instance, driver “A” might claim that driver “B” has an easier run than them, which could cause some resentment. It could also work oppositely and completely demotivate the driver if it were bad enough. They won’t even attempt to participate because they feel it is a lost cause and will never “win”. This is why a competition-based incentive is fun, but a performance incentive based on the individual can provide more growth and inspiration for your team. This can provide them with a goal based on their own growth on their own runs.”

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Karlie, what are your five top driving tips for improving fuel economy?

1    Maintain Steady Speeds

Avoid unnecessary acceleration and deceleration. Use cruise control, when possible, to maintain a consistent speed, as frequent changes consume more fuel and coast as much as you can, as often as you can.

2    Minimise Idling Time

Turn off the engine during long stops or delays. Extended idling wastes fuel and contributes to engine wear.

3    Practice Smooth Driving Techniques

Anticipate traffic flow to avoid hard braking and sharp acceleration. Smooth acceleration and braking help optimise fuel efficiency.

4    Use Correct Gearing

Drive in the highest appropriate gear for the road speed. Over-revving or driving in low gears burns more fuel unnecessarily.

5    Maintain Tyre Pressure and Vehicle Condition

Check tyre pressures regularly and ensure they are at the recommended levels. Properly maintained vehicles with clean air filters, efficient fuel systems, and aligned wheels consume less fuel.