Visy Logistics to trial Scania's Ecolution initiative

Visy Logistics has taken delivery of 10 new Scania P 450 6x4 prime movers, with the trucks to conduct operations within Scania's new Ecolution sustainability initiative.

The 12-month Ecolution trial aims to lower fuel consumption while boosting Visy Logistics' safety record, with the New Truck Generation models incorporating efficient 13-litre engines and the now-standard Scania safety suite of lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and electronic stability control, in addition to side curtain airbags and a driver airbag.

The trucks will deliver Visy's recycled cardboard products from a manufacturing facility in Truganina in Melbourne's western suburbs, the prime movers hauling new 26-pallet Krueger tautliner drop-deck trailers operating under the PBS framework.

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Fitted with Scania's Communicator telematics module, remote monitoring will allow Visy Logistics to assess the fuel burn and emissions of each truck, while also keeping on top of maintenance requirements.

Under Ecolution, each truck is specified precisely for the task at hand. The drivers then take part in Scania's driver training program to ensure they can drive the trucks in a safe and efficient manner, with on-going coaching provided as required over the course of the Ecolution trial.

"Scania Ecolution is a powerful solution producing substantial fuel and CO2 reductions for our customers," said Richard Bain, Vehicle Connected Driver Services Manager at Scania Australia.

"Scania Ecolution is helping to drive our ambition of providing the market's most sustainable and profitable transport solutions.

"The process starts by specifying an efficient vehicle for the specific transport operation, and includes our Fleet Management System Control package linked to the Scania contracted maintenance program.

"We then discuss and agree on the fuel/CO2 target with our customer, institute driver training and coaching programs and ensure the vehicle monitoring directs the unique and individual flexible and preventative maintenance program for each vehicle.

"In addition to following up at agreed intervals with the drivers, we also meet with the transport operator's management team to review the results."

The program also includes access to the Scania Fleet App, which gives both drivers and fleet operators a range of informative functions.

With the Driving Profile feature, for example, the driver can evaluate their driving and keep track of their daily results.

"By offering Visy Logistics this suite of features through the Ecolution trial we are delivering on our strategy to be a leader in the shift towards a sustainable transport system," said Mr Bain.

"This is not limited to reducing fuel burn and emissions, but also helping to run the fleet in the most cost-effective way, driving down operating costs per kilometre as well as keeping drivers fully focused on their personal safety and that of other road users.

"For Scania and for Visy Logistics and their drivers, Ecolution provides a win-win."