What are the benefits of driver training?

Minimising truck fuel consumption is essential for a fleet’s profitability. The good news is there are immediate techniques and driver training programs available that can significantly improve fuel efficiency.

trucksales spoke with Perth-based Karlie Shire, Scania Australia’s Driver Trainer for Western Australia, for some insight into driver training and her strategies to reduce fuel consumption.

Question: Karlie, what is the main purpose behind driver training?

Answer: We don’t try to teach drivers how to drive; they already know that, and many of them are extremely experienced, safe drivers. The aim of our training is to help them understand how the new technology included in 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 improved fuel economy and reduced environmental impact.

Q: The concepts involved in truck driving remain much the same but technology has vastly evolved and improved. Can you explain how modern driver training promotes safety and economy?

A: Drivers have more expectations placed on them than they once did, as never have the roads been busier or more congested, while they've also never had so many logistical timeframes to meet. 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, the Scania database and connected services, we continually learn safer and more efficient ways to get the job done, and we can pass on hints and tips to promote driving styles that better suit the current working environment. We tailor training to meet customer requirements, be it classroom based, a half day, full day, on the job, or monitored coaching.

Q: 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?

A: Driver training is not about teaching skilled and experienced drivers how to drive, but about providing them with further education. Driver training will arm them with the information they need to be able to assist in 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.

Q: And what role does Monitored Driver Coaching play there?

A: Monitored Driver Coaching provides the opportunity to have ongoing support after the initial session. 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 and 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.

Q: What are the benefits for fleets that implement a driver reward incentive for drivers who meet or exceed fuel economy targets?

A: 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. 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 like no one cares about their effort or the pride they take 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!

Q: Are there any pitfalls in introducing such a program?

A: 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. If it was bad enough, this could completely demotivate the driver. 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.

Q: Karlie, as an experienced driver trainer, what are your top tips for drivers looking to improve their fuel economy?

A: Coast as much as you can, as often as you can. Be proactive about reading the traffic – don’t wait until the last second to make a decision. And work on becoming more ‘defensive’ rather than ‘offensive’. We don’t often make up any tangible difference by racing up to traffic jams and slamming on the skids or making sure cars can’t jump in the gap in front of us. Let them go; they will beat you every single time and do the same thing every day. It is an unwinnable battle, and you can drive yourself to frustration trying to change something over which you have no control. Take a breath, let them go, and you’ll get there when you get there. It is better to be late than not arrive at all. And finally, coast! I know I’ve said it before, but it is by far the most important tip I can give. If you could get 5km of coasting a day, which is easy when it’s a couple hundred metres here and there before you brake, that adds up to 25km a week, 100km a month, and 1200km a year. Impressive, huh? And easily achievable.

Photos courtesy of Scania Australia