Petrol and diesel prices are set to rise again after a brief period of decline. When paired with the UK’s road congestion issues, there is increasing pressure on fleet operators to control operational costs. The key to lowering consumption is driver training — the most impactful yet often overlooked aspect of fuel efficiency.
Understanding the Fuel Cost Challenge
Market conditions such as global crude oil prices, exchange rates, and taxes influence the UK’s fuel price hikes and rollbacks. Because crude oil is traded in U.S. dollars, any weakening of the British pound directly increases the fuel cost for UK buyers. Additionally, regional price variations — sometimes between towns only a few miles apart — create further complexity for fleet budgeting.
Nearly 70% of fleet managers identify rising fuel expenses as one of their most significant operational challenges. When its cost spikes, the impact extends beyond profit margins — drivers, schedules and even vehicle maintenance can bear the brunt.
Training programmes focused on eco-driving techniques have proven effective against these issues, reducing fuel use by up to 20%. In light of its price hikes, the UK has already slashed its carbon footprint by almost 50% compared to 1990 levels. Every litre of diesel you save is a win for your wallet and a contribution to the UK’s net-zero-by-2050 commitment.
Common Contributors to Excessive Fuel Consumption
Before addressing how driver training can mitigate fuel waste, it’s best to recognise the behavioural and operational factors commonly contributing to inefficiency:
- Speeding: Aggressive driving drains your tank faster by lowering mileage, especially at speeds above 80 kilometres per hour.
- Idling: Idling a heavy-duty truck consumes around a gallon of fuel per hour. The costs can easily add up if you sit in bumper-to-bumper traffic with the engine running daily.
- Harsh acceleration and braking: Fuel consumption increases proportionately with acceleration. Constant stop-and-go traffic can lead to a 10%-40% rate of lowered fuel economy. Slow acceleration and braking result in the best mileage.
- Inefficient route planning: Failing to account for peak traffic hours or overlooking unscheduled stops can affect fuel consumption.
Many of these issues fall within the driver’s control, which highlights the criticality of training in delivering consistent improvements.
How Effective Driver Training Saves Costs
Training your fleet’s drivers isn’t about teaching them how to operate a vehicle — it’s about informing them of often overlooked causes of fuel inefficiency. To tackle those issues, here’s what excellent training should cover.
1. Smart Driving Techniques
In diesel engines, practices such as coasting can save on fuel. Teaching drivers to anticipate stereotypical traffic conditions allows them to brake less, reducing fuel usage and brake wear and tear.
Additionally, they should avoid harsh acceleration and maintain the manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure. Even underinflated tyres can reduce fuel efficiency by 10% and lower their potential tread life cycle by 15%.
Hydraulic systems are often overlooked when talking about driver training and fuel efficiency. Running the engine at high revs during idle hydraulic operation or engaging hydraulics unnecessarily wastes fuel and mechanical energy. Electro-hydraulics, for example, can reduce energy consumption by 5% by decreasing engine RPMs when idle or during light tasks.
2. Route Optimisation
A well-planned route substantially reduces fuel use. Training should emphasise using GPS systems and traffic data to avoid congested areas and reduce out-of-route miles.
This skill is invaluable in navigating high-traffic cities such as London and Manchester. Even when navigating traffic is unavoidable, adopting calm, controlled driving practices can mitigate fuel waste and reduce the likelihood of collisions.
3. Tech Integration
Telematics is a mechanism that allows you to monitor your trucks using GPS technology and diagnostic tools to see how the vehicle moves. Integrating such systems provides real-time feedback on driver habits.
Importantly, the use of telematics must be presented transparently, as drivers could see it as a way to “spy” on their driving behaviour. They must learn to view it as a tool for development rather than surveillance, informing them of their road habits, driving distances, speed and braking behaviours. Seeing their driving qualities backed by numbers makes them more responsible for their actions. To further encourage them, the data can inform incentive programmes like bonuses and gift cards, making it a win-win for drivers and managers.
Vehicle-specific training should also be emphasised. Modern trucks have alert systems that can enhance fuel efficiency — if used correctly. Train your drivers on features like cruise control, speed limiters and automated manual transmissions.
The key is fairness. Use tools to measure performance accurately, excluding factors like load weight or bad weather that drivers can’t control. A transparent system builds trust and motivation.
The Ripple Effect of Better Driving
With a well-trained, fuel-efficient driver comes benefits that extend beyond your budget. These advantages include:
- Lower maintenance costs: Gentle drivers help you reduce the wear and tear of brakes, tyres and engines.
- Improved driver retention: Drivers appreciate rewards that recognise their efforts in helping you minimise your bottom line.
- Enhanced reputation: A fleet committed to sustainability appeals to eco-conscious clients and partners.
Training Drivers Is Your Next Strategic Investment
Fuel consumption is equivalent to better habits behind your fleet’s steering wheels. Investing in quality training empowers your team to be better informed of their habits, helping you maximise resources. It’s high time you think beyond high-tech engines and aerodynamic trailers.
The petrol market is volatile, but the solution might be within your drivers’ control. Train drivers and incentivise their progress. After all, well-trained employees aren’t just an asset — they’re your frontline partners in conquering fuel costs.
Evelyn Long, Editor-in-Chief of Renovated Magazine
