Fuel efficient driving techniques for HGV drivers

The single largest cost when operating a fleet of HGVs or LGVS is spent on fuel. So if you can be fuel-efficient it can make a major impact on your profit margins. A by-product of this is also reduced carbon emissions and hence your company can also do its bit fir the environment.

As well as cutting costs, safe driving can also reduce the amount of vehicle downtime you may currently be experiencing and lower your insurance premiums as the number of claims you make will be lower.

It’s therefore important to you to make sure that all your drivers are trained in safe and efficient driving techniques which can improve their vehicle handling skills and their road craft.

Some things that are worth looking at include:

• How to operate the vehicle – Pre-trip checks, using the right speed, gear changes, braking and planning ahead.
• Driving environment – awareness of other road users, aware of own performance and fatigue, hazards while driving.
• Vehicle routing – choosing the best route, avoiding delays, safe loading, manoeuvring, vehicle aerodynamics and navigation equipment.

Driver development is an ongoing process, so it’s important to make sure that your drivers are up-to-date with current legislation and have all the tools they need to make them a better driver.