dd Whether you operate two trucks or 200; carry bricks
Page 46
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
or baby food; are an owner-driver or employ hundreds of drivers; there's one thing you have in common with all hauliers, and that is soaring fuel costs. It isn't every day a sector of industry can bring the country to the near standstill we've seen recently with the fuel crisis-related events around the country. Fuel represents on average a massive 30% of a haulier's total costs, so shaving a mere 5% off your bill would make a considerable difference to your bottom line, But, though lots of operators are struggling to stay in business, how many can honestly say they are operating their vehicles at the highest efficiency in terms of fuel used and load utilisation?
As a fuel consumption consultant. I talk daily to operators who could take many simple measures to reduce their fuel consumption. All too often I find operators who do not measure the amount of fuel they buy against the amount issued to each of their vehicles or drivers, making it impossible to identify which drivers might benefit from training.
Maintenance is another key issue. For example, it isn't often recognised that a minor air leak will cause the engine's compressors to work harder and use more fuel.
Our recent field trials with small and medium-sized fleets show fuel savings of 7-15% just from getting the basics right. Operators can ensure their vehicles are free of defects, manage fuel issue against purchase and ensure that drivers are properly trained. We calculate that if a 38-tonne outfit Fs operating at a typical low margin of 2-3%, a 5% fuel improvement will improve profitability by £1,700 a year.
The good news is that help is available in the form of good quality information and advice; and the even better news is that the advice is free. The help comes from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme (EEBPP) and is funded by the government The logistics element of the programme aims to develop and encourage partnerships with operators in the transport industry so that existing best practice can be shared and disseminated via publications, seminars and site-specific advice. Even small fleet operators of trucks, vans or cars can take advantage of the free on-site advice provided by the FEBPP's expert consultants. So far fleets operating a total of 40,000 vehicles have used the programme. On average they have made annual savings 0( 7,850 litres of fuel per vehicle, compared with 6,250 litres by fleets that have not used EEBPP but have chosen other measures to save fuel.
Of course many hauliers are operating efficiently, but how can they measure or know how well they are doing? This is where EEBPP can help by providing industry sectors, such as food distribution, the automotive industry and construction products with benchmarking. Surveys are carried out by independent consultants or the sectors' own trade bodies to collate information on vehicle use and fuel consumption. The information is then analysed to provide benchmarking comparisons with the companies involved in the survey. Confidentiality is maintained by ensuring that no individual company is identified in the reports.
You might already be taking steps to reduce your fuel consumption, but our free advice might just help you achieve more miles for your money—and improve your bottom line.
• For further information about what the EEBPP can offer, in particular the free on-site advice scheme, call the freephone help desk on 0800 585 794. If you would like to speak to Davis directly call him on 01235 432285, or e-mail andrewjh.davis* aeat.co.uk.