Efficient Vans: A Best Practice Guide to Cost - Transport Cafe

Efficient Vans: A Best Practice Guide to Cost-effective Van Use
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as a DfT-backed training scheme
since 2006. This is a one-day
course delivered directly to the van
driver by an instructor. This training
helps a driver by illustrating more
efficient driving styles (e.g. less
aggressive driving, reduced heavy
braking and improved vehicle
handling), which has safety and
fuel efficiency benefits. Average
on-the-day fuel savings are 16%.
Further information is available at
www.safed.org.uk
Driver Incentives
The boom in Internet shopping has
contributed to a record number of
vans travelling along the UK’s roads.
Simultaneously, time pressures on
van drivers to meet ever-tighter
delivery deadlines and service
schedules are increasing, as the
demands of today’s businesses and
customers are met. These factors,
together with the need to beat
ever-increasing traffic congestion,
are prompting companies to use
telematics, which can help them to:
• Route plan
• Improve vehicle deployment (and
ultimately reduce operating costs)
• Cut van emissions
• Improve safety
In addition, companies themselves
can offer incentives for good driving
practices, but must not encourage
illegal driving activity. This could be
through the use of league tables
and rewards leading to special
recognition and bonuses for the
most efficient drivers and those
who are showing the greatest
improvement. By offering such a
scheme, drivers will be encouraged
to change their driving style and the
benefits of this will be passed on to
the business.