Sustainability
3 Dec 2009

Advanced Training Saves Fuel and Money

Commercial vehicle drivers who have undergone the SAFED (Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving) programme report savings in mpg (miles per gallon) of up to 10 per cent. Improved driving skills result in fewer accidents, less fuel consumption, lower emission levels and reduced costs. With fuel remaining a major operational cost and the recognition of the problems of global warming with the need to contain and reduce emissions, the advanced training of drivers supplied by eco-driving programmes such as the SAFED scheme makes both economic and environmental good sense.

Dr Mick Jackson, Chief Executive of Skills for Logistics, the industry's sector skills council, commented: "In December the Copenhagen conference will, once again, remind us of the undeniable need to conserve fuel and reduce carbon emissions. But, of far more immediate concern to the freight logistics industry, is the need to minimise fuel costs and maximise efficiency. The commercial vehicle driver is the key player in conserving fuel and advancing efficiency. The enhanced driving skills which result from a days SAFED course can benefit operators through reduced costs, the economy through more efficient logistics, and society through environmental benefits, a three-way win. Transport operators are missing a trick if they do not take advantage of the very obvious benefits resulting from such courses."

Jonathan James, Programme Director of the Freight Best Practice programme, said: "The SAFED programmes for both HGV and van drivers have undoubtedly proved a winning formula. The production of more highly skilled drivers is good news for industry and good news for the drivers themselves who immediately become more attractive to potential future employers. And the SAFED training programme can count towards the additional 35 hours of driver training which employers are obliged to provide drivers with over a five year period as part of the Driver CPC."

The one-day SAFED course for van and HGV drivers involves a mix of classroom and on-the-road tuition and teaches the use of driving techniques such as better use of gears, keeping correct distances to avoid hard braking, and an overall awareness of fuel economy and road layout. To date over 20,000 commercial vehicle drivers have undergone the course and transport operators report substantial cost savings and efficiency gains.

Skills for Logistics is the UK Sector Skills Council for the freight logistics industries. It is a registered charity and an independent organisation run for employers, by employers, to tackle the skills and productivity needs of the logistics sector.

Freight Best Practice is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and is managed by AECOM to promote operational efficiency, safety, journey time reliability and CO2 reductions within freight operations - road, rail and waterways. The programme identifies and disseminates best practice and offers FREE impartial information, support material and guidance on Saving Fuel, Developing Skills, Equipment and Systems, Performance Management and Multi-modal operations.

** ‘Supply Chain Europe’ is planning a major review of logistics and supply chain training provision around Europe for our July/August 2010 issue. Please contact the Editor for further details.

back to front page news