Frequently Asked Questions
How much fuel can be saved using the Eco-Drive program?
The Eco-Drive program is based on a training curriculum developed and implemented by Linfox as a part of their GreenFox program. On average, acrss all drivers who received Eco-Drive training, there was a fuel consumption saving of 14%. Globally, similar Eco-Drive programs have saved between 5% and 25%. We feel confident the Eco-Drive training will deliver up to 15% savings. Whether running a small fleet of a couple of trucks, or you are a major logistics operator with hundreds of trucks, a 15% fuel saving reperesents a significant cost saving.
I am already undertaking fuel efficiency training for my fleet. Why do I need the Eco-Drive program?
While some operators are already implementing fuel efficiency training, either at induction or on an ongoing basis it is likely this training is positioned to drivers as a cost savings exercise. However, there is significant evidence from global and Australian eco-driving training programs that a positive environmental outcome as opposed to a cost saving is a much stronger motivator for drivers to drive efficiently. David McInnes, Linfox Group Manager, Environment & Climate Change, said “A critical component for success in the program was connecting sustainability with driver efficiency in the minds of our staff, giving them a clear understanding and a direct responsibility for the environment and carbon emissions. We are already underway and have managed a significant fuel economy and carbon-efficiency.” Market research tells us that many drivers have been told for years to reduce fuel consumption in order to save money, but the message rarely resonates. Linking their driving skills to the health of the planet for generations to come is much more likely to deliver significant and consistent fuel reductions.
How can I be sure the training will be appropriate for the commercial vehicle driving audience?
The training has included an extensive process of pilot testing and concept testing, using real drivers to review the content and highlight areas that are difficult to understand, offensive or irrelevant. These changes will be constantly incorporate into the training.
How can I ensure the fuel efficiencies are sustained across my fleet?
Global best practice in commercial driving efficiency programs report savings of between 5 and 25%. However, the International Transport Forum in 2007 concluded that one-off campaigns to encourage fuel efficient driving tend to deliver fuel savings of 5%, compared with programs that involve initial education, follow up communication and ongoing monitoring and incentives delivering savings of up to 20%. Sustained training will position the e-learning program as the first step in an industry-wide cultural shift towards fuel efficiency, versus an ineffective one-off campaign. The materials provided with the program will outline some suggestions for sustained training, including appointing internal fuel champions, publishing success and developing physical reminders of the training or individual lessons. Andromeda offers bespoke consulting to design and implement sustained training.
How can I accurately measure the success of the training?
In order to promote organisational change around a goal of fuel efficiency, ongoing performance measurement must be implemented. The potential for performance measurement (individual, team, site, state, company) will vary according to an organisation’s method of consumption logging. Regardless of how consumption is monitored, it is vital to success that initial benchmarks be recorded, with subsequent performance measured continuously, and goals set and revised accordingly. Andromeda offers bespoke consulting to design and implement performance measurement systems.
Is the training dependent on establishing a driver performance monitoring system?
The training is not dependent on establishing a driver performance monitoring system. However, ensuring the course has been successful is dependent on developing such a system. There may be small operators who don’t need a system to monitor performance, but for the case of larger fleets we recommend developing a system (internally or with Andromeda’s help) to ensure return on investment for Eco-Drive. It is important to note that international best practice examples demonstrate driver incentive programs deliver greater fuel savings.
Does the program accommodate automatic transmissions?
The accommodation for automatic transmissions is an issue that will be addressed as the training evolves. Each of the ten lessons will be constantly reviewed for clarity and detail. Gear change and transmission types are one example of where the Foundation Partners will be contributing to the program with advice and suggestions to Andromeda.
Does the program address the varying gear synchronisation ratio and revolutions per model?
As above.
What are the advantages of using e-learning?
E-learning is cost-effective, scalable, engaging and interactive as a learning platform, making it ideal for ‘Eco-Drive™.’ E-learning is also suited to the commercial truck driving audience given drivers are likely to be mobile and broadly distributed geographically. E-learning can be accessed anywhere online. The program also allows drivers to complete the course where they like and in as many sittings as they like.
What if e-learning doesn’t suit any or all of my drivers?
While there are many advantages of e-learning, it will not suit all drivers. Some drivers may find the learning platform difficult due to lack of experience with computers, literacy problems, ESL barriers, learning difficulties or other challenges. While the program has been designed to overcome as many of these as possible, by using voice over in the program and using simple language and visual techniques, Eco-Drive is available as a Train the Trainer package also, so internal training representatives are properly prepared to train drivers directly, face to face.
Will the program be interoperable with in-cab mobile data systems?
Eco-Drive e-learning will not have this provision initially. If clients have in-cab mobile data operating systems there may be the opportunity to develop interoperability between the mobile data results and the Eco-Drive program, to measure the relationship between completing the course and reduced fuel consumption. Subsequent versions of Eco-Drive will address interoperability with data systems.
What are the technical requirements for the e-learning program?
The Eco-Drive program will be optimized for narrowband and broadband transmission and be SCORM and AICC compliant for use in Learning Management Systems for large scale businesses. It is also available to small scale businesses via standard internet.
Will be program be updated with new information?
Eco-Drive is a dynamic program that will be maintained in a similar fashion to many software programs, subsequent versions posted as they are developed. All users will be notified by email when updates have been implemented is available. The revised content may include updated case studies of success, technological innovations or additional lessons within the Driving Efficiently section of the program. Since the information is managed centrally, no extra downloads or distribution will be necessary, and users will enjoy current, up to date content automatically.
How will technical problems for e-learning be addressed?
Technical difficulties if experienced will be responded to on 24 hour turnaround time by the Andromeda Systems Administrator. Logging tech requests will be managed on an email system with telephone call-back in the case of persistent or more serious problems.
How much is the training cost per driver? Are there any other pricing models?
The existing cost per driver is $79.50, which entitles users to access the e-learning program for one year. The Train the Trainer approach costs between $700 and $1500, depending on the audience size (exclusive of travel and other disbursements), followed by the per driver license cost. A $30,000 three year unlimited license for larger operators is also offered.
When is the program due to be launched?
Eco-Drive Train the Trainer and e-learning are available now.