“If we hadn’t put it in, we would probably be travelling around 10% more miles than we do now,” says Hughes.

Optrak targets vehicle efficiency; a new training programme backed by a new driver manual focuses on the drivers.

Menzies has utilised its knowledge in the HGV sector by developing a Certificate of Professional Competence (CPC) course for its van drivers.

It has 260 tachograph vehicles but has so far put 671 drivers through CPC training: all have the ability to drive a tacho vehicle, even though they mainly drive vans without them.

Hughes has also created a driver manual covering regulations, health and safety, driver expectations and company policies, such as fuel.

It is complemented by a training CD-ROM which outlines defective reporting and walkaround checks, as well as the Highway Code.

“We drive home the message that no matter what the vehicle is, they do a check before and after they drive it and report any issues to the branch,” says Hughes.

“The CPC and the video clips we show them how important the checks are for safety and to prevent on the spot fines – they are good for the driver and for the business.”

 

Menzies doesn’t just rely on efficient routing to minimise fuel spend; it is quick to trial any new product or service that claims to reduce costs.

Some are very successful; others less so. For Allan Hughes, it’s all about “finding the golden nugget”.

He adds: “It is worth investing the time and effort to find the innovation that provides us with the savings we are looking for.”

What’s worked?

Fuel reporting In addition to using Arval and Shell fuel cards on its commercial fleet, Menzies has started to take its own odometer readings and fuel usage reports each month, partly to eliminate any issue with drivers mis-keying information.

Specific mpg is calculated for each vehicle and benchmarked by branch against divisional averages and also against other vehicles within the depot.

Menzies is also mapping overall fuel spend so branches can see how much they are spending (each is responsible for its own budget).

Actions taken include: checking that the most suitable van is used for each route to raise mpg; moving drivers into different vehicles to check performance; coaching drivers to improve their fuel efficiency.

Ongoing trials

ECU mapping Installed on a number of panel vans a year ago.

Results show an increase in MPG of between 9.3% and 10.5% for each of the four vehicles.

“The torque is moved down the curve – it runs out quicker so drivers have to change up quicker,” says Hughes.

“We got a good reaction from drivers; they got used to it very quickly.”

Throttle controller unit Menzies is about to start trials of a throttle control which forces drivers to drive smoothly through the rev range by eliminating peaks and troughs on the accelerator curve. Anticipated savings are 6-12%.

Telematics To monitor driver performance (harsh braking, aggressive acceleration, speeding, etc) rather than vehicle tracking.

“This is the one that potentially provides the best fuel savings. We are on the cusp of commencing a trial,” says Hughes.

What’s not worked?

Magnetic technology A magnet on the fuel lines that changes the molecular properties of carbon for a leaner burn.

A four-month trial was inconclusive; the system appeared to make little difference.