Tune Your Fleet. Best Practice Energy Effi ciency & Safety. 1 victoriantransportassociationinc.

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1 Tune Your Fleet Best Practice Energy Effi ciency & Safety 1 victoriantransportassociationinc.

2 Tune Your Fleet Foreword In February 2006, the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) asked the Australian Transport Council (ATC) and the Environment Protection and Heritage Council (EPHC) to report on a range of programs and incentives that would encourage businesses and the community to take up more fuel efficient and lower emission passenger and freight vehicles. The report would also aim to provide advice on opportunities for reforms to regulations, standards, codes and labeling requirements to improve vehicle fuel efficiency. In response to that request the COAG Vehicle Fuel Efficiency working group has prepared a public discussion paper to assist in the final preparation of a report to ATC and the EPHC. Although, since this time, important events have occurred that are relevant to Australia s transport and climate change agenda and will have an impact on the development and implementation of future measures. For example: In late 2007 the Australian government committed Australia to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 60% from 2000 levels by In July 2008 the Australian government released a green paper outlining a Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS). The CPRS is expected to commence in 2010 and will be the primary mechanism to address the market failure of uncapped greenhouse gas emissions and encourage activities and investment to reduce emissions. The CPRS will place a limit on the amount of carbon pollution Australia can emit through the Carbon Cap. Parties will be required to buy a pollution permit for each tonne of carbon they contribute to the atmosphere, providing a strong incentive to changeover to improved greenhouse efficient practices and technologies. Importantly, the government proposes to include the transport sector in the CPRS scheme. In order to give transport businesses time to adjust to the scheme the government will cut fuel taxes for heavy vehicles by 7% for the first year of operation to offset the initial price rise on fuel associated with the introduction of CPRS. 2 victoriantransportassociationinc.

3 Tune Your Fleet Foreword Tune Your Fleet As part of an ongoing strategy to assist transport businesses reduce their fuel consumption and lower emissions, the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) and the State Government together are providing information to fleet operators, owner drivers, as well as freight and logistics users/clients. Tune Your Fleet focuses on various ways that fleet operators and drivers can reduce their fuel consumption to achieve best practice by paying attention to areas such as: Tyres Aerodynamics Wheel Alignment Routing and Scheduling Staff Awareness information Equipment Specification etc. It is also proposed that the VTA will run a series of information seminars to introduce and develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and calculators for fleets, drivers and freight consignors for various fleet operation types and sizes. When the Tune Your Fleet program is underway and data has been collated and verified, test run comparisons will be arranged to demonstrate how to obtain maximum KPIs. Road Safety Benefits Our Tune Your Fleet partnership program also includes some valuable road safety benefits as the various parts of the program are adopted. These include: 1. Reduced Travel Speeds; advanced driver training and reduced highway and freeways travel speeds, which can reduce fleet maintenance costs. The most effective speed management programs combine electronic engine controls with driver training and incentives. 2. Driver Training; raising driver awareness of the importance of pre-trip tyre inspections or correct tyre pressures. This delivers improved heavy vehicle safety. 3. Driving Technique; attention to improved driver anticipation of other traffic flows to reduce deceleration more smoothly. This also has the effect of reducing last-minute emergency brake stops. 4. Tyre Inflation; correctly monitored tyre inflation and wheel alignment delivers safer driving and improved braking and cornering. 3 victoriantransportassociationinc.

4 Tune Your Fleet Contents 1: Introduction 2: Tyres, Wheels and Alignment 3: Aerodynamics 4: Specification and Design 5: Fleet Routing and Scheduling 6: Training Your Workforce Links: Contacts: 15 4 victoriantransportassociationinc.

5 1 Introduction The world consumption of oil use for transportation is growing fast and many countries have embarked on fuel consumption reduction efforts in transport. USA USA launched a SmartWay Transport Partnership in This is a public/private partnership between the EPA and the transport industry concerned with reducing fuel and emissions. It now has some 1228 partners, which include carriers, shippers, logistics companies and affiliates including most top trucking companies. The SmartWay program is a voluntary partnership program that has over 600,000 member vehicles. UK In the United Kingdom, the Department of Transport has developed a Freight Best Practice series of publications with much the same objective as the US SmartWay scheme. The Freight Best Practice scheme provides free information to help freight operators save money through improved fuel efficiency. This scheme offers a range of free guides, case studies, newsletters, videos and software tools, showing how to reduce fuel usage, develop staff skills, and select new equipment and systems to measure, monitor and achieve targets of operational performance. In ,000 guides were issued to the freight industry. All these products are free of charge. 5 victoriantransportassociationinc.

6 1 Canada Natural Resources Canada introduces fleets to energy efficient practices that can reduce fuel consumption and emissions. FleetSmart is a component of this program offering free and practical advice to Canadians on how energy efficient vehicles and business practices can reduce fleet operating costs, improve productivity and increase transport competitiveness. The Tune Your Fleet program The Tune Your Fleet program aims to play its part in the our endeavours to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions, and improve energy security for fleet operators, owner drivers, as well as freight and logistics users/clients. Companies and groups that use this information may be able to save money, reduce fuel consumption and demonstrate responsible environmental and social practices by focusing on ways to improve areas such as: Tyres Aerodynamics Wheel Alignment Routing and Scheduling Staff Awareness information Driver Training Equipment Specification and Design 6 victoriantransportassociationinc.

7 2 Tyres, Wheels And Alignment Surveys have shown that more than 75% of all trucks in Europe have insufficient tyre pressure and that can increase their vehicle operating costs. No matter how many times people hear about the importance of tyre pressure, most don t do anything about it. Maintaining correct tyre pressures has benefits in: improving fuel economy by reducing rolling resistance increasing tyre life improving braking and manoeuvring Monitoring systems for tyres Efforts are being made in some countries to mandate tyre pressure monitoring systems for all new cars and trucks. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA) has recently stipulated these systems for cars by law. Vehicles equipped with monitoring systems can detect a deviation of individual tyre pressures of 0.2 bar on cars and 0.4 bar on trucks. In this way all drivers can be informed from in-cab indicators that the tyres need to be checked and re-inflated to the correct pressure. A wide range of wireless digital style readout monitoring systems are available, as are automatic inflation systems that can be set to the required pressures. Monitoring systems can deliver a range of benefits: Detect air leakage, or when tyre pressure drops from the user set level. Greatly reduced operating costs, which partly results from greater fuel efficiency. Tyres running at correct inflation pressures have a significantly longer service life. Safer driving with better braking and cornering. Tyre choices Most, if not all, tyre companies offer low rolling resistance or fuel efficient tyres as both new and recap options. Although, short haul metro-type operators may see only minor improvements compared to those doing longer haul applications with these tyres. Specifying wide single tyres can save fuel by reducing vehicle weight, rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag. Wide single tyres are also popular in tanker operations. These can give improved roll stability from a lower centre of gravity by allowing the tank to be mounted lower on the vehicle. 7 victoriantransportassociationinc.

8 2 Truck and trailer wheel alignment Correct tandem or dual suspension alignment is one of the most critical factors in achieving good tyre wear. All axles and the wheels fitted including steer axles, drive axles, lazy axles and trailer axles must be correctly aligned. For most fleet operators, suspension alignment is conducted by the vehicle manufacturer or a member of the Australian Heavy Vehicle Alignment Association. It is important to understand how alignment measurements can affect your suspension s performance and what checks and remedies are available. Heavy vehicle alignment may include measuring and correcting the shape, location and directional orientation of many different parts of the vehicle such as suspension systems and components from the frame or chassis including spring hangers, pins and bushes, spring eyes and centre bolts. The tracking angle and camber angle of each wheel on the vehicle must be accurately measured. 8 victoriantransportassociationinc.

9 2 Camber the angle between the wheel and the road surface. Positive camber the top of the wheel is inclined outwards. Wheel track the line square to the bearing axis along which the wheel will travel unless deflected by another force. Negative camber the top of the wheel is inclined inward towards the vehicle. Truck and trailer tracking angles must be set as close as possible to perfectly parallel. If preferred, they may be set a little to the right, but parallel. Tune Your Fleet Suggestions Install a wireless digital style readout monitoring system. Fit low resistance tyres. Carry out regular wheel and trailer alignments. 9 victoriantransportassociationinc.

10 3 Aerodynamics Tests by the US SmartWay program suggest a 25% aerodynamic drag could raise fuel economy by up to 15% at highway speeds. Truck aerodynamics have been improved recently by the use of sophisticated computer technology in addition to wind tunnel testing. The latest computer technology gives design engineers the capacity to achieve better approximation of real-world results than just the simple wind tunnel testing alone A prime-mover or truck uses a great deal of energy to overcome air resistance as well as mechanical and rolling resistance. Wind resistance and aerodynamic drag account for high levels of vehicle energy loss at highway speeds. Manufacturers of both truck and trailers have made significant progress over the past two decades reducing drag co-efficient of typical freight vehicles from about 0.8 to about 0.65, an improvement of nearly 20%. However, continuing the effort to improve aerodynamics should result in a further reduction in the drag coefficient. Reducing fuel consumption can be achieved by: reducing the aerodynamic drag reducing the mechanical and rolling resistance improving the engine and power train efficiencies. Tune Your Fleet Suggestions Improve your prime mover aerodynamics by fitting roof fairings, cab extenders, side fairings, bumper air dams, etc. Such design aerodynamic specifications for your new truck or prime mover can reduce wind resistance by up to 15% and have a significant saving on fuel costs. Aerodynamic devices in most cases make only a small addition to the purchase cost compared to the potential fuel savings. Trailer aerodynamics can be improved in several ways - one of the main methods is by reducing the gap between the prime mover and trailer, such a change can improve fuel economy by up to 2%. Fit side skirts - trailer manufacturers suggest this can improve your fuel economy by up to 5%. The issue of how your load is placed and arranged on the trailer is also very important, therefore curtains on curtain-sided trailers should be well-secured and kept tight at all times. NOTE: on short haul operations with prime-movers and rigids, where a lot of stop start operation is required e.g. metropolitan operations, the use of aerodynamic devices may give only minimal fuel savings. 10 victoriantransportassociationinc.

11 4 Specification And Design It is often better to overspec somewhat slightly a truck/trailer as the initial cost difference can be overcome by the unit working more efficiently, rather than at its limits all the time. This can lead to fuel and maintenance savings as well as happier drivers who will also look after their unit better. In addition to the aerodynamic design factors of an efficient freight vehicle, you should consider reviewing other basic specifications that can make a significant reduction in your fuel consumption. Ask your equipment manufacturer who will most likely have a range of unique component specifications that will assist to deliver lower fuel consumption. Additionally, think about the correct driveline specifications to do the job such as: Automatic or Manual gearbox savings on mechanical components such as clutch, etc. Gear ratios not only to do the current task but will it be flexible enough to do other jobs that may be required. Fuel Types possible use of alternate fuel sources needs to be balanced against weight considerations, economy, power, and whole of life cost for maintenance and operation etc. Oils normal or synthetic? Consideration over cost and real savings on fuel economy and maintenance e.g. service intervals extended etc Pantechnicon trailers fitted with a double deck or a mezzanine floor can deliver a higher level of productivity for many types of deliveries. Delivery test comparisons have shown there is a reduction in total working time required for that driver to deliver the same load, together with improved vehicle utilisation and less fuel usage. Other vehicle body design features that could be considered for particular products include a walking floor, which will deliver similar vehicle turnaround improvements for many products. Tune Your Fleet Suggestions Consider incorporating or installing the following specifications into your truck: Euro 5 design low emissions engine hybrid drive technology and auto transmissions possible options for alternative fuels a level of horsepower and transmission selection to match job task (auto?) low rolling resistance tyres mounted on aluminium wheels aerodynamic features, cab roof fairings, fuel tank side-fairings, bumper and mirrors low overall tare weight tyre pressure dashboard monitoring system speed limiter that is secure and not able to be tampered with or modified by drivers For vehicle body or trailer Evaluate all weight saving technologies. Install aerodynamic features, front and rear nose cones, gap reducers for combinations. Check options for low rolling resistance tyres on aluminium wheels. Select the most energy efficient body type for the transport task. 11 victoriantransportassociationinc.

12 5 Fleet Routing And Scheduling The recent creation of several overseas voluntary best practice groups in the UK, USA, Canada and New Zealand have each shown that performance can be measured using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). If you don t measure it you can t manage it. Regular analyses and reviews of routing and scheduling can improve carrier transport inefficiencies in a cost-effective way. In 2005, an industry case study research program was conducted using a minimalist optimisation computer program. The results across some 35 industry based transport sectors were better than expected. Using the optimisation program in preference to the regular fleet allocation and scheduling system delivered an average improvement in resource savings that exceeded 20%. The case study covered a wide range of transport services from general transport through to express services, which showed a range of improved efficiencies between 5.5% and 38%. Savings were recorded in areas such as fewer vehicle numbers, fuel reductions, less hours and kms travelled. Another current technology development that is complimentary to fleet routing and scheduling computer programming is the on-board GPS and IAP equipment, which can greatly assist document management and vehicle tracking, in addition to regulatory compliance such as mass and electronic log books. Such equipment offers an innovative approach to improve fleet productivity, fuel efficiency, safety and environmental performance. Some service providers are so confident of achieving savings of between 5% and 10% of fleet operating costs for fuel efficiency and safety benefits that they are quoting very competitive service contracts. A routing and scheduling optimisation program can: reduce fuel bills while improving safety reduces tyre wear and maintenance costs improve customer service provide a competitive advantage reduce insurance, while improving profitability provide cost-effective and efficient fleet data collection. Tune Your Fleet Suggestions There are now affordable optimisation software tools available that can be used by all fleet managers to collect data and measure key performance indicators. Case study analyses have shown better than expected results in all cases with total resource savings exceeding 20% on average. Current transport inefficiencies can be improved using optimisation programs. Yes, it is worth doing on a regular basis (and check again on a regular basis). Set targets for data collection and review results for continuous improvements. 12 victoriantransportassociationinc.

13 6 Training Your Workforce Overseas studies have shown that some simple changes in driving techniques can produce sizeable fuel savings of between 5% and 10%. A study for the European Commission estimates that an annual one day driver training course could improve truck fuel efficiency by 5%. Everyone can play a role in maintaining and improving efficiency. Staff awareness training programs can help any sized transport company save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by increasing the skills within an organisation. For example, accomplished and experienced drivers can improve their skills through good driver training programs that target fuel efficiency improvements and enhanced driver performance. Two trucking fleets in Canada have documented the impact of driver training and found fuel efficiency improvements between18% and 20%. Benefits of driver awareness training As drivers have the most impact on fuel consumption and vehicle safety, driver training programs can: reduce highway and freeway speeds, which then can reduce frequency of maintenance work raise awareness of pre-trip driver checks for tyre pressures show how to maintain steady driving speed and gearshift at appropriate engine revolutions anticipate other traffic flow and decelerate smoothly set out and share fuel economy targets, share any driver improvements achieved. General awareness and operational training strategies Assess the cultural and behavioural performance management style in the operation. Choose the right management and drivers to motivate and lead the change. Include senior management to ensure all sections are aware of the program. Consider an incentive program to encourage drivers to reach targets. Be aware of the dangers of the grapevine communications undermining your project. Identify and set out the key features to be adopted by your organisation. Deliver regular feedback on all progress showing improvements achieved. Tune Your Fleet Suggestions All transport managers, supervisors, drivers and maintenance personnel need to be aware of the savings that can be achieved by continuously reviewing KPIs, and then acting on the changes required. Excellent outcomes of training programs need the support of management and other operational staff if the maximum cost reductions and efficiencies are to be achieved. 13 victoriantransportassociationinc.

14 Tune Your Fleet Links USA SmartWay Transport Partnership U.K. Freight Best Practice Canada Fleetsmart eetsmart.nrcan.gc.ca/ Australia Victorian Transport Association Australian Road Transport Suppliers Association National Transport Commission EPA Victoria VicRoads Greenhouse 14 victoriantransportassociationinc.

15 Tune Your Fleet Contacts Victorian Transport Association Membership Services Victorian Waste Management Association t f e. Wirraway Drive Fishermans Bend 3207 PO Box 5 South Melbourne Logistics Managers Group Rob Perkins, Co-ordinator t f m e. robperkins@logisticsgroup.com.au Wirraway Drive Fishermans Bend 3207 PO Box 5 South Melbourne DISCLAIMER: The Victorian Transport Association has provided this information as a simple guide to the basic requirements we feel could be implemented to assist companies improve fuel economy and fleet operations. The Victorian Transport Association Inc. does not state or imply by the publication of this guide that if implemented it will ensure you achieve maximum savings as many other factors can impact the potential savings. 15 victoriantransportassociationinc.