Fleet fuel efficiency: a win-win opportunity

This paper summarizes the findings of New Zealand-based research carried out during 2008 on overcoming the barriers to transport fleets adopting fuel saving measures.

This research included: a review of overseas best practice; a fuel efficiency trial involving car, bus and truck fleets; surveys of industry awareness and an analysis of the barriers to adopting fuel saving measures.

The trial confirmed overseas experience that has found that fuel savings of 10% or more are achievable through improved fleet management systems, driver training, vehicle maintenance, and other well established practices. However, most fleets do not have the skills or knowledge required to realise these savings resulting in a low level of uptake.

The paper discusses the research findings and calculates how much an operator could expect to benefit from fleet efficiency measures.