FleetSmart Profiles: Highway Trucking

Woodstock Transport – Waterville, New Brunswick

Incentive Program for Drivers Boosts Fuel Economy

Woodstock Transport is a full-load carrier headquartered in Waterville, New Brunswick. It has a fleet of 95 power units, with 35 operated by owner-operators. The company operates in an essentially triangular delivery area, from the Maritimes to the United States, to Ontario and back into the Maritimes.

Woodstock Transport has boosted its fleet's average fuel economy by 4.3 litres per 100 kilometres (0.7 miles per gallon, or mpg) by using a driver incentive program, regular reviews of engine printouts with drivers and in-cab heaters. The incentive program pays bonuses to drivers for achieving specific fuel economy targets. A bonus of one cent per mile kicks in at a fuel economy of 7.25 mpg and increases as the fuel economy improves. The target is reduced by 0.25 mpg during the winter. The bonus is paid monthly and is available to drivers who are company employees. Many informal discussions were held before starting the incentive program to help ensure driver buy-in.

The incentive program, formally begun in March 2000, took some time to catch on with the drivers. "At first, drivers were sceptical," notes Robert Small, Woodstock's General Manager. "At first, only three or four drivers received the bonus. Now 60 percent of our drivers get it. Last month the average bonus paid was $165."

The benefits of the program extend beyond the drivers. "The incentive program has brought a focus to our fuel-efficiency-related activities. It has not only improved the drivers' attention to fuel economy, but management's as well. Prior to the program, feedback to drivers was done on a consistent basis. If reports are not available now, drivers are asking for them."

Computerized data

Mr. Small notes that one of the keys to having a successful program is educating people and providing the information that will help them identify where they can make changes to improve fuel economy. Woodstock makes full use of the data downloaded from each truck's electronic control module (ECM). Data is downloaded at least twice a month and reviewed with the driver.

"It only takes a couple of minutes to hook up the connection for the download," notes Brian Pickard, one of six mechanics Woodstock has on staff. "While it is downloading, we simply go about doing whatever has to be done on the truck."

The engine's data is downloaded using the standard software provided by the engine manufacturer. In addition to the reports on fuel economy, the software provides information on a number of variables that influence fuel economy such as idling, vehicle speeds, time spent in top gear, the number of brake applications per 1000 kilometres and time spent in cruise control. The software also notes any problems identified by the engine diagnostic system.

"We have been downloading the engine data for some time now. Since the incentive program was implemented, we have been paying much more careful attention to the information it provides," notes Mr. Small. "Downloads are provided to the drivers at least twice a month. The results are then reviewed with the drivers to note where they can improve."

Cab heaters

The key operating areas that affect fuel economy are speed and idling time. Woodstock's trucks are equipped with in-cab heaters to help keep idling to a minimum. Dwayne Sewell, a Woodstock driver who regularly receives the fuel economy bonus, notes that he now watches his speed and idling much more carefully. He turns the truck off instead of idling, even if it is only for a few minutes. This includes shutting off the engine when hooking up. "You never know when that one minute you thought it was going to take will end up being 30 minutes." His idling time typically averages below five percent. He also tries to use cruise control as much as possible because it achieves better fuel economy than being "on the pedal." He also makes maximum use of the in-cab heater. It took about six months before Mr. Sewell got on board with the program.

Results are posted monthly in the drivers' room so that they can compare their results. Results are reviewed with the drivers to identify areas for possible improvement.

"The key to a successful program is getting driver buy-in," notes Mr. Small. "You really have to make sure you educate your people and provide them with the information they need so they can change some of their habits to improve fuel economy."

"This is really a win-win situation. Drivers are earning more money while the company saves money on fuel. For each $100 the company saves, the driver gets $50."

Overall annual fuel savings from the program are estimated to be nearly 8700 litres per truck or 520 000 litres for the 60 trucks participating in the program. (Owner-operators do not participate in the program.)

The program has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 1400 tonnes per year.

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