“With the volatility of fuel prices, reducing fuel consumption is increasingly important in controlling operating expenses for waste-hauling fleets,” noted Steve Mitgang, CEO, SmartDrive. “Our study documented a significant opportunity to increase fuel efficiency through softer driving. The study also shows that training and real-time in-cab feedback combine to dramatically lower the incidence of wasteful maneuvers.

The study evaluated 193 waste-hauling trucks and drivers in multiple U.S. locations to assess the effect of driving performance on fuel consumption and the impact of eco-driving training and in-vehicle instant feedback on improving fuel economy. Data on the drivers’ performance was collected through SmartDrive sensors and recorders, then analyzed and scorecards were provided to drivers. After the control period and training, instant feedback on driving maneuvers and idling gave drivers the ability to adjust driving performance as it occurred. Post-training performance was measured, showing substantial reductions in the number and severity of hard accelerations, hard braking and hard turns.

“Within two months, the top 25% of drivers improved their fuel economy from 2.52MPG to 2.87MPG, or 13.8%. That’s a real savings that any waste-hauling fleet operator would appreciate,” Mitgang added.

According to Dave Antonacci, owner of Crown Container in NY, “The SmartDrive Safety program gives us a rich understanding of how our trucks are being driven, and a better idea of where to focus our training efforts. This Waste-Hauling Fleet Fuel Efficiency Study clearly points out a performance improvement area that can provide immediate dividends, in increased safety as well as greater fuel economy.”