Driver training programs can help trucking companies save fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by

increasing drivers’ skills, knowledge, and performance. A driver-training program that improves fuel economy by

5 percent could save over $1,200 in fuel costs and eliminate eight metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions per

truck each year.

What is the challenge?

Even highly experienced truck drivers can boost their

skills and enhance driving performance through

driver training programs. Training that targets fuel

efficiency can help drivers recognize and change

driving habits that waste fuel. For example, driving 65

mph instead of 55 mph can use up to 20% more fuel.

Idling an engine burns almost one gallon of fuel per

hour. Driving with the engine rpm too high can waste

several gallons of fuel each hour. Other common

habits that reduce fuel economy are frequent or

improper shifting, too-rapid acceleration, too-frequent

stops and starts from failing to anticipate traffic flow,

and taking circuitous routes.

A few simple changes in driving techniques can

produce sizable fuel savings of 5 percent or more. A

Canadian study estimates that many fleets could

achieve a 10 percent fuel economy improvement

through driver training and monitoring. For a typical

combination truck, a 10 percent saving is the

equivalent of nearly $2,500. A study for the European

Commission estimates that an annual one-day drivertraining course will improve truck fuel efficiency by

five percent. Two trucking fleets in Canada

documented the impact of driver training and found

fuel efficiency improvements of 18 percent and 20

percent.

What is the solution?

Well-trained drivers can reduce fuel consumption by

applying a number of simple techniques. These

include: use cruise control where appropriate; coast

whenever possible; block-shift (go from, for example,

2

nd gear to 5th gear); brake and accelerate smoothly

and gradually; progressive shift (upshift at the lowest

rpm possible); limit unnecessary truck idling; start out

in a gear that doesn’t require using the throttle when

releasing the clutch; limit unnecessary shifting; drive

at the lowest engine speed possible; reduce parasitic

energy losses by limiting the use of accessories.

Employers, vocational schools, and for-profit training

organizations can teach drivers these fuel-saving

techniques. Many trucking companies also monitor

driver performance and may provide incentives to

drivers who reduce fuel consumption. Electronic

engine monitors can be used to review drivers’

operating patterns and benchmark individual

performance over time. 

The results are in . . . 

Fleets that improve fuel economy by at least 5

percent through driver training and monitoring

programs can save more than $1,200 per truck each

year in fuel costs and eliminate 8 metric tons of

carbon dioxide emissions per truck each year. For a

typical long-haul truck, the initial cost of training and

the purchase of related equipment such as an

electronic engine monitor and recorder could be

recouped within two years from fuel cost savings.

Trucking companies may realize even greater fuel

and maintenance savings by using technologies that

limit truck idling and highway speed.

Driver training may generate larger efficiency gains

for vehicles in urban service, where shifting practices

have more influence on fuel economy. Good driving

practices are also part of courteous and safe truck

operation that reflects well on the professionalism of

the driver and his or her trucking company.

Next steps

Trucking firms should consider implementing drivertraining programs to reduce fuel costs. To provide

additional motivation, training can be combined with

an incentive program to reward drivers for enhanced

performance. Successful incentive programs pay

bonuses regularly and frequently, set realistic goals,

and are simple to administer. Fleets may contact

their national or local trucking organizations for more

details on improving driver performance and

establishing a driver incentive program, and may

contact their truck dealer or equipment vendor for

information on engine monitors and other fuel-saving

devices.