The Volvo Trucks Fuelwatch concept can lower fuel costs. This was shown clearly in the test that was recently carried out with haulage firm Börje Jönsson in Germany. In the test, which we wrote about in the previous issue, already low fuel consumption was lowered by a further 7 percent. In the planning and follow-up processes, Dynafleet was an important component.
The new, version of Dynafleet, which was launched recently, has been improved further still. Both drivers and transport supervisors can now monitor vehicle fuel economy. One of the most important functions is reports about fuel consumption and driver data that make it possible to follow up and check the vehicle’s fuel consumption.
“With Dynafleet we can at any time have reports sent to the office, automatically via email. These reports provide information about actual fuel consumption, about how much the vehicle has been idling, if the engine has run within the green band on the rev counter or how much the cruise control has been used,” explains Per-Anders Grösfjeld, market manager for Dynafleet.
In addition, the Dynafleet offer includes an Internet-based e-learning module where the driver first undergoes an online training course to receive thorough training and tips on driving more fuel-efficiently. All that is needed is a computer with an Internet link.
“We feel it is important that the training is followed up. Otherwise it may be easy to slip back into your old driving style after a while, forgetting all you’ve learned in the basic training course. By repeating what you’ve learned, it is easier to achieve a lasting improvement where you continue to drive in the most fuel-efficient way possible.”
With Dynafleet it is easy to check if you have reduced fuel consumption and also how you have changed your driver behaviour. The idea is that it should be possible to take these values with you to the next driver training session.
“In combination with driver training, one could perhaps link this to some sort of competition between drivers so as to lower the fuel consumption figures still further. Nor should we forget that it is both environmentally friendly and safe to adopt a fuel-efficient driving style.”
Another way of reducing fuel consumption where Dynafleet comes into its own is that it makes it easy to streamline transport operations. You can see the exact current location of the vehicle and check on the driver’s driving times. With the load indicator, you can even see how much load each truck is carrying and can thus ensure that each truck carries the maximum possible load.
“If you get an assignment where goods have to be picked up close to the current location of one of the trucks, it is easy to ask the driver to make a small detour instead of sending another vehicle to do the job. This saves fuel and time and also makes things more efficient both for the haulage operator and the customer, at the same time as the vehicle’s driving time can be maximised. With Dynafleet you can find the right truck for the right assignment and can quickly confirm and delegate the assignment.”
Via Dynafleet, the home office can also get help in organising service planning so that the truck is always kept in the best possible condition.
“Having good service planning doesn’t just help keep fuel costs down, it is also good for the tyres, running costs, repair costs and the environment. It extends the vehicle’s service life and increases its second-hand value.”
For a haulage firm, diesel fuel bills are a major cost that continues increasing as fuel prices rise. Against that background, even apparently small savings may accumulate into big gains. By optimising the driver’s driving style, fuel savings of 2-10 percent are possible, and it’s easy for anyone to work out just what that means for the company’s economy,” concludes Per-Anders Grösfjeld. ■
Facts, Dynafleet
Dynafleet is a Web-based system. This means the
operator always has
full control over his
operations irrespective
of location.
The vehicle is fitted with special hardware and a combined GPS/GSM antenna.
With Dynafleet it is possible to see the current location of the vehicles in real time, check their fuel consumption, send and receive messages, view driver times and service intervals and much more.
Dynafleet is available in three different package solutions:
Perform provides detailed reports about fuel consumption, driver times and distances covered. It also features an individual service plan for each vehicle and a function for following up driver activity.
Perform & Locate contains everything that is included in Perform along with detailed maps down to street level.
Operate contains everything that is included in Perform & Locate as well as a function for communication via text messages between the driver and office.
In addition to the hardware, each start package also includes the following, among much else:
■ GPRS-SIM card for unlimited communication between vehicles and office throughout Europe
■ Introductory course to Dynafleet
■ Web-based driver training
■ Dynafleet support from Volvo Action Service