Trucks & Trailers is currently available in editions for the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Russia, UK and the Nordic countries. See www.trucks-and-trailers.com.

In September, SCS Software’s CEO Pavel Šebor was invited to DemoCentre in Södertälje and for the first time in his life drove an actual real truck. His experience is recorded in the SCS blog.

A Scania truck in the simulation game Trucks & Trailers.

With the right vehicles, an uncompromising focus on driver behaviour and use of the computer-based Scania Driver Support system, fuel consumption can be reduced to very low levels. This is the assertion of the Scania Transport Laboratory, and it’s done the research to prove it.

“On our best trips between Sweden and the Netherlands, we have reached 18.2 litres/100 kilometres, a level that many say is impossible,” says Anders Gustavsson, Managing Director of the Scania Transport Laboratory.

Fuel economy and road safety 
Scania Transport Laboratory is a wholly owned Scania subsidiary that tests and evaluates vehicle properties and performance in commercial road haulage. It also trains and coaches its drivers in economical and safe driving techniques.

Today the company consists of 65 drivers, 20 tractor units and 75 semitrailers. The fleet includes competitors’ trucks as well, to provide relevant comparisons in real-life conditions.

The practical assignment of the Transport Laboratory is to be responsible for part of Scania’s European production flow by hauling freight and components between the production units in Södertälje in Sweden and Zwolle in the Netherlands.

“From the start in 2007 we wanted the Transport Lab to facilitate communications between Scania’s product development and the daily operations of a haulage company,” says Gustavsson.
“The dialogue works very well,” he says. “Virtually every week, our drivers are visited by employees of Scania’s research and development departments, who want to talk about concrete ideas and improvement opportunities.”

Lower engine revs
One result is that the Transport Laboratory now operates tractor units that are configured with a faster rear-axle gear ratio. This leads to lower engine revs at cruising speed, which can reduce fuel consumption by 3 to 10 percent.

Another result is a new rear air deflector known as a “boat-tail” spoiler, which is mounted at the back of the company’s semitrailers. The spoiler increases the length of the vehicle combination by 30 centimetres, which is equivalent to the extra length permitted by the EU. The results are very promising.

“The fuel savings are close to 4 percent,” Gustavsson says. “For our trucks, which run 360,000 kilometres per year and consume an average of 26 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, it represents an annual saving of nearly 4,000 litres of fuel per truck and lower CO2 emissions.”

Train and coach drivers
But the biggest improvements in terms of fuel consumption and vehicle wear and tear are still achieved by means of consistent efforts to train and coach drivers, combined with systems such as Scania Fleet Management and Scania Driver Support, Gustavsson says.

“These are the most important steps for us to achieve our target of fuel consumption averaging 22 litres per 100 kilometres.”

 7 tips for better operating economy

1. Consistent driver training.
   Repeat and reinforce driver training for real and lasting fuel savings. Find methods and processes for coaching drivers regularly, preferably in real-time using the tools in the Scania Fleet Management Portal.
2. Correct vehicle specification.
   Devote time to determining the correct vehicle specifications for your operations. A faster rear-axle gear ratio leads to lower engine revs at cruising speed and can lower fuel consumption by 3 to 10 percent. Correct specifications may also mean not to have too powerful an engine.
3. Scania Ecocruise.
   Make use of Scania Ecocruise. This is an intelligent cruise control system that can save up to 4 percent on fuel.
4. Scania Driver Support.
   Make use of Scania Driver Support. This computerised support system guides the driver in real time by providing tips and feedback.
5. Properly adjusted air deflectors.
   Ask your Scania workshop to help adjust air deflectors properly. An improperly adjusted deflector will increase fuel consumption.
6. Regular vehicle checks.
   Check the axle and wheel alignment regularly and adjust tyre pressure.
7. Regular trailer checks.
   Check axle alignment and brake settings regularly in order to avoid traction losses.

Source: Scania Transport Laboratory

About Scania Transport Laboratory

• Average annual mileage of 360,000 kilometres per vehicle
• 20 tractor units (4×2)
• 65 drivers
• 75 three-axle semitrailers
• 13 daily trips: Sweden – the Netherlands – Sweden
• Volume 100 m³/semitrailer, load factor 92 percent. Average gross weight of each rig is 37 tonnes en route to Zwolle and 32 tonnes returning.
• Most of this traffic goes via Denmark, with a driver change in Vordingborg.
• Average fuel consumption of 26 litres/100 kilometres (target: 22 litres/100 kilometres).

According to WHO’s official statistics, nearly 100,000 people in China were killed in traffic accidents during 2009. Millions of others were hurt, and many suffered injuries that will affect them for life. Although the annual fatality rate has declined in recent years, the figures are still very high, due in part to overloaded trucks and poorly trained professional drivers.

“The biggest problem is that the authorities have not regulated drivers’ working hours,” says Mats Harborn, executive director of the Scania China Strategy Office. “Many serious accidents here in China occur because drivers have fallen asleep behind the wheel.

“Chinese authorities are making major investments aimed at improving road safety,” he explains. “But infrastructure issues are handled by several different decision-making bodies and unfortunately there is too little coordination between them.”

Scania Driver Competitions promote road safety
In keeping with Scania’s concept, Scania China focuses on the impact of drivers on transport economy, the environment and road safety. One step that Scania China has taken to help improve road safety has been to lower the comfort temperature in Scania’s truck cabs. A slightly lower temperature in the cab reduces the risk that a driver will fall asleep at the wheel.

In October 2010, Scania carried out its first-ever driver competitions in China, which attracted great attention. The purpose was to boost the status of drivers and generate greater interest in road safety issues among Chinese authorities, the transport industry and the public.

The national final took place late in October 2010 in Hangzhou, about 180 kilometres south-west of Shanghai. Zhong Weiping, editor of Commercial Motor World, one of China’s leading automotive magazines, was impressed by Scania’s focus on drivers.

“Scania’s view that the driver is the master of his truck is both exciting and much-needed here in China,” he says. “No other organisation is working to increase the professional skills of drivers, and I hope that Scania’s driver competitions will be an inspiration for further efforts.”

4 trends in China’s transport sector:

1. The motorway network is expanding.
2. There are stricter inspections to prevent overloaded trucks.
3. Fuel economy is becoming more and more important.
4. Private transport companies are increasingly demanding premium vehicles.

Source: Zheng Jing Fang, owner, Huzhou Xinda International Logistics

 A caring future giant

With highly skilled drivers and Scania vehicles, Zheng Jing Fang intends to take a big step forward to become one of China’s logistics giants.

Zheng Jing Fang, owner, Huzhou Xinda International Logistics

Huzhou Xinda International Logistics, headquartered a few dozen kilometres west of Shanghai, will assume a leading position in China in the next few years if the company’s owner, Zheng Jing Fang, gets his way. With its own harbour in the middle of the Yangtze River delta and several strategically important motorways nearby, Huzhou Xinda is well situated for success.

“To achieve our goal, we must take such concepts as quality and efficiency to a completely new level for China,” Zheng says. “With imported premium vehicles and better driver conditions than the rest of the industry, we can recruit and retain the best drivers. Too few transport companies have realised that it pays to invest in drivers here in China.”

Like so many other private hauliers, Zheng started his business under simple conditions, by hauling asparagus in a Jiefang Liberation, a small domestic truck. As the economy grew, he expanded his fleet and his business into what it is today, with imported Scania tractor units.

He now plans to seriously challenge the biggest logistics companies in China, which includes plans for building many new logistics centres around the country.

“Companies that don’t keep up with developments will disappear,” Zheng says.

This is where drivers enter the picture. The success of a haulier is determined behind the wheel.

“Skilled drivers may soon be completely crucial to revenue, which in turn requires a completely different management style,” he continues. “If you want to retain highly skilled drivers, you can’t treat them the way they are often treated today.”

The YETD 2010 winner Andreas Söderström takes part in building his own prize - a brand new Scania R-series truck. Click on the image to read more about the truck being built.

To date, more than 100,000 truck drivers from all over the world have participated in Scania Driver Competitions, making it the world’s largest truck driver competition and training event. The fifth edition, planned for 2012, will be organised in more than 40 countries.

Fuel economy, road safety and maneuvering tests as well as knowledge about securing cargo are just a few of the things drivers will have to master to be successful at Scania Driver Competitions 2012.

“Scania Driver Competitions’ goal is to increase the interest in, and subsequently attract more people to, a profession that in recent years has become highly demanding,” says Erik Ljungberg, Senior Vice President, Corporate Relations, Scania.

By participating in the high-profile Scania Driver Competitions, drivers focus on enhancing their driving skills. Consequently, road safety increases and the environmental impact caused by hauling is reduced. This latter point will be crucial in the near future as transport volumes are likely to increase.

“Scania wants to be a part of the solution to increase road safety and decrease the transport industry’s environmental impact,” Ljungberg says. “Scania Driver Competitions focuses on the single most important factor to meet these challenges: the driver.”

According to the European Parliament study “Shortage of Qualified Personnel in Road Freight Transport”, skilled drivers will be in high demand over the next few years. In 2008, the shortage of drivers in Europe was estimated at 70,000. The study suggests a set of measures to address the shortage, such as improving the image of the sector and improving driver skills and qualifications.

The quest for the world’s best heavy truck driver begins in December this year when applicants from all over the world will be invited to register for the Scania Driver Competitions 2012.

The 2010 competition attracted more than 10,000 participants from throughout Europe. At the final, held in Södertälje, Mr Söderström beat national finalists from 13 other European countries.

Andreas Söderström was represented at the awards ceremony by his father Göran, since Andreas was awaiting the birth of his second child. Göran Söderström has a family-owned haulage company where Andreas works. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas and Scania President and CEO Leif Östling presented the award.

Praising Andreas’ achievement, Mr Östling noted that the birth of the child secures yet another successful generation of Söderströms.

See the YETD final online at http://www.scania.com/yetd/live

The savings potential is well documented. To assess vehicle performance in actual transport assignments, Scania maintains a small fleet of 20 trucks that it uses to distribute components between its various production units in Europe. “Even though all the drivers are equally well trained and have access to the same support systems, we can clearly see differences between drivers that can’t be explained,” Leif Östling said. “Some use 4-5 percent less fuel than others. With no training at all, that difference could be 20 percent.”

Scania offers its customers driver training and driver follow-up by coaches as services to optimise fuel consumption and cut CO2 emissions. The potential is vast and is welcomed by transport companies, since fuel is a major expense.

Combining several measures, Scania has shown in practice that consumption can drop below 20 litres per 100 kilometres for a 34-tonne truck and trailer combination. That corresponds to fuel consumption by four passenger cars. “We simply cannot wait for future technology; there is plenty we can accomplish here and now,” said Lars Stenqvist, Senior Vice President, Vehicle Definition. “There are many viable solutions that can influence the bulk of transport. But they require a long-term mindset change.”

More information about Scania driver training.

Our long-term sustainability vision gives us an edge,” says Machiel Roelofsen, Rotra Forwarding BV.

We aim to be most sustainable joint cargo forwarder in the Benelux, and that’s only possible with a long-term policy,” says Machiel Roelofsen of Koninklijke (“Royal”) Rotra Forwarding BV in Doesburg, Netherlands. “Our long-term sustainability vision gives us an edge.”

Founded in 1909, Rotra today is led by Roelofsen and his brother Harm. The family company is responsible for 350 trailers (including 100 of its own trucks) with joint cargo forwarding throughout Europe, and a complete range of logistics services – rail, air and sea cargo – to destinations all over the world. With nine warehouses in the Netherlands and Belgium, Rotra can provide fourth-party logistics (“4pl”) services to clients, letting them contract out their total supply chain to the company.

Rotra provides fourth party logistics for Gazelle bicycles, for example, a traditional Dutch brand. Machiel Roelofsen heads up Rotra with his brother Harm.”We use a Scania ethanol truck to distribute bicycles to 600 dealers,” he says.

At Rotra, sustainable business begins with education. The company’s 550 employees in the Netherlands and Belgium – drivers, warehouse personnel and managers – are regularly trained at the Rotra Academy. In order to reduce fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions, the drivers learn skills such as anticipatory driving and changing gear at low revs.

In 2004, Rotra cooperated with Scania to introduce a heavier and longer truck combination with a very favourable load/emission balance. The combination extended 25.25 metres, the maximum allowed on restricted routes in Europe.

A special think tank manned by four former directors in the logistics world develops green plans for Rotra. One of the group’s results is the first truck in Europe to be fuelled with ethanol, introduced in 2008 in cooperation with Scania. Roelofsen says, “We are now working with Scania on a truck engine which can run on ice-cold LNG (liquefied natural gas).”

Sustainability initiatives

• Multi-modal transport
• Ethanol trucks
• Long vehicles – 25.25 metres
• Solar panels on warehouses
• Slim road management system for more efficient routing
•  Driver training
• Fork-lift trucks on hydrogen gas
• Warehousing system
• Barge terminal for multi-modal transport

Rotra’s “green” wish list

• A dredged tributary of the IJssel river in Doesburg, so that Rotra can build a barge terminal
• A subsidy for the construction of solar panels on the roofs of the various Rotra warehouses
• Tax reduction on ethanol

About Rotra

Founded in 1909, Koninklijke (“Royal”) Rotra in Doesburg, Netherlands, is today led by Machiel Roelofsen and his brother Harm. The company offers a complete range of logistics services, including fourth-party logistics, for rail, air and sea cargo to destinations all over the world.

Environmental demands are creating tough challenges for the transport business, but sustainable solutions for the sector already exist. For example, technology that is available today can reduce CO2 emissions. Meet another two transport companies that successfully combine their efforts on the environment, growth and long-term profitability.

Scandinavian food transport logistics company Bring Frigo has established two green corridors as one way to fulfil the company’s goal of a 30 percent reduction in its carbon footprint by the year 2015. Read more about Bring Frigo.

South Africa’s largest city, Johannesburg, is constructing Rea Vaya, a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system to combat congestion and improve public transport. The initial results from the first phase are overwhelmingly positive. Read more about Rea Vaya.

The 26-year-old from Perth outperformed 11 other national finalists in the 2010 Scania Young Australian Truck Driving Competition, in a program testing on-road driving skills, manoeuvring skills, knowledge of road rules, driver attitude and ability to be an industry role model, at Flemington Racecourse on 20 November.

Rick Lockwood is Australia’s Best Young Truck Driver 2010.

The drivers, all under 40, were awarded for demonstrating superior knowledge, good judgement in traffic and fuel-efficient driving skills, with a focus on calm and safe driving over speed.

Winner Rock Lockwood scored 18,200 out of a possible 25,000 points and was presented with AUD 10,000 and a Castrol AUD 4,000 travel voucher.

Runner-up was Nick Hornby of Darwin, Northern Territory, and third Jarrad Jeffs of Melbourne, Victoria.

The 2010 Scania Young Australian Truck Driving Competition tested on-road driving skills, manoeuvring skills, knowledge of road rules, driver attitude and ability to be an industry role model.

Scania Australia Managing Director Roger McCarthy said Lockwood proved he had the right skills and attitude to be named Australia’s Best Young Truck Driver.

“Lockwood is an all-rounder with exceptional knowledge of what it takes to be a professional driver and is someone who can be an ambassador for young people in our industry by sharing his dedication and professional approach to his work,” Mr McCarthy said.

Lockwood who first began driving in 2000 said: “It is quite unbelievable. It is very special to receive recognition in an industry which does not give it to very many people.

“I hope I can use my position to help educate young people especially 16 and 17 year olds about trucks and how to behave around them and support them to be recruited into the industry”.
Lockwood, who turns 27 next month, first began driving in Tamworth, New South Wales, moving race horses with his father from Sydney to Port Macquarie.

“I would not be here today if it was not for Jim Pearson Transport who gave me my first break; especially Paul Jones and Jim Pearson Junior.

“Now I’m looking forward to starting my own business one day, but for the short term it is back to Perth and heading to Port Hedland next week”.

Lockwood said he may use some of the prize money to visit his wife Amy’s homeland, Ireland. “But first it is to absorb what I have achieved”.

First held in Australia in 2007, the Scania Young Australian Truck Driving is affiliated with the worldwide Scania Driver competition, which has been taking place in 28 countries throughout 2010 and is expected to attract around 45,000 entrants, making it the largest of its kind. More than 400 entered the Australian competition.

The 2010 Scania Young Australian Truck Driving Competition took place at Flemington Racecourse on 20 November.

“The competition plays an important part in highlighting best driving practises which will translate to safer driving and improved road safety conditions for all road users,” Mr McCarthy said.

“These continue as challenging times for the Australian transport industry. There is uncertainty in the market, a changing political environment, potential for rising fuel costs, increasingly congested driving conditions and ongoing environmental concerns.

“That is why the Scania YATD 2010 competition is firmly focused on promoting road safety at the highest level and economical driving.”

At its heart, a Scania driver competition is a training event. Competitors learn the best ways to increase fuel efficiency and reduce heavy vehicles’ impact on the environment. The events also build awareness about road safety.

To day, more than 100,000 truck drivers have taken part in Scania’s Driver Competitions. These training events – developed in line with the EU Directive on Drivers’ Training (2003/59), which deals with “the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers” – are a direct result of the company’s view that the driver is the single most important factor for efficiency, environmental performance and safety in the trucking industry.

In 2003, more than 6,000 drivers in 15 European countries participated in Scania’s instructional competitions. Two years later, all European Union member states as well as Norway, Switzerland and Turkey held such events, putting more than 13,000 drivers to the test. Outside of Europe, the competition attracted some 14,000 competitors. In 2007 the competition turned into a truly global event covering 40 countries with more than 43,000 trainees.

The 2010 Scania Driver Competitions are being held in 25 countries around the globe, and more than 40,000 drivers have entered the competitions so far.

For more information, go to:

• Scania Driver Training
• Scania Driver Competitions

Hauliers have to keep down rising fuel costs at the same time that they maximise efficiency and maintain safety. Driving style is crucial in achieving this, accounting for as much as 40 percent of a haulier’s costs. Well-trained drivers can help the company save large sums by using a gentler, safer driving style while also reducing the vehicle’s environmental impact.

Scania Driver Support is a useful support to drivers who are trying to achieve a more economical driving style. The system continuously analyses data from various sensors on the vehicle to monitor the driver’s performance.

“Scania Driver Support encourages all drivers to improve their driving,” says Claes Åkerlund, the man in charge of Scania’s global driver training. “The best results are achieved if use of the system is combined with thorough driver training. Then drivers will more easily embrace the advice they get and will find it easier to maintain their improved driving style.”

During a road trip, Scania Driver Support serves as a computerised personal coach that evaluates events along the road and provides suggestions for improvements in the following areas: hill-driving, brake usage, anticipation, and choice of gears.

After each trip, Scania Driver Support can provide a summary of a driver’s techniques as well as advice on training needs.

On display. The Scania Driver Support system analyses the performance of the driver and suggests how to further improve driving.

A challenge. Field test driver Lars Åström says he works to get the highest possible rating from Scania Driver Support system.

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Visit the new Scania R-series website
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