1. Raise the seat to a comfortable position. To sit correctly, you should have an upright seating position.

2. Tip the seat forward. This increases the chance of an upright position.

3.Tilt the backrest backward so that the hip angle is at 100 to 110 degrees. This means that the centre of gravity of the body is closer to the spine, which relieves the load on the discs and spinal joints and reduces the load on the hip joints.

4. Set the lumbar support so that it follows the shape of your back.

5. Adjust the seat to a fist’s width away from the back of your knees.

6. Move the entire seat to a position where you can press down the pedals fully without straining.

7. With the adjustable steering column position, adjust the steering wheel so it’s as close as possible to your body. This reduces the forward torsion on your body, relieving the load on your back and neck.

Be sure to register for Scania Driver Competition 2012

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).

Scania Fuel Efficiency Duel drivers Hanna Fange and Peter Röder in Vordingborg, Denmark.

Show Scania fuel duel 2011 on a map.

Scania Fleet Management reports on several parameters. The table below includes a list of some of the most relevant criteria including average fuel consumption (AFC), Scania Driver Support percentage (SDS), location, distance and average speed. The target values for AFC and SDS are 26.0 l/100 km and 85 %, respectively.

Note: Updated values reflect accumulating trip averages.

Read more about the drivers.

Day 2, 27 May 2011

Time	Hanna Fange	Peter Röder
12:18 (finish)	22.7 l/100 km 97 % Södertälje, Sweden 677 km 78.0 km/h	22.4 l/100 km 79 % Södertälje, Sweden 678 km 77.3 km/h
12:00	22.7 l/100 km 97 % Järna, Sweden 665 km 79.5 km/h	22.3 l/100 km 81 % Järna, Sweden 668 km 79.0 km/h
11:00	23.0 l/100 km 96 % Jönåker, Sweden 583 km 79.1 km/h	22.4 l/100 km 81 % Jönåker, Sweden 585 km 78.4 km/h
10:00	23.4 l/100 km 94 % Linköping, Sweden 503 km 78.7 km/h	22.5 l/100 km 79 % Linköping, Sweden 504 km 77.8 km/h
09:00	24.6 l/100 km 93 % Gränna, Sweden 420 km 78.0 km/h	23.5 l/100 km 78 % Gränna, Sweden 421 km 76.9 km/h
08:00	25.2 l/100 km 91 % Skillingaryd, Sweden 339 km 77.2 km/h	23.4 l/100 km 76 % Skillingaryd, Sweden 339 km 75.7 km/h
07:00	25.0 l/100 km 91 % Klevshult, Sweden 333 km 77.7 km/h	23.3 l/100 km 76 % Klevshult, Sweden 333 km 76.2 km/h
06:00	25.5 l/100 km 91 % Hamneda, Sweden 264 km 77.3 km/h	23.6 l/100 km 76 % Hamneda, Sweden 263 km 75.6 km/h
05:00	26.0 l/100 km 85 % Östra Ljungby, Sweden 182 km 75.2 km/h	24.4 l/100 km 72 % Östra Ljungby, Sweden 181 km 73.0 km/h
04:00	24.6 l/100 km 77 % Helsingør, Denmark 136 km 76.4 km/h	23.1 l/100 km 65 % Helsingør, Denmark 136 km 74.4 km/h
03:00	24.4 l/100 km 100 % Greve Strand, Denmark 79 km 79.3 km/h	23.3 l/100 km 70 % Greve Strand, Denmark 78 km 75.8 km/h
02:00 (start)	- l/100 km - % Vordingborg, Denmark 0 km - km/h	- l/100 km - % Vordingborg, Denmark 0 km - km/h

Follow the duel here!

Name:		Hanna Fange		Peter Röder
Age:		31		49
Nationality:		Swedish		German
Employer:		Scania Transport Laboratory, Södertälje, Sweden		TSL GmbH, Groß-Umstadt, Germany
Years in the profession:		4		29
Best quality as a truck driver:		“I am attentive and have good anticipatory skills. I always think ‘traffic’ and ‘flow’ even when I am walking.”		“I am a very relaxed driver, I always treat the truck with care and respect and I am very reliable.”
Favourite Scania model:		“Driving the customised Scania Blue Shark V8 was fantastic.”		Scania R 500 V8
Mileage per year (kilometres):		100,000		160,000
Favourite truck stop:		Cloppenburg in northern Germany		Schwarmstedt, Germany
What I like about driving as a profession:		“I have always wanted to be a truck driver, so it’s difficult to say what I like the best. I like driving far distances and being ‘King of the Road’ in a big machine. Also, I learn new things and tricks all the time, thanks to great colleagues.”		“The freedom and that I can be somewhat independent.”
Hobbies:		Reading, listening to music, spending time with my girlfriend		Working in the garden

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.”

The final round of the world’s largest truck driver competition and training event is getting closer. On 8-9 October, 18 young drivers from all over Europe will compete for the first prize, a Scania R-series truck.

Manoeuvring a distribution truck
During the competition, the finalists will have to show their mastery of two different truck models. On the competition’s first day, they must be able to manoeuvre a Scania P 230 DB4×2MNB distribution truck, equipped with the new Scania Opticruise automatic gear-changing system, as close to a loading ramp as possible. The length of the truck is approximately 9.5 metres, and the total weight is 10 tonnes.

Fuel-efficient driving
On the competition’s second day, Scania R 480 LA4×2 Highline trucks will be used for the fuel-efficient driving and manoeuvring parts of the competition. These trucks will be equipped with Scania Driver Support , Scania Opticruise and other driver support systems such as lane departure warning (LDW) and adaptive cruise control (ACC). For the fuel-efficient driving part of the competition, the total weight of the truck and trailer will be 40 tonnes, whereas the trailer will be empty during the manoeuvring parts.

Supporting road safety
Scania Driver Support is a real-time support system that coaches the driver with hints and feedback. This innovation helps the driver maintain the skills obtained during driver training, focusing on key factors that heavily influence safety and fuel-economy.

Truck of the year
The Scania R 480  is part of the new Scania R-series range, which was awarded Truck of the Year 2010.

Family happiness. Belgian winner Lionnel Collette with family.

This weekend’s competition venue in the Netherlands was the well-renowned Truck Star Festival in Assen. The festival celebrated its 30th anniversary this year, and the weather, the crowd and all the exhibits did their part in making it a fantastic weekend. All the main manufacturers were there, along with more than 2,000 truckers exhibiting their artwork. Scania brought two magnificent R 730s to capture visitors’ attention.

Several competitions were held during the weekend, among them the Young European Truck Driver finals for Belgium and the Netherlands. All contestants went through trials in precision manoeuvring, theory and load securing.

Security matters. Belgian contestant receiving his load securing scores from sergeant Filippo.

First up were the Belgian contestants, all of whom tried their best to manoeuvre, secure and keep calm in four different tests. When asked about the secret of success, several drivers answered, “There is no secret, you just need to stay calm and focused.” Nevertheless, the main judge grew a bit worried halfway through, saying that “several of them are driving a little too fast. They need to be calmer.”

At the end of the first day, a dazzled, happy and proud Lionnel Collette stood at the top of the podium.

Focusing pays. Dutch winner Dave Roovert highly concentrated.

During the second day, Dutch contestants stepped up to the challenge. The audience included several Belgian contestants looking to figure out what they could have done differently – and one with a very relaxed smile. The contest was a close one, in which drivers with previous YETD experience battled hard against young and hungry newcomers. Finally, Dave Roovert managed to secure first place and take the honour of representing the Netherlands in the YETD final in Södertälje.

It remains to be seen how these two do against the other finalists in Sweden, and who will go home with a brand new Scania R-series truck in October.

The winner Patrick "Schilli" Schildmann from Grevenbroich

Scania Deutschland broke new ground this year with a major partner for its national YETD competition. Germany’s main automobile club, ADAC – Europe’s biggest, with 17 million members – cooperated with Scania to arrange the contest, raising the number of applicants to more than 3,000.

“The ADAC involvement helped to raise awareness of the competition and to increase the understanding among car drivers of the job of truck drivers,” Thomas Bertilsson, MD of Scania Deutschland says.

Crowded on and off the track

And Christoph Walter, Head of Safe Driver Training at ADAC, is equally enthusiastic about the cooperation:
“We feel very comfortable with Scania; we have the same way of thinking. I´d say we are both characterised by competence, experience, willingness to innovate and dynamism.” The regional finals took place in ADAC’s training centres throughout Germany. Three drivers from each heat qualified to the national finals at the legendary Nürburgring race track, in connection to the 25th International Truck Grand Prix.

With the ADAC cooperation this year, the German competition had no age restrictions – although it was still integrated into Scania´s international Young European Truck Driver. Of the top ten drivers in the finals, eight were above the YETD age limit of 35 years, evidence that experience pays off when it comes to safe driving. But the winner, Patrick “Schilli” Schildmann, showed maturity well above his age of 27.

“It was a very hard competition. All the moments in the finals were extremely difficult. I knew I was driving well, but in the end I could hardly believe I had won it,” he says, with his hands full of winner cups, travel checks for the U.S. and a ticket to the European finals in Södertälje, Sweden in October.

Proceed to gate. Gabriel Warde, winner of the Irish YETD competition, is on course for the European final in Södertälje.

The Irish final in Scania’s Young European Truck Driver recently took place over two weekends. Driver Gabriel Warde, with a near flawless performance, was named the winner by an independent jury from the Irish Road Safety Association.

The Irish national final of the Young European Truck Driver was held in early summer at the Scania distributor Westwards’ facilities in Strokestown, in County Roscommon. Spectators were treated to both a thrilling competition, a close-up look at the new Scania V8 trucks, and the trailer from the Irish Road Safety Association with its simulator.

A champion in action. Gabriel Warde, winner of the Irish YETD 2010, in discussion with a member of the jury.

The final was held over two weekends, 26–27 June and 3–4 July. At the first weekend, 30 drivers performed the fuel economy driving and fault detection parts of the competition; from there, 14 drivers made it to the contest finale the following weekend, which tested their skills in manoeuvring the vehicles.

The competitors were coached by the YETD 2007 winner Tom Sharkey who drove the track. The competition’s jury comprised representatives from the Irish Road Safety Association.

The final contest was extremely tight, with the drivers making few mistakes. Gabriel Warde won the day with near-flawless driving. He’ll be representing Ireland in the European final on 9 October in Södertälje, Sweden.

The majority of the competitors found the “reverse the garage” manoeuvre very tricky, and their best advice to future contestants was to practice.

Winner Warde says he normally drives a truck from another manufacturer. Looking forward to the European final in Södertälje, he says he plans to “contact Scania to test a vehicle” and “practise a lot”.

1^st: Gabriel Warde
2^nd: Eric Kelly
3^rd: Robert Baker

On display. New Scania vehicles, mainly V8 trucks, were on exhibit during the opening day of the Irish YETD at Westwards, in Strokestown, Ireland.

Independent. The Irish Road Safety Association acted as an impartial competition jury for the Irish YETD competition.

Precision driving. The drivers showed excellence during the final’s manoeuvring tests.

Fuel efficient driving – one of many things a skilled driver has to master.

During the recent Dutch semi-final, one of the drivers who recently got his driving license scored an extraordinary 99 percent on the Scania Driver Support part of the Young European Truck Driver Competition.

Robert van der Linden, born 1986, who just recently got his driving license, scored an amazing 99 percent in the part of the YETD competition involving Scania Driver Support, a system that coaches the driver to save fuel and use the truck’s capabilities optimally. Apparently van der Linden made almost perfect use use of the truck’s rolling weight, the new Scania Opticruise as well of the Scania Retarder.

The reason for him scoring that high, despite his youth, could well be the fact that in order to obtain a Dutch driving licence, you nowadays have to drive according to something called ‘Het Nieuwe Rijden’ (‘The new driving rules’) which includes anticipating and fuel efficient driving.

A strong performance – the new Scania R 730 exhibited during on of the Dutch semi-finals.

It’s poised to be a nail-biting national final on 25 July in Assen during the Truckstar Festival.

As close as it gets – the semi-finals are tough events for the many excellent truck drivers participating.