Driver training that optimises fleet performance

In the transport world, success on the road – from safety to productivity – begins with the people operating the vehicles. At UD Trucks Southern Africa (UDTSA), driver development is a core component of the brand’s value offering.

Starting from vehicle handover, structured training and real-time coaching are central to long-term fleet performance. UDTSA’s philosophy is simple: give drivers the knowledge, tools and confidence they need to unlock the full capability of their vehicles. “During handover, we focus on the fundamentals that set drivers up for safe and efficient operation from day one,” explains aftermarket director Sanjay Naipal. That includes everything from safe cab-entry and -exit to interpreting gauges, operating controls correctly, conducting daily inspections, safely coupling or disconnecting trailers and safely operating and driving the vehicle. Drivers are also guided on how to access the UD Owner’s Manual on their smartphones, ensuring critical information is always accessible on the road.

Driver behaviour is key

Driver behaviour is one of the biggest determinants of fuel consumption. Smooth acceleration and braking, maintaining steady speeds, reducing idling, shifting optimally, anticipating traffic conditions and caring for the vehicle all directly affect fuel burn. “Harsh inputs waste fuel and strain the vehicle. We help drivers understand how small behavioural shifts add up across a fleet,” says Naipal.

Understanding is just step one, though. UDTSA has designed its trucks and its training programmes to ensure those good habits remain consistent long after the initial handover. ESCOT, the brand’s automated manual transmission, automatically selects the optimal gear based on speed, load and conditions. This reduces driver error and helps keep the engine operating in its most economical range.

Drivers also benefit from UD’s Eco Coaching solutions, which provide real-time feedback on acceleration, braking and idling. “The combination of coaching and smart truck technology ensures that fuel-efficient behaviours aren’t just taught once, but are reinforced daily,” Naipal notes. With support from telematics through UD Connected Services, fleet managers can track fuel trends, route efficiency and driver scorecards, creating a continuous improvement loop. When applied consistently, fleets typically see fuel savings of 5 to 15%.

Safer driving, safer fleets, safer roads

Beyond efficiency, UDTSA’s training programmes make a marked impact on road safety – both for drivers and the communities they travel through. Defensive driving, hazard anticipation, risk awareness and vehicle-handling skills form part of every training intervention. “Our programmes reduce risky behaviours and reinforce the shared responsibility that every road user carries,” Naipal says.

The results speak for themselves: fewer accidents, lower insurance claims, improved compliance with road laws and even reduced driver fatigue thanks to smoother driving styles.

Smart ways to reduce vehicle wear

Trained drivers use less fuel, but they also treat the vehicle with mechanical sympathy, extending the lifespan of high-value components. Graduated pedal inputs reduce stress on engine internals and correct gear usage prevents over-revving or lugging, while reduced idling allows engines to reach optimal operating temperature. In the drivetrain, proper clutch usage, smooth load handling and respecting axle weight limits all contribute to reduced wear.

Tyre and brake life also improve markedly when aggressive manoeuvres are eliminated and correct tyre pressures are maintained. “With proper training, tyres wear more evenly, engines run cleaner and drivetrains remain intact for longer,” explains Naipal. This results in lower maintenance costs and greater uptime across the fleet.

Data-driven improvements

Telematics monitoring, fuel reports and My UD Fleet dashboards allow managers to measure progress with precision. Customers typically report reduced downtime, improved delivery turnaround times and noticeable sustainability gains thanks to lower emissions.

The impact isn’t theoretical: Naipal shares one recent success story from driver training conducted in Malawi by UDTSA driver trainer Samuel Mabasa. Before training, many drivers lacked knowledge on vehicle inspections and confidence in using cruise control. Instead, they were relying heavily on manual mode, particularly on downhills – an unsafe practice that strains the vehicle. After training, Mabasa reported dramatic improvements in inspection skills, braking techniques, automated manual transmission (AMT) operation and cruise-control use. One of the drivers summed up the difference: “After training, there’s changes most of the time when driving. The scores are good.”

Thabo Sekabate of Sungu Sungu Projects concurs: “UD Connected Services plays a vital role in driver and vehicle monitoring, providing precise, electronic control unit (ECU)-derived fuel consumption data and driver behaviour insights. This enables us to identify improvement areas, optimise operational costs and analyse key fuel usage segments such as drive mode, idle time, PTO consumption and top gear usage.” Sekabate adds that comprehensive driver performance metrics enable the company to proactively address behaviour, enhance fleet safety and maximise vehicle uptime.

From handover to long-term fleet optimisation, UDTSA’s investment in driver capability ensures safer, more efficient and more sustainable transport: one driver, one truck and one journey at a time.