Driver training: vital Scania service for operators

Drivers will always be important for the transport industry’s profitability and quest toward sustainability. Accordingly, driver training remains vital for any transport operator.

Many astute transport companies are turning to Scania for driver training. After all, it can lower fuel bills, reduce accidents and even reduce CO₂ emissions.

According to Scania’s driver training and demo vehicle manager, Johan Foley, even the most experienced driver still has room to improve his or her driving behaviour, thereby saving fuel and reducing emissions.

“After the initial training, all drivers improve. But over time many of them return to old habits. That’s why regular coaching is so important,” he explains.

Foley says there has been a sharp increase in demand for driver training and coaching services from South African transport operators. “Driver training is in great demand.  One must realise that technology changes all the time and drivers are required to receive training to grow with those changes. New drivers also enter the system and continuous training and development is required. Covid had a negative impact on training as social distancing had to be maintained. But pre-Covid, we were training at least 90+ drivers per month. Training was scheduled daily using three trainers at various customers and sites,” he says.

This is a far cry from what used to happen in South Africa. “For many years, the transport industry didn’t focus sufficiently on drivers. Luckily, this has changed over the years and operators have now realised that the driver is an integral part of the transport company, its profitability and success,” says Foley.

And, coupled with this change in approach, transport operators are reaping massive dividends. “First and foremost is the fuel saving. The figures for Scania customers are between 4 and 16% fuel savings, which is substantial given the fact that a truck can do 100 000 km a year.”

Ultimately, driver training contributes to profitability and promotes safety. “Today’s organisations are focused on profitability. The training programme supports the correct driving methods that will reduce fuel consumption, maintenance and tyre costs and ensure the increased availability of vehicles. These are all major contributors to increased profitability,” he explains.

Of course, safety is just as important as profitability. “This aspect of driver training is vitally important. We teach drivers all about safety-related aspects such as the effective usage of brakes and retarders.”

In addition to providing training, Foley and his team also coach truck drivers. “The driver coaching can be seen as an ‘after-training support tool’. We offer the C300 system, which assists in monitoring the driver’s performance. Once any irregularity is identified with the driver’s driving technique, it can be addressed timeously. The benefit of this coaching is that the driver can be contacted via cellphone and the trainer does not have to see the driver face to face. Training to rectify any problems can also be done via the phone. Of course, if the problem is more serious, personal training can be arranged,” he says.

While transport operators are generally delighted with the outcome of the training and coaching, so too are their customers. “The skills of the driver are very important when it comes to maintaining the quality and level of service to the customer. Competent drivers mean that a load will be delivered safely and on time – which always delights the customers of transport operators,” he adds.

So, there you have it. Driver training results in safer roads, larger profits for transport operators, less damage to the environment and happier customers. It’s hard to find a more positive scenario …