Training and Educating Truck Drivers Increases Performance

April 21, 2023
Commercial Truck Tires ,

When it comes to Training and educating truck drivers, continuing education is crucial to keeping up with new regulations and requirements in the field. CDL drivers have to renew their licenses every few years, but there is currently no mandatory continuing education in the trucking industry. However, a driver’s skill in operating a commercial vehicle directly affects a company’s bottom line. Properly trained and educated drivers in driving techniques and daily truck maintenance will get better performance out of their vehicles, ultimately saving money for the company.

How a Truck Driver Influences Fuel Efficiency

Training and educating truck drivers can significantly impact the overall efficiency of a fleet. While preventative maintenance is essential, it won’t be worth much if the truck is driven inefficiently. Drivers control many factors that impact fuel economy, including route, idle time, vehicle speed, and brake use. Properly trained drivers who maintain a consistent speed and operate the truck with best practices can increase fuel efficiency and reduce the need for repairs over the lifetime of the truck.

Education Increases Awareness

Making sure drivers understand best practices optimizes their awareness of how they drive and how it impacts fuel efficiency and vehicle maintenance. One study found that simulator training increased fuel efficiency by 2.8% over six months. Other research supports classroom training that showed a 27% decrease in fuel consumption after just six weeks of training. Drivers who understand best practices and are trained demonstrate better habits to get better fuel efficiency.

Training Emphasizes the “Why”

Drivers need good skills to operate semi-trucks, but it’s also important to understand why a truck needs to be operated in a certain way. Training sets the stage to teach skills and knowledge. In commercial vehicles, fuel economy decreases at speeds over 55 mph. Although travel times increase at lower speeds, fuel efficiency may be the more important aspect of the equation. Tire pressure directly impacts fuel efficiency. Learning why the air pressure should be checked each day gives drivers reasons to take that time. These types of lessons can’t always be learned in the cab while driving. Training drivers about the ‘why’ behind company’s policies incentivizes them to perform each requirement.

Refresher Courses Help Drivers Increase Safety

Training and educating truck drivers is crucial for their safety and performance on the road. Without reminders, drivers can become complacent about safety procedures. To reinforce safe driving habits, modern technology such as simulators, AI, and online training can be utilized. Requiring annual training serves as a reminder for drivers of all experience levels. When combined with a driver management program, this training offers drivers a way to assess their performance and identify areas for improvement.

STTC Supports Drivers By Keeping Tires at Their Best

When it comes to optimizing fuel efficiency in a fleet, Training and educating truck drivers is essential. However, fleet managers must also provide drivers with incentives to encourage them to improve their driving habits. By doing so, drivers can significantly increase fuel efficiency and reduce operating costs for the company. STTC offers a mobile tire service to make repairs quickly on the road which gets drivers back to their schedule more effectively.