Policy

Define your organizational commitments:

Review all existing policies related to vehicle and fleet operations, including by-laws, standard operating procedures, procurement policies, as well as maintenance and safety protocols.  Create and update policies to reflect best practices with regards to safety and fuel efficiency.  For example, modify your fleets’ daily vehicle safety checklist to minimize idling time; in winter, scrape windows and remove snow and ice from the vents at the base of the windshield prior to engine start-up to minimize idling and prevent fogging-up while defrosting.

Perhaps your community has an idling policy within a noise by-law, make it an official anti-idling policy that links fuel consumption, climate change, and harmful emissions concerns, in addition to noise reduction.

Declare your organization’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint by participating in fuel efficiency programs and community challenge events.  Design a green procurement policy that specifies your organization’s preference for fuel efficient vehicles, equipment, and green energy.  Demonstrate your receptiveness to emerging technologies.

Collaboration

Open communication & incentives:

Open communication between fleet managers, operators and support personnel, along with rewards and incentives for efficiency will encourage buy-in from fleet groups and staff.  Incentive programs from government and community partners will also get things rolling much sooner, farther, and smoother.

At fleet-level, accurate vehicle tracking and monitoring will help to identify where fuel is being wasted and guide you toward effective efficiency solutions.  Operator compliance and honesty is essential for accurate tracking and data collection, as well as implementation of fleet action plans to optimize efficiency.  A fleet action plan is designed to reduce fuel consumption, harmful emissions and business costs; thus fleet top performers deserve to be acknowledged for their accomplishments.

Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) offers Fuel Management 101 workshops for fleet managers, supervisors, and technicians.  The full-day session is an excellent opportunity to discuss fleet efficiency strategies and to develop an action plan to reduce fuel consumption, emissions, and costs.

Awareness

Consultation & training:

Foster lasting change; seek efficiency training and consultations for fleet managers and operators. Sponsor events like a Clean Air Challenge, promote idling reduction and competitions for fleet efficiency.

Fleetwiser offers presentations and education materials to all levels of fleet personnel.  Information and consultations are available for fleet management, operations, procurement, and tracking.  Vehicle operators will learn more about engine idling, preventive maintenance, and Smart Driving tips.  Workshops and training sessions can be customized to your fleet scenario and working schedules. Fleetwiser is certified to deliver NRCan Smart Driver training and DriveWiser training.

Management

Best practices:

Best management practices include vehicle and fuel tracking, fleet utilization management and right-sizing, telecommuting and route planning.

Go to Fleet Tool Kit: For Fleet Managers for full details.

Technology

Upgrade equipment, fuel, and vehicles:

Technological improvements such as vehicle upgrades, alternative fuels, electronic engines and transmissions, auxiliary cab heaters, power units, battery packs and remote shutdown devices each trim fuel costs and lower emissions.

For more information on technology solutions, check out the Fleet Tool Kit.