Driver Behavior and Cost Savings
A Logistics and Transport company in Kenya with more than 20 years experience in the logistics industry working with some of the UK’s leading manufacturing companies had issues with maintenance and servicing costs.
Overall benefits:
With a combination to improve driver’s behavior, the customer was able to reduce their fuel consumption as follows:
- Before: 2.3km/L
- After: 2.8 km/L
Challenges
1
Frequent sudden stops and rapid acceleration wear out brake pads, tires, and engine components faster.
2
Excessive Idling: Keeping the engine running unnecessarily.
3
Overloading: Carrying excessive weight beyond vehicle capacity accelerates suspension, brake, and tire wear
4
Speeding excessively and freewheeling
Solutions Implemented
1
Harsh Braking & Acceleration Alerts
2
Speeding Notifications – Monitor speed violations to reduce engine strain
3
Excessive Idling Alerts – Identify prolonged engine idling to minimize fuel wastage and carbon buildup.
4
Over Revving and Freewheeling monitoring
5
Maintenance Reminders – Automate service schedules based on mileage and engine diagnostics.
6
Driver Scorecards
Results
1
Savings
Savings on brake drums, brake discs, and suspension parts and reduced tyre damage.
2
Insurance Costs
The G-force activities set lowered insurance premium cost by 20%.
3
Reduced Fuel Consumption
Improved driver's behavior helped the customer to reduce their fuel consumption from 2.3km/L to 2.8 km/L
4
Recommendations
Recommended acceleration or deceleration for best cost saving is 5 - 6 km/hr/s
Reducing harsh braking severity from 8 km/h/s to 5 km/h/s significantly improved brake component lifespan across the fleet. Prime mover front brake linings now last up to 260,000 km (up from 200,000 km), while rear brake linings increased from 180,000 km to 240,000 km. Trailer brake lining lifespan also doubled—from 60,000 km to 120,000 km. Beyond brake pad longevity, this reduction in harsh braking encourages more careful driving, especially over bumps where drivers might previously have neglected braking. As a result, the fleet has seen noticeable savings on brake drums, brake discs, suspension components, and a marked reduction in tyre damage.
