Dachser will train its drivers to reduce environmental impact

An environmentally friendly driving style can reduce CO2 emissions by around 14%

As transportation logistics moves towards a net zero emissions policy, emission-free vehicles such as battery electric trucks and hydrogen fuel cell trucks play a crucial role. However, reductions in CO2 emissions for the diesel trucks in use today can also be achieved, for example, by adopting an appropriate driving style. To this end, Dachser piloted a training program at three of its locations in the summer and fall of 2022, with 54 professional and trainee truck drivers working directly at the company.

In a first phase, Dachser evaluated telematics data from daily operations to provide a baseline for comparisons and changes. Over a period of four weeks, the specially trained fleet manager and another driver instructor from the delegation accompanied the drivers on their regular tours and trained them in more efficient and environmentally friendly driving. . The tours were analyzed to reveal potential for improvement, such as better use of technology. Overall, professional drivers in the pilot delegations reduced their CO2 emissions by an average of 14%. By doing the calculation for each individual truck, it is possible to save 9.5 tons of CO2 per year over a driving distance of 120,000 kilometres.

“In this journey of striving to achieve our climate targets, we cannot underestimate the role played by the professional truckers who work for Dachser, either directly or on behalf of our service partners,” says Hendrik Jansen, Managing Director of Dachser Service und Ausbildungs GmbH.
“Nothing works without them. And by driving in an environmentally friendly way, they can make a significant contribution to reducing emissions on the road.”

In a first phase, Dachser intends to train the 250 professional drivers, as well as trainee drivers, which it employs directly. And it is that only a minority of the drivers who work for Dachser are hired directly by the logistics provider; the remaining positions are filled by independent transport companies. Dachser plans to offer training to these subcontracted drivers in a future phase.

Positive feedback from drivers

“The drivers, some of whom have been driving professionally for many years, include what they have learned into their driving style,” explains Roland Zitzmann from Dachser Service und Ausbildungs ​​GmbH, who has been present on all the tours of the three delegations. pilot. “Feedback on the training program has been positive across the board.”

As part of its climate strategy, Dachser is harnessing process and energy efficiency, as well as research and innovation, to make supply chains sustainable. To this is added the social commitment that extends beyond the limits of the company and its main business. Dachser is taking several specific actions, including building a modern fleet of vehicles with the latest generation of diesel engines and testing alternative fuels and propulsion systems, as well as adopting a driving style that achieves respect for the environment through through energy efficiency. The training will also contribute to saving fuel, which is even more important in light of the current situation and the evolution of fuel prices. “We're doing everything we can to make the most of the potential for improvement for everyone,” says Jansen.