Truck specification for best operational efficiency

Abstract:

<p>This document is a guide on 'Truck specification for best operational efficiency' under 'Freight Best Practice' written by the Department for Transport.</p> <p>The capital cost of a vehicle may account for less than 50% of its whole-life cost when fuel, maintenance and other operating expenses are taken into account. Fuel can represent up to 30% of your operational costs. Clearly this is a significant amount and any reduction in fuel costs or improvements in operational efficiency can improve the 'bottom line' of your business.</p> <p>Spending time in developing an accurate and appropriate vehicle specification will help you do this. Ensuring vehicles are closely matched to the tasks they are expected to perform will improve both fuel and overall operational efficiency. This can lead to cost savings, increased profitability and reduced environmental impact.</p> <p>On the other hand, inaccurate and inappropriate vehicle specification can result in purchasing a vehicle that is unsuitable for the task it will be required to carry out. Although such vehicles may be slightly cheaper in terms of initial investment, it may become significantly more expensive to operate when fuel consumption and maintenance costs are taken into account in the long term. Poor vehicle specification, in some cases, may even lead to breaches of the law and possible legal action.</p> <p>Who Should Use this Guide? Everyone who is responsible for acquiring goods vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle weight (GVW). This could be fleet managers, owner drivers and operational managers. It will equip you with the information you need to ensure the most beneficial long term outcome when acquiring commercial vehicles.</p> <p>This publication provides independent and authoritative guidance on vehicle specification. It will show you just how easy it is to produce a fit-for-purpose specification and will take you through the key stages of vehicle specification. Sections 2-4 cover the basics of vehicle specification, while Sections 6-7 contain more detailed information. </p> This guide is divided into the following sections: <ol> <li>Introduction</li> <li>Identify Freight Movement Requirements</li> <li>Types of Trucks Available</li> <li>Ensuring the Truck is Fit for Purpose</li> <li>Detailed Specification: Core Components</li> <li>Detailed Specification: Additional Features</li> <li>Maximising Efficiency</li> </ol> <ul> <li>Appendix 1 - Typical Whole Life Costs for Standard Commercial Vehicles</li> <li>Appendix 2 - Exhaust Emission Limits Specified by European Legislation</li> <li>Appendix 3 - Maximum Vehicle Weights - Standard Terminology</li> <li>Appendix 4 - Legal Constraints and Requirements</li> </ul>

Author(s):

DfT