Join us in this insightful interview as Vivek Juneja, the Founder & MD of Varuna Group, shares his expertise on improving fuel efficiency through monitored driving habits in the logistics industry.
As the logistics industry continues to grow, so does its impact on the environment. In this interview, Vivek Juneja, the Founder and Managing Director of Varuna Group, shares insights on how his company promotes sustainable logistics by adopting green practices, and how monitoring driving habits can lead to better fuel efficiency and reduced carbon emissions.
In this discussion, Juneja highlights the importance of changing driving practices in the logistics industry to reduce fuel consumption and overall transportation costs. He also sheds light on the various technologies available for monitoring driving habits and how education and training can support efforts in promoting fuel-efficient driving practices.
Join us as we explore how the logistics industry can prioritize sustainable practices and pave the way for a cleaner, more efficient future.
How does your business make sure they are emitting fewer carbon emissions?
As a leading 3PL provider, we understand the significant impact that industry practices can have on the environment. That’s why we have taken a proactive step towards promoting sustainable logistics by adopting green practices. Our commitment to minimizing carbon emissions is demonstrated through our use of cutting-edge technology and innovative methods, allowing us to operate more environmentally responsibly.
We take proactive measures for the improvement of the environment as driving and fuel usage play a major role in reducing emissions. We also use real-time data intelligence to ensure sustainable fleet operations. We ensure we lower our carbon footprint by implementing better and more organized route management along with promoting safe driving practices to increase fuel efficiency. Our real-time data intelligence also ensures sustainable fleet operations through
predictive maintenance which lowers operational costs while also saving fuel.
A training centre at our fleet ensures our drivers and technicians are trained on all practices to ensure the smooth and effective running of their vehicles. By providing drivers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to understand and implement fuel-efficient driving practices, logistics companies can improve overall driving behaviour and achieve significant cost savings. The vehicles in our facility undergo routine Pollution checks as we run an authorized Pollution Certification.
Why is it crucial for the logistics industry to change its driving practices?
Lack of awareness of IT-enabled eco-driving techniques and fuel-efficient practices among truck drivers results in the wastage of fuel and increased emission of greenhouse gases. Each sector/industry must prioritise considering and revising its processes in light of the current environmental challenges and their quick destabilization. India has emphasized sustainability and its goals for lowering carbon emissions in climate change conferences and discussions.
Along with the above-mentioned factors, altering driving habits also improves efficiency. When it comes to driving habits, it’s time for our industry to change. We can both enhance our own operations and help create a better future for everyone if we put safety first, drive at slower speeds, and be more aware of our environmental impact.
In order to improve management, tracking, and yields, we must digitalize driving practices while introducing new technology, such as predictive maintenance. This will be essential for the sector for better growth. These are some reasons why it is imperative for the logistics sector to change its methods.
What driving practices in the logistics sector help to reduce fuel consumption?
As a logistics industry, we have a responsibility to be good stewards of the environment. As a sector of the logistics business, we have a duty to protect the environment. We can lessen our carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable future by using fuel-efficient driving techniques, such as cutting down on idling time and planning our routes more efficiently.
We can really increase productivity over time by driving more slowly and cautiously. Drivers are more prone to make mistakes or have delays due to traffic or accidents when they are under pressure to complete deliveries or meet deadlines. We can lessen the risk of these hiccups by driving more slowly, thus saving time and money in the long term.
It’s critical for us to take a close look at how we approach driving in our sector since using technology, and predictive maintenance not only boosts efficiency but better fuel usage. The truth is that the transportation sector has historically relied on a driving approach that prioritises productivity and speed over safety, and this needs to change.
What technologies are available for monitoring driving habits, and how do these technologies work?
In the Indian logistics sector, there are several technologies available for monitoring driving habits to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance. Some commonly used technologies include:
Telematics is the technology used to monitor a wide range of information relating to an individual vehicle or an entire fleet. Telematics systems gather data including vehicle location, driver behaviour, engine diagnostics and vehicle activity, and visualize this data on software platforms that help fleet operators manage their resources.
GPS tracking systems use GPS technology to track the location, speed, and route of vehicles in real-time and monitor driving behaviours. The data collected by GPS tracking systems is transmitted to a central server and can be accessed by fleet managers for monitoring and analysis.
On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) Devices: On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) devices are plugged into a vehicle’s OBD-II port and can monitor various parameters of the vehicle, including driving behaviours. These devices can track speed, acceleration, braking, and other vehicle data. The data is typically transmitted to a central server for analysis and reporting. OBD devices are particularly useful for monitoring driving habits in commercial vehicles, as they can provide real-time feedback to drivers and help improve driving behaviours.
Driver monitoring systems use sensors to monitor driver behaviour in real-time, helping to prevent accidents. These systems can track factors such as driver drowsiness, distraction, and attentiveness. They can provide real-time alerts to drivers and fleet managers based on the analysis of the driver’s behaviour, helping to prevent accidents caused by unsafe driving practices.
Logistics companies can use data collected from sensors to improve safety, efficiency, and compliance by identifying and addressing unsafe driving behaviours and promoting safe driving practices.
How can monitoring driving habits for better fuel efficiency help reduce overall transportation costs, and what are some examples of these cost savings?
Monitoring driving habits for better fuel efficiency can significantly reduce overall transportation costs in the Indian logistics sector in several ways:
- Fuel Savings: Improved driving habits, such as avoiding aggressive acceleration and braking, maintaining optimal speeds, and reducing unnecessary idling, can result in significant fuel savings. This can help logistics companies reduce their fuel expenses, which typically account for a significant portion of their overall transportation costs.
- Maintenance Cost Reduction: Monitoring driving habits can also help identify and address behaviours that may cause excessive wear and tear on vehicles, such as harsh braking or accelerating. By addressing these issues, logistics companies can reduce maintenance costs and extend the lifespan of their vehicles, resulting in long-term cost savings.
- Lower Insurance Costs: Safer driving habits can also result in lower insurance premiums. Insurance companies often offer discounted rates to companies that implement monitoring and safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents, which can help logistics companies save on insurance costs.
- Improved Route Planning: Monitoring driving habits can provide insights into the most efficient routes for transportation, considering factors such as fuel efficiency, road conditions, and traffic patterns. Optimised route planning can help logistics companies reduce unnecessary mileage, save on fuel costs, and improve overall operational efficiency.
- Reduced Downtime: Monitoring driving habits can help identify and address unsafe driving behaviours that may result in accidents or breakdowns, leading to vehicle downtime. By proactively addressing these issues, logistics companies can reduce vehicle downtime, minimise disruptions to their operations, and improve productivity.
- Environmental Benefits: Better fuel efficiency resulting from improved driving habits also leads to reduced carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability. This can help logistics companies meet regulatory requirements, avoid potential fines, and demonstrate social responsibility, which can have positive impacts on their brand image and reputation.
Examples of cost savings in the Indian logistics sector through monitoring driving habits for better fuel efficiency are Improved driving habits can reduce fuel expenses, maintenance costs, insurance premium discounts, route optimization, vehicle downtime, environmental regulations, and brand image and reputation.
What role can education and training play in promoting monitored driving habits for better fuel efficiency, and what resources are available to support these efforts?
Education and training can play a crucial role in promoting monitored driving habits for better fuel efficiency in the Indian logistics sector. By providing drivers with the knowledge, skills, and tools to understand and implement fuel-efficient driving practices, logistics companies can improve overall driving behaviour and achieve significant cost savings. Some ways in which education and training can support these efforts include:
Driver Training Programs: Logistics companies can implement driver training programs that focus on fuel-efficient driving techniques, safe driving practices, and vehicle maintenance. These programs can help drivers understand the importance of driving habits such as smooth acceleration and deceleration, optimal speeds, and reduced idling, which can result in improved fuel efficiency.
Awareness Campaigns: Education and awareness campaigns can be conducted to promote the benefits of fuel-efficient driving habits and create a culture of responsible driving within the logistics sector. These campaigns can include workshops, seminars, and informational materials that highlight the importance of fuel efficiency and provide practical tips for drivers to improve their driving habits.
Incentive Programs: Logistics companies can implement incentive programs that reward drivers for practicing fuel-efficient driving habits. This can include bonuses, recognition, or other incentives that motivate drivers to adopt and maintain fuel-efficient driving behaviours.
Some examples of resources available to support education and training efforts for promoting monitored driving habits for better fuel efficiency in the Indian logistics sector include:
- E-learning platforms that offer online courses on fuel-efficient driving techniques, vehicle maintenance, and monitoring technologies.
- Websites and online portals of industry associations and government bodies that provide educational materials, best practices, and guidelines for fuel-efficient driving.
- Training materials and resources offered by telematics and fleet management solution providers that focus on fuel-efficient driving practices and how to use their technologies for monitoring and improving driving habits.
- Government-sponsored programs and initiatives that promote fuel efficiency and offer training resources for drivers in the logistics sector.
Investing in education and training can lead to cost savings, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
(Copy Right @ India CSR)
