Past behavior as a predictor of eco-driving practices: The case of a sustained intervention in a Mexican transportation company

Abstract

Freight transportation—specifically, fuel consumption during delivery operations—is one of the main contributors to global CO₂ emissions. In this article, we study the effect of eco-driving practices (e.g., avoiding idling, keeping a steady speed) on fuel efficiency and CO₂ emissions. We also explore the effect of a sustained intervention supporting eco-driving on the adoption of eco-driving practices among professional drivers. Transportation companies usually invest resources to train, coach, and reward drivers who practice eco-driving; therefore, our study aims to provide insights into the impact of these efforts. We conducted a comprehensive statistical analysis on data collected from 55 drivers in 150 trips, using GPS records (e.g., geolocation, speed, revolutions per minute) and direct observations, for one of the largest Mexican retailers that operates its own transportation fleet. Our results show that eco-driving contributes to fuel savings at an average of 27.8%, as indicated by the difference in consumption between the high-proficiency and medium-proficiency drivers and low-proficiency drivers, and an average reduction of 13 kg of CO₂ per route. In addition, we observe that the eco-practices of keeping a steady speed and avoiding idling, followed by abrupt accelerations or braking, have a substantial effect on fuel efficiency and, consequently, on CO₂ emissions. Our research also provides managerial insights into the relationship between past driving behaviors and the adoption of eco-driving practices. These findings contribute to the design of efficient company training programs aimed to improve eco-driving practices.

Keywords:

• Driver experience
• eco-driving
• sustainable transportation

Acknowledgement

The authors dedicate this article to the memory of Karla Gámez Pérez, a thoughtful and invaluable colleague. A beloved mother, wife, daughter and dear friend, who left a lasting impact on our lives.

Notes

1 Deloitte (2017). “Global Power of Retailing” (PDF): 20. Retrieved 8 August 2017