Getting the aero-dynamics right on lorries and buses can help operators cut fuel consumption costs, which amount to 30 per cent of total operating costs, an industry expert said.

Richard Elviss, chartered member of the Institute of Logistics and Transportation (CMILT), who will be a speaker at next month’s Commercial Vehicles Conference in Dubai, also said drivers trained to take their foot off the gas, and go easy on the brakes, can help the region’s commercial vehicles operators and fleet managers slash operating costs by as much as 15 per cent.

“Saving money in fleet operations management is about clever planning and being diligent,” said Elviss, regional director of Aecom Transportation UK.

“Measurement is key for managing an effective operation. If you don’t measure it, you cannot manage it.”

“With a little forethought and planning, fleet operating costs and emissions can be reduced, and fuel saved, thereby improving competitiveness and sustainability without the need for significant investment.”

Elviss, who has 40 years’ experience in the logistics industry, will deliver a presentation on ways to reduce fleet operating costs at the conference, taking place from March 14 to 16 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The event runs alongside Commercial Vehicles Middle East, (www.commvehicles.com), the region's only specialised exhibition for all types of commercial vehicles, parts and services.

Elviss says significant savings on fleet operating costs can be achieved through regular, specialist driver training programmes designed to cut out bad habits, and make sure they don’t re-emerge.

Excessive gear changing, clutch usage, breaking, acceleration and engine idling time all add up to a costly waste of fuel, he said.

Even bigger savings can be made by correct aero-dynamic fitting of wind deflectors, air dams, tractor side skirts, container or trailer roof tapering on commercial vehicles to reduce fuel consumption.

Elviss is among a panel of industry experts from leading transport organisations who will address a number of key issues at the Commercial Vehicles Conference, among them the repositioning of the commercial vehicle industry for future growth.

The conference culminates on the final day with two workshops. The free-to-attend Profitable Dealer Service Management workshop will highlight essential skills needed to cope with the latest market changes that impact on vehicle and equipment dealer management. Due to popular demand, the Contracting Transport Services workshop is open for registration to delegates and non-delegates alike.

All delegates attending the conference will receive an accredited certificate from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport International, the event’s official education partner.

Commercial Vehicles Middle East covers all types of heavy and light commercial vehicles, special vehicles, vehicle attachments, accessories, maintenance and repair services. The event was launched last year to position the UAE as a regional focal point for the commercial vehicles industry in the region.-TradeArabia News Service