Fuel is one of the largest operating costs facing every haulage business. While drivers cannot control pump prices, they can influence how efficiently every litre of diesel is used.

Eco-driving is not about travelling more slowly or compromising delivery schedules. It means driving smoothly, planning ahead and using the vehicle’s technology effectively. It can reduce fuel consumption, vehicle wear and emissions while also improving safety and driver comfort.

Complete your daily checks

Efficient driving begins before the truck leaves the yard. Check tyre pressures regularly, as underinflated tyres increase rolling resistance and fuel consumption. They also generate additional heat and can wear prematurely.

During the daily walkaround check, look for damaged tyres, air leaks, loose bodywork and incorrectly positioned aerodynamic equipment. Ensure that roof deflectors are correctly adjusted for the trailer or load being carried.

Unnecessary weight should also be removed from the vehicle. Tools, equipment and materials that are no longer required all add to the amount of fuel needed to move the truck.

Plan the journey

Good route planning reduces unnecessary mileage, delays and stop-start driving. Check the route before departure and consider known congestion points, roadworks, delivery restrictions, low bridges and suitable rest or parking locations.

Where possible, avoid travelling through heavily congested areas at peak times. A slightly longer route that allows the vehicle to maintain a steady speed may use less fuel than a shorter journey involving repeated stopping and acceleration.

Accelerate smoothly

Heavy acceleration consumes significantly more fuel than building speed progressively. Apply the throttle smoothly and allow the engine and transmission to work efficiently.

Modern trucks are designed to produce strong torque at relatively low engine speeds. Avoid holding lower gears for longer than necessary or revving the engine unnecessarily. With a manual gearbox, move into the highest suitable gear without causing the engine to labour.

When driving an automated truck, avoid unnecessary manual overrides. In most circumstances, the transmission’s eco-mode will select gears more efficiently than repeated driver intervention.

Read the road ahead

Anticipation is at the heart of eco-driving. Look well ahead and respond early to changing traffic lights, junctions, roundabouts, gradients and slower-moving vehicles.

If traffic is beginning to slow, ease off the accelerator early rather than continuing at full power and braking sharply at the last moment. Maintaining space from the vehicle in front gives the driver more time to react and makes it easier to preserve momentum.

Every unnecessary stop means the truck must use additional fuel to regain its speed.

Maintain a steady speed

Frequent changes in speed increase fuel consumption. On suitable roads, maintain a safe and consistent cruising speed and use cruise control where appropriate.

Cruise control can be particularly effective on level motorways. However, it may not always be the most economical option on steep or rolling terrain. A skilled driver may save fuel by allowing the vehicle to lose a small amount of speed on an incline and regain it gradually on the descent.

Predictive cruise-control systems can use mapping and vehicle data to manage speed and gear selection around hills. Drivers should understand how these systems operate and use them whenever conditions allow.

Protect momentum

A fully laden truck requires a considerable amount of energy to get moving. Preserving momentum is therefore one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption.

Approach hills with an appropriate speed, allow the truck to use its torque and avoid unnecessary gear changes. On descents, remain within the legal speed limit and use the vehicle’s retarder or engine braking system correctly.

Never coast in neutral or switch off the engine while moving. These practices are dangerous and may reduce the driver’s control of the vehicle.

Avoid unnecessary idling

An idling engine continues to burn fuel without moving the vehicle. Switch off the engine during longer waits where it is safe and practical to do so.

Use cab heating, cooling and electrical equipment sensibly. Auxiliary systems still require energy, and excessive use can increase fuel consumption or place additional demand on the batteries.

Drivers should never compromise rest, comfort or safety simply to reduce auxiliary power consumption.

Reduce aerodynamic drag

Air resistance has a major influence on fuel use, particularly at motorway speeds. Keep side skirts, cab extenders, roof deflectors and other aerodynamic equipment properly adjusted and in good condition.

Close windows when travelling at higher speeds and avoid carrying external equipment that is not required. Curtainsider sheets should be correctly tensioned, while damaged bodywork or loose covers should be repaired promptly.

Brake progressively

Harsh braking wastes the energy used to build the vehicle’s speed and increases wear on brake components and tyres.

Brake early and progressively whenever possible. Make proper use of engine braking and retarders, while always considering the road surface, weather conditions and vehicle stability.

Smooth braking also protects the load and provides a safer, more comfortable journey.

Monitor your performance

Many modern fleet systems provide drivers with information on fuel consumption, idling, harsh acceleration, braking and use of cruise control. Treat this information as a tool for improvement rather than simply as a score.

Compare performance over similar routes, loads and traffic conditions. A driver who regularly reviews the data can identify small changes that deliver worthwhile savings over time.

Safety always comes first

Eco-driving must never override safe driving. Drivers should not reduce speed excessively, follow other vehicles too closely, coast downhill or delay necessary braking in an effort to save fuel.

The most fuel-efficient professional drivers are generally also among the safest. They observe the road, anticipate hazards, maintain suitable distances and operate their vehicles smoothly.

Small improvements can produce meaningful results across a working week. When repeated over thousands of kilometres—and across an entire fleet—good eco-driving can reduce fuel bills, emissions and maintenance costs while helping drivers complete their work more safely and professionally.