Bell City Transport Systems Inc.

Achieving Cost Savings Through Employee Productivity

Providing drivers with the training, equipment and motivation they need to practice fuel-efficient driving is paying off in a big way for Bell City Transport Systems Inc. By focusing on proper vehicle spec'ing, safety, idling and speeding, the company estimates it is saving up to $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

About the company
Bell City Transport is a subsidiary of Bell City Brands Ltd., an agricultural produce company established in 1956 to distribute vegetables grown in the Brantford, Ontario, area to local retailers. At first, the parent company hauled produce only during Ontario's growing season and laid off its drivers in the winter. As business increased, however, Bell City Brands decided to become a year-round operation that could provide steady employment for its drivers.

During the winter months, Bell City Transport hauls automobile parts, cardboard cartons, furniture and other merchandise to Florida in the United States and returns with vegetables and other produce, which is distributed to grocery stores in Ontario. In the summer, the fleet works mostly in Ontario.

Today Bell City Transport operates 15 tractors and 21 trailers. Most of the trailers are refrigerated vans, with both 48- and 53-foot units. However, the company also operates six dry-freight trailers that run exclusively within an 800-kilometre radius of Brantford. Vehicle maintenance is contracted to a service garage located beside the company's terminal in Brantford.

An integrated strategy
The company decided some time ago that the best way to control its operating costs would be through an integrated strategy that emphasizes proper equipment specifications and driver attention to safety, idling and speeding.

"For our type of operation, excessive fuel consumption is one of the things we have to watch very carefully, and it is usually due to a mechanical problem or speeding," notes Bell City President Ron Eadie. "It's that simple. Our major cost-control objectives were to stop the trucks from idling excessively and to slow the trucks down."

Safety is another crucial element of Bell City's integrated approach. Several years ago, Bell City enlisted the help of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario to design a safe-driving and first-aid training program for new drivers. But the emphasis on safety does not end there. All safety violations are reviewed with drivers. And a clean traffic violation and safety record is one of the merit factors in Bell City Transport's weekly driver bonus program.

At the annual company dinner in December, drivers with no preventable accidents are awarded a plaque. In 2000, every driver in the fleet received the award.

Equipment specifications
In terms of vehicle spec'ing, Bell City Transport has made a conscious decision to use one type of truck equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Engines that offer superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Also as a means of reducing fuel consumption, the company has purchased trailers constructed of lightweight aluminum parts and fitted with wind deflectors to improve aero-dynamics. Although the company's trucks usually weight-out rather than cube-out (in other words, legal weight limits are reached before the trailers are full), the trend is toward spec'ing 53-foot trailers because shippers prefer the extra length.

Bell City Transport continues to explore innovations such as satellite tracking and the use of on-board computers to enable two-way communication. However, given the relatively small fleet, its emphasis on point-to-point direct-hauling and its quite regular routes, the company has decided that it does not need such monitoring technology now.

Controlling idling and speeding
Bell City Transport knew that most engine idling was caused by drivers trying to keep the cabs warm overnight while they slept. To address this problem, the company has installed auxiliary heaters in all of its trucks, for about $2,500 per unit. Although the company knew that this solution might not be appropriate in colder climates, it was convinced that the heaters would work well in the milder temperatures encountered by drivers on their way to and from Florida.

"It worked like a charm," reports Mr. Eadie. "The drivers love it because it's quiet for sleeping." Electronic engines in the company's trucks are programmed to automatically shut off after two minutes of idling. Mr. Eadie estimates that the auxiliary heaters, which have required only minor maintenance work consistent with other types of equipment, save about four litres of fuel for every hour of use. They also pay for themselves in two years by reducing fuel consumption and engine wear from excessive idling.

Bell City has also programmed its engines to provide speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, both on the pedal and when running on cruise control. At this setting, the trucks are expected to achieve 37-40 litres per 100 kilometres (7.0-7.6 miles per gallon). This contrasts with an average of 48 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 miles per gallon) obtained at an average speed of 112 kilometres per hour.

Driver incentives
To encourage drivers to save fuel, the company incorporated fuel efficiency into a driver incentive program established in 1992. Drivers earn points for fuel economy, for avoiding accidents and traffic violations, for the cleanliness of their trucks and for submitting paperwork that is both neat and complete.

The emphasis is clearly on fuel economy, which accounts for 40 percent of the points available to each driver. Drivers receive points for achieving the corporate target of 40 litres per 100 kilometres, with additional points earned for bettering this target. Points are awarded every week based on the fuel sheets and logs filled out by drivers. The success of this driver incentive program was evident in the first year alone, when the company saved $30,000 on fuel. Half of this was later paid out in driver bonuses.

At its annual dinner, Bell City Transport recognizes the company's top driver by awarding a one-week trip for two to a sunny southern destination, such as the Bahamas or Mexico.

Bell City Transport considers the company's drivers to be its sales representatives and believes that motivated, courteous drivers reflect positively on the company's business. "We know that when we give something to our drivers, we are not taking it away from the company, but in fact giving it to ourselves," says Mr. Eadie.

The results speak for themselves
Bell City reports fleet-wide fuel consumption of 35.3 litres per 100 kilometres (8.0 miles per gallon) in summer and 37.7 litres per 100 kilo-metres (7.5 miles per gallon) in winter. Mr. Eadie estimates that the company's idling and speeding policies and driver incentives have reduced the fleet's average fuel consumption by between 6.0 and 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres (an improve-ment of 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon).

How has this affected the company's bottom line? Thanks to its commitment to safety and fuel efficiency – a commitment that is shared by a content, motivated crew of drivers – Bell City Transport is saving between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in fuel costs.

Source : Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada

Bell City Transport Systems Inc.

Achieving Cost Savings Through Employee Productivity

Providing drivers with the training, equipment and motivation they need to practice fuel-efficient driving is paying off in a big way for Bell City Transport Systems Inc. By focusing on proper vehicle spec'ing, safety, idling and speeding, the company estimates it is saving up to $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

About the company
Bell City Transport is a subsidiary of Bell City Brands Ltd., an agricultural produce company established in 1956 to distribute vegetables grown in the Brantford, Ontario, area to local retailers. At first, the parent company hauled produce only during Ontario's growing season and laid off its drivers in the winter. As business increased, however, Bell City Brands decided to become a year-round operation that could provide steady employment for its drivers.

During the winter months, Bell City Transport hauls automobile parts, cardboard cartons, furniture and other merchandise to Florida in the United States and returns with vegetables and other produce, which is distributed to grocery stores in Ontario. In the summer, the fleet works mostly in Ontario.

Today Bell City Transport operates 15 tractors and 21 trailers. Most of the trailers are refrigerated vans, with both 48- and 53-foot units. However, the company also operates six dry-freight trailers that run exclusively within an 800-kilometre radius of Brantford. Vehicle maintenance is contracted to a service garage located beside the company's terminal in Brantford.

An integrated strategy
The company decided some time ago that the best way to control its operating costs would be through an integrated strategy that emphasizes proper equipment specifications and driver attention to safety, idling and speeding.

"For our type of operation, excessive fuel consumption is one of the things we have to watch very carefully, and it is usually due to a mechanical problem or speeding," notes Bell City President Ron Eadie. "It's that simple. Our major cost-control objectives were to stop the trucks from idling excessively and to slow the trucks down."

Safety is another crucial element of Bell City's integrated approach. Several years ago, Bell City enlisted the help of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario to design a safe-driving and first-aid training program for new drivers. But the emphasis on safety does not end there. All safety violations are reviewed with drivers. And a clean traffic violation and safety record is one of the merit factors in Bell City Transport's weekly driver bonus program.

At the annual company dinner in December, drivers with no preventable accidents are awarded a plaque. In 2000, every driver in the fleet received the award.

Equipment specifications
In terms of vehicle spec'ing, Bell City Transport has made a conscious decision to use one type of truck equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Engines that offer superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Also as a means of reducing fuel consumption, the company has purchased trailers constructed of lightweight aluminum parts and fitted with wind deflectors to improve aero-dynamics. Although the company's trucks usually weight-out rather than cube-out (in other words, legal weight limits are reached before the trailers are full), the trend is toward spec'ing 53-foot trailers because shippers prefer the extra length.

Bell City Transport continues to explore innovations such as satellite tracking and the use of on-board computers to enable two-way communication. However, given the relatively small fleet, its emphasis on point-to-point direct-hauling and its quite regular routes, the company has decided that it does not need such monitoring technology now.

Controlling idling and speeding
Bell City Transport knew that most engine idling was caused by drivers trying to keep the cabs warm overnight while they slept. To address this problem, the company has installed auxiliary heaters in all of its trucks, for about $2,500 per unit. Although the company knew that this solution might not be appropriate in colder climates, it was convinced that the heaters would work well in the milder temperatures encountered by drivers on their way to and from Florida.

"It worked like a charm," reports Mr. Eadie. "The drivers love it because it's quiet for sleeping." Electronic engines in the company's trucks are programmed to automatically shut off after two minutes of idling. Mr. Eadie estimates that the auxiliary heaters, which have required only minor maintenance work consistent with other types of equipment, save about four litres of fuel for every hour of use. They also pay for themselves in two years by reducing fuel consumption and engine wear from excessive idling.

Bell City has also programmed its engines to provide speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, both on the pedal and when running on cruise control. At this setting, the trucks are expected to achieve 37-40 litres per 100 kilometres (7.0-7.6 miles per gallon). This contrasts with an average of 48 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 miles per gallon) obtained at an average speed of 112 kilometres per hour.

Driver incentives
To encourage drivers to save fuel, the company incorporated fuel efficiency into a driver incentive program established in 1992. Drivers earn points for fuel economy, for avoiding accidents and traffic violations, for the cleanliness of their trucks and for submitting paperwork that is both neat and complete.

The emphasis is clearly on fuel economy, which accounts for 40 percent of the points available to each driver. Drivers receive points for achieving the corporate target of 40 litres per 100 kilometres, with additional points earned for bettering this target. Points are awarded every week based on the fuel sheets and logs filled out by drivers. The success of this driver incentive program was evident in the first year alone, when the company saved $30,000 on fuel. Half of this was later paid out in driver bonuses.

At its annual dinner, Bell City Transport recognizes the company's top driver by awarding a one-week trip for two to a sunny southern destination, such as the Bahamas or Mexico.

Bell City Transport considers the company's drivers to be its sales representatives and believes that motivated, courteous drivers reflect positively on the company's business. "We know that when we give something to our drivers, we are not taking it away from the company, but in fact giving it to ourselves," says Mr. Eadie.

The results speak for themselves
Bell City reports fleet-wide fuel consumption of 35.3 litres per 100 kilometres (8.0 miles per gallon) in summer and 37.7 litres per 100 kilo-metres (7.5 miles per gallon) in winter. Mr. Eadie estimates that the company's idling and speeding policies and driver incentives have reduced the fleet's average fuel consumption by between 6.0 and 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres (an improve-ment of 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon).

How has this affected the company's bottom line? Thanks to its commitment to safety and fuel efficiency – a commitment that is shared by a content, motivated crew of drivers – Bell City Transport is saving between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in fuel costs.

Source : Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada

Bell City Transport Systems Inc.

Achieving Cost Savings Through Employee Productivity

Providing drivers with the training, equipment and motivation they need to practice fuel-efficient driving is paying off in a big way for Bell City Transport Systems Inc. By focusing on proper vehicle spec'ing, safety, idling and speeding, the company estimates it is saving up to $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

About the company
Bell City Transport is a subsidiary of Bell City Brands Ltd., an agricultural produce company established in 1956 to distribute vegetables grown in the Brantford, Ontario, area to local retailers. At first, the parent company hauled produce only during Ontario's growing season and laid off its drivers in the winter. As business increased, however, Bell City Brands decided to become a year-round operation that could provide steady employment for its drivers.

During the winter months, Bell City Transport hauls automobile parts, cardboard cartons, furniture and other merchandise to Florida in the United States and returns with vegetables and other produce, which is distributed to grocery stores in Ontario. In the summer, the fleet works mostly in Ontario.

Today Bell City Transport operates 15 tractors and 21 trailers. Most of the trailers are refrigerated vans, with both 48- and 53-foot units. However, the company also operates six dry-freight trailers that run exclusively within an 800-kilometre radius of Brantford. Vehicle maintenance is contracted to a service garage located beside the company's terminal in Brantford.

An integrated strategy
The company decided some time ago that the best way to control its operating costs would be through an integrated strategy that emphasizes proper equipment specifications and driver attention to safety, idling and speeding.

"For our type of operation, excessive fuel consumption is one of the things we have to watch very carefully, and it is usually due to a mechanical problem or speeding," notes Bell City President Ron Eadie. "It's that simple. Our major cost-control objectives were to stop the trucks from idling excessively and to slow the trucks down."

Safety is another crucial element of Bell City's integrated approach. Several years ago, Bell City enlisted the help of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario to design a safe-driving and first-aid training program for new drivers. But the emphasis on safety does not end there. All safety violations are reviewed with drivers. And a clean traffic violation and safety record is one of the merit factors in Bell City Transport's weekly driver bonus program.

At the annual company dinner in December, drivers with no preventable accidents are awarded a plaque. In 2000, every driver in the fleet received the award.

Equipment specifications
In terms of vehicle spec'ing, Bell City Transport has made a conscious decision to use one type of truck equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Engines that offer superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Also as a means of reducing fuel consumption, the company has purchased trailers constructed of lightweight aluminum parts and fitted with wind deflectors to improve aero-dynamics. Although the company's trucks usually weight-out rather than cube-out (in other words, legal weight limits are reached before the trailers are full), the trend is toward spec'ing 53-foot trailers because shippers prefer the extra length.

Bell City Transport continues to explore innovations such as satellite tracking and the use of on-board computers to enable two-way communication. However, given the relatively small fleet, its emphasis on point-to-point direct-hauling and its quite regular routes, the company has decided that it does not need such monitoring technology now.

Controlling idling and speeding
Bell City Transport knew that most engine idling was caused by drivers trying to keep the cabs warm overnight while they slept. To address this problem, the company has installed auxiliary heaters in all of its trucks, for about $2,500 per unit. Although the company knew that this solution might not be appropriate in colder climates, it was convinced that the heaters would work well in the milder temperatures encountered by drivers on their way to and from Florida.

"It worked like a charm," reports Mr. Eadie. "The drivers love it because it's quiet for sleeping." Electronic engines in the company's trucks are programmed to automatically shut off after two minutes of idling. Mr. Eadie estimates that the auxiliary heaters, which have required only minor maintenance work consistent with other types of equipment, save about four litres of fuel for every hour of use. They also pay for themselves in two years by reducing fuel consumption and engine wear from excessive idling.

Bell City has also programmed its engines to provide speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, both on the pedal and when running on cruise control. At this setting, the trucks are expected to achieve 37-40 litres per 100 kilometres (7.0-7.6 miles per gallon). This contrasts with an average of 48 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 miles per gallon) obtained at an average speed of 112 kilometres per hour.

Driver incentives
To encourage drivers to save fuel, the company incorporated fuel efficiency into a driver incentive program established in 1992. Drivers earn points for fuel economy, for avoiding accidents and traffic violations, for the cleanliness of their trucks and for submitting paperwork that is both neat and complete.

The emphasis is clearly on fuel economy, which accounts for 40 percent of the points available to each driver. Drivers receive points for achieving the corporate target of 40 litres per 100 kilometres, with additional points earned for bettering this target. Points are awarded every week based on the fuel sheets and logs filled out by drivers. The success of this driver incentive program was evident in the first year alone, when the company saved $30,000 on fuel. Half of this was later paid out in driver bonuses.

At its annual dinner, Bell City Transport recognizes the company's top driver by awarding a one-week trip for two to a sunny southern destination, such as the Bahamas or Mexico.

Bell City Transport considers the company's drivers to be its sales representatives and believes that motivated, courteous drivers reflect positively on the company's business. "We know that when we give something to our drivers, we are not taking it away from the company, but in fact giving it to ourselves," says Mr. Eadie.

The results speak for themselves
Bell City reports fleet-wide fuel consumption of 35.3 litres per 100 kilometres (8.0 miles per gallon) in summer and 37.7 litres per 100 kilo-metres (7.5 miles per gallon) in winter. Mr. Eadie estimates that the company's idling and speeding policies and driver incentives have reduced the fleet's average fuel consumption by between 6.0 and 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres (an improve-ment of 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon).

How has this affected the company's bottom line? Thanks to its commitment to safety and fuel efficiency – a commitment that is shared by a content, motivated crew of drivers – Bell City Transport is saving between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in fuel costs.

Source : Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada

Bell City Transport Systems Inc.

Achieving Cost Savings Through Employee Productivity

Providing drivers with the training, equipment and motivation they need to practice fuel-efficient driving is paying off in a big way for Bell City Transport Systems Inc. By focusing on proper vehicle spec'ing, safety, idling and speeding, the company estimates it is saving up to $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

About the company
Bell City Transport is a subsidiary of Bell City Brands Ltd., an agricultural produce company established in 1956 to distribute vegetables grown in the Brantford, Ontario, area to local retailers. At first, the parent company hauled produce only during Ontario's growing season and laid off its drivers in the winter. As business increased, however, Bell City Brands decided to become a year-round operation that could provide steady employment for its drivers.

During the winter months, Bell City Transport hauls automobile parts, cardboard cartons, furniture and other merchandise to Florida in the United States and returns with vegetables and other produce, which is distributed to grocery stores in Ontario. In the summer, the fleet works mostly in Ontario.

Today Bell City Transport operates 15 tractors and 21 trailers. Most of the trailers are refrigerated vans, with both 48- and 53-foot units. However, the company also operates six dry-freight trailers that run exclusively within an 800-kilometre radius of Brantford. Vehicle maintenance is contracted to a service garage located beside the company's terminal in Brantford.

An integrated strategy
The company decided some time ago that the best way to control its operating costs would be through an integrated strategy that emphasizes proper equipment specifications and driver attention to safety, idling and speeding.

"For our type of operation, excessive fuel consumption is one of the things we have to watch very carefully, and it is usually due to a mechanical problem or speeding," notes Bell City President Ron Eadie. "It's that simple. Our major cost-control objectives were to stop the trucks from idling excessively and to slow the trucks down."

Safety is another crucial element of Bell City's integrated approach. Several years ago, Bell City enlisted the help of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario to design a safe-driving and first-aid training program for new drivers. But the emphasis on safety does not end there. All safety violations are reviewed with drivers. And a clean traffic violation and safety record is one of the merit factors in Bell City Transport's weekly driver bonus program.

At the annual company dinner in December, drivers with no preventable accidents are awarded a plaque. In 2000, every driver in the fleet received the award.

Equipment specifications
In terms of vehicle spec'ing, Bell City Transport has made a conscious decision to use one type of truck equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Engines that offer superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Also as a means of reducing fuel consumption, the company has purchased trailers constructed of lightweight aluminum parts and fitted with wind deflectors to improve aero-dynamics. Although the company's trucks usually weight-out rather than cube-out (in other words, legal weight limits are reached before the trailers are full), the trend is toward spec'ing 53-foot trailers because shippers prefer the extra length.

Bell City Transport continues to explore innovations such as satellite tracking and the use of on-board computers to enable two-way communication. However, given the relatively small fleet, its emphasis on point-to-point direct-hauling and its quite regular routes, the company has decided that it does not need such monitoring technology now.

Controlling idling and speeding
Bell City Transport knew that most engine idling was caused by drivers trying to keep the cabs warm overnight while they slept. To address this problem, the company has installed auxiliary heaters in all of its trucks, for about $2,500 per unit. Although the company knew that this solution might not be appropriate in colder climates, it was convinced that the heaters would work well in the milder temperatures encountered by drivers on their way to and from Florida.

"It worked like a charm," reports Mr. Eadie. "The drivers love it because it's quiet for sleeping." Electronic engines in the company's trucks are programmed to automatically shut off after two minutes of idling. Mr. Eadie estimates that the auxiliary heaters, which have required only minor maintenance work consistent with other types of equipment, save about four litres of fuel for every hour of use. They also pay for themselves in two years by reducing fuel consumption and engine wear from excessive idling.

Bell City has also programmed its engines to provide speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, both on the pedal and when running on cruise control. At this setting, the trucks are expected to achieve 37-40 litres per 100 kilometres (7.0-7.6 miles per gallon). This contrasts with an average of 48 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 miles per gallon) obtained at an average speed of 112 kilometres per hour.

Driver incentives
To encourage drivers to save fuel, the company incorporated fuel efficiency into a driver incentive program established in 1992. Drivers earn points for fuel economy, for avoiding accidents and traffic violations, for the cleanliness of their trucks and for submitting paperwork that is both neat and complete.

The emphasis is clearly on fuel economy, which accounts for 40 percent of the points available to each driver. Drivers receive points for achieving the corporate target of 40 litres per 100 kilometres, with additional points earned for bettering this target. Points are awarded every week based on the fuel sheets and logs filled out by drivers. The success of this driver incentive program was evident in the first year alone, when the company saved $30,000 on fuel. Half of this was later paid out in driver bonuses.

At its annual dinner, Bell City Transport recognizes the company's top driver by awarding a one-week trip for two to a sunny southern destination, such as the Bahamas or Mexico.

Bell City Transport considers the company's drivers to be its sales representatives and believes that motivated, courteous drivers reflect positively on the company's business. "We know that when we give something to our drivers, we are not taking it away from the company, but in fact giving it to ourselves," says Mr. Eadie.

The results speak for themselves
Bell City reports fleet-wide fuel consumption of 35.3 litres per 100 kilometres (8.0 miles per gallon) in summer and 37.7 litres per 100 kilo-metres (7.5 miles per gallon) in winter. Mr. Eadie estimates that the company's idling and speeding policies and driver incentives have reduced the fleet's average fuel consumption by between 6.0 and 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres (an improve-ment of 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon).

How has this affected the company's bottom line? Thanks to its commitment to safety and fuel efficiency – a commitment that is shared by a content, motivated crew of drivers – Bell City Transport is saving between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in fuel costs.

Source : Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada

Bell City Transport Systems Inc.

Achieving Cost Savings Through Employee Productivity

Providing drivers with the training, equipment and motivation they need to practice fuel-efficient driving is paying off in a big way for Bell City Transport Systems Inc. By focusing on proper vehicle spec'ing, safety, idling and speeding, the company estimates it is saving up to $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

About the company
Bell City Transport is a subsidiary of Bell City Brands Ltd., an agricultural produce company established in 1956 to distribute vegetables grown in the Brantford, Ontario, area to local retailers. At first, the parent company hauled produce only during Ontario's growing season and laid off its drivers in the winter. As business increased, however, Bell City Brands decided to become a year-round operation that could provide steady employment for its drivers.

During the winter months, Bell City Transport hauls automobile parts, cardboard cartons, furniture and other merchandise to Florida in the United States and returns with vegetables and other produce, which is distributed to grocery stores in Ontario. In the summer, the fleet works mostly in Ontario.

Today Bell City Transport operates 15 tractors and 21 trailers. Most of the trailers are refrigerated vans, with both 48- and 53-foot units. However, the company also operates six dry-freight trailers that run exclusively within an 800-kilometre radius of Brantford. Vehicle maintenance is contracted to a service garage located beside the company's terminal in Brantford.

An integrated strategy
The company decided some time ago that the best way to control its operating costs would be through an integrated strategy that emphasizes proper equipment specifications and driver attention to safety, idling and speeding.

"For our type of operation, excessive fuel consumption is one of the things we have to watch very carefully, and it is usually due to a mechanical problem or speeding," notes Bell City President Ron Eadie. "It's that simple. Our major cost-control objectives were to stop the trucks from idling excessively and to slow the trucks down."

Safety is another crucial element of Bell City's integrated approach. Several years ago, Bell City enlisted the help of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario to design a safe-driving and first-aid training program for new drivers. But the emphasis on safety does not end there. All safety violations are reviewed with drivers. And a clean traffic violation and safety record is one of the merit factors in Bell City Transport's weekly driver bonus program.

At the annual company dinner in December, drivers with no preventable accidents are awarded a plaque. In 2000, every driver in the fleet received the award.

Equipment specifications
In terms of vehicle spec'ing, Bell City Transport has made a conscious decision to use one type of truck equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Engines that offer superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Also as a means of reducing fuel consumption, the company has purchased trailers constructed of lightweight aluminum parts and fitted with wind deflectors to improve aero-dynamics. Although the company's trucks usually weight-out rather than cube-out (in other words, legal weight limits are reached before the trailers are full), the trend is toward spec'ing 53-foot trailers because shippers prefer the extra length.

Bell City Transport continues to explore innovations such as satellite tracking and the use of on-board computers to enable two-way communication. However, given the relatively small fleet, its emphasis on point-to-point direct-hauling and its quite regular routes, the company has decided that it does not need such monitoring technology now.

Controlling idling and speeding
Bell City Transport knew that most engine idling was caused by drivers trying to keep the cabs warm overnight while they slept. To address this problem, the company has installed auxiliary heaters in all of its trucks, for about $2,500 per unit. Although the company knew that this solution might not be appropriate in colder climates, it was convinced that the heaters would work well in the milder temperatures encountered by drivers on their way to and from Florida.

"It worked like a charm," reports Mr. Eadie. "The drivers love it because it's quiet for sleeping." Electronic engines in the company's trucks are programmed to automatically shut off after two minutes of idling. Mr. Eadie estimates that the auxiliary heaters, which have required only minor maintenance work consistent with other types of equipment, save about four litres of fuel for every hour of use. They also pay for themselves in two years by reducing fuel consumption and engine wear from excessive idling.

Bell City has also programmed its engines to provide speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, both on the pedal and when running on cruise control. At this setting, the trucks are expected to achieve 37-40 litres per 100 kilometres (7.0-7.6 miles per gallon). This contrasts with an average of 48 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 miles per gallon) obtained at an average speed of 112 kilometres per hour.

Driver incentives
To encourage drivers to save fuel, the company incorporated fuel efficiency into a driver incentive program established in 1992. Drivers earn points for fuel economy, for avoiding accidents and traffic violations, for the cleanliness of their trucks and for submitting paperwork that is both neat and complete.

The emphasis is clearly on fuel economy, which accounts for 40 percent of the points available to each driver. Drivers receive points for achieving the corporate target of 40 litres per 100 kilometres, with additional points earned for bettering this target. Points are awarded every week based on the fuel sheets and logs filled out by drivers. The success of this driver incentive program was evident in the first year alone, when the company saved $30,000 on fuel. Half of this was later paid out in driver bonuses.

At its annual dinner, Bell City Transport recognizes the company's top driver by awarding a one-week trip for two to a sunny southern destination, such as the Bahamas or Mexico.

Bell City Transport considers the company's drivers to be its sales representatives and believes that motivated, courteous drivers reflect positively on the company's business. "We know that when we give something to our drivers, we are not taking it away from the company, but in fact giving it to ourselves," says Mr. Eadie.

The results speak for themselves
Bell City reports fleet-wide fuel consumption of 35.3 litres per 100 kilometres (8.0 miles per gallon) in summer and 37.7 litres per 100 kilo-metres (7.5 miles per gallon) in winter. Mr. Eadie estimates that the company's idling and speeding policies and driver incentives have reduced the fleet's average fuel consumption by between 6.0 and 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres (an improve-ment of 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon).

How has this affected the company's bottom line? Thanks to its commitment to safety and fuel efficiency &8211; a commitment that is shared by a content, motivated crew of drivers &8211; Bell City Transport is saving between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in fuel costs.

Source : Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada

Bell City Transport Systems Inc.

Achieving Cost Savings Through Employee Productivity

Providing drivers with the training, equipment and motivation they need to practice fuel-efficient driving is paying off in a big way for Bell City Transport Systems Inc. By focusing on proper vehicle spec'ing, safety, idling and speeding, the company estimates it is saving up to $100,000 a year in fuel costs.

About the company
Bell City Transport is a subsidiary of Bell City Brands Ltd., an agricultural produce company established in 1956 to distribute vegetables grown in the Brantford, Ontario, area to local retailers. At first, the parent company hauled produce only during Ontario's growing season and laid off its drivers in the winter. As business increased, however, Bell City Brands decided to become a year-round operation that could provide steady employment for its drivers.

During the winter months, Bell City Transport hauls automobile parts, cardboard cartons, furniture and other merchandise to Florida in the United States and returns with vegetables and other produce, which is distributed to grocery stores in Ontario. In the summer, the fleet works mostly in Ontario.

Today Bell City Transport operates 15 tractors and 21 trailers. Most of the trailers are refrigerated vans, with both 48- and 53-foot units. However, the company also operates six dry-freight trailers that run exclusively within an 800-kilometre radius of Brantford. Vehicle maintenance is contracted to a service garage located beside the company's terminal in Brantford.

An integrated strategy
The company decided some time ago that the best way to control its operating costs would be through an integrated strategy that emphasizes proper equipment specifications and driver attention to safety, idling and speeding.

"For our type of operation, excessive fuel consumption is one of the things we have to watch very carefully, and it is usually due to a mechanical problem or speeding," notes Bell City President Ron Eadie. "It's that simple. Our major cost-control objectives were to stop the trucks from idling excessively and to slow the trucks down."

Safety is another crucial element of Bell City's integrated approach. Several years ago, Bell City enlisted the help of the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario to design a safe-driving and first-aid training program for new drivers. But the emphasis on safety does not end there. All safety violations are reviewed with drivers. And a clean traffic violation and safety record is one of the merit factors in Bell City Transport's weekly driver bonus program.

At the annual company dinner in December, drivers with no preventable accidents are awarded a plaque. In 2000, every driver in the fleet received the award.

Equipment specifications
In terms of vehicle spec'ing, Bell City Transport has made a conscious decision to use one type of truck equipped with Detroit Diesel Electronic Engines that offer superior fuel economy and low exhaust emissions. Also as a means of reducing fuel consumption, the company has purchased trailers constructed of lightweight aluminum parts and fitted with wind deflectors to improve aero-dynamics. Although the company's trucks usually weight-out rather than cube-out (in other words, legal weight limits are reached before the trailers are full), the trend is toward spec'ing 53-foot trailers because shippers prefer the extra length.

Bell City Transport continues to explore innovations such as satellite tracking and the use of on-board computers to enable two-way communication. However, given the relatively small fleet, its emphasis on point-to-point direct-hauling and its quite regular routes, the company has decided that it does not need such monitoring technology now.

Controlling idling and speeding
Bell City Transport knew that most engine idling was caused by drivers trying to keep the cabs warm overnight while they slept. To address this problem, the company has installed auxiliary heaters in all of its trucks, for about $2,500 per unit. Although the company knew that this solution might not be appropriate in colder climates, it was convinced that the heaters would work well in the milder temperatures encountered by drivers on their way to and from Florida.

"It worked like a charm," reports Mr. Eadie. "The drivers love it because it's quiet for sleeping." Electronic engines in the company's trucks are programmed to automatically shut off after two minutes of idling. Mr. Eadie estimates that the auxiliary heaters, which have required only minor maintenance work consistent with other types of equipment, save about four litres of fuel for every hour of use. They also pay for themselves in two years by reducing fuel consumption and engine wear from excessive idling.

Bell City has also programmed its engines to provide speeds of up to 105 kilometres per hour, both on the pedal and when running on cruise control. At this setting, the trucks are expected to achieve 37-40 litres per 100 kilometres (7.0-7.6 miles per gallon). This contrasts with an average of 48 litres per 100 kilometres (5.9 miles per gallon) obtained at an average speed of 112 kilometres per hour.

Driver incentives
To encourage drivers to save fuel, the company incorporated fuel efficiency into a driver incentive program established in 1992. Drivers earn points for fuel economy, for avoiding accidents and traffic violations, for the cleanliness of their trucks and for submitting paperwork that is both neat and complete.

The emphasis is clearly on fuel economy, which accounts for 40 percent of the points available to each driver. Drivers receive points for achieving the corporate target of 40 litres per 100 kilometres, with additional points earned for bettering this target. Points are awarded every week based on the fuel sheets and logs filled out by drivers. The success of this driver incentive program was evident in the first year alone, when the company saved $30,000 on fuel. Half of this was later paid out in driver bonuses.

At its annual dinner, Bell City Transport recognizes the company's top driver by awarding a one-week trip for two to a sunny southern destination, such as the Bahamas or Mexico.

Bell City Transport considers the company's drivers to be its sales representatives and believes that motivated, courteous drivers reflect positively on the company's business. "We know that when we give something to our drivers, we are not taking it away from the company, but in fact giving it to ourselves," says Mr. Eadie.

The results speak for themselves
Bell City reports fleet-wide fuel consumption of 35.3 litres per 100 kilometres (8.0 miles per gallon) in summer and 37.7 litres per 100 kilo-metres (7.5 miles per gallon) in winter. Mr. Eadie estimates that the company's idling and speeding policies and driver incentives have reduced the fleet's average fuel consumption by between 6.0 and 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres (an improve-ment of 1.0 to 1.5 miles per gallon).

How has this affected the company's bottom line? Thanks to its commitment to safety and fuel efficiency &8211; a commitment that is shared by a content, motivated crew of drivers &8211; Bell City Transport is saving between $70,000 and $100,000 per year in fuel costs.

Source : Office of Energy Efficiency - Natural Resources Canada