In July 2012 the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) introduced a heavy vehicle programme which aims to save transport companies on average 10% in fuel costs.

With fuel accounting for over 30% of operating costs in the majority of transport companies and the road transport sector consuming around 20% of total fuel in NZ, we thought it was timely to take advantage of this initiative to enable our drivers and vehicles to become more fuel efficient and reduce our carbon emissions.

Tomoana Warehousing is pleased to announce that our drivers have successfully completed the EECA course with excellent results.

This was achieved with the assistance of EECA representative, Jim Pollard, of Fleet Focus who introduced the initiative to management and administrative staff and continues to provide ongoing support to ensure we meet our desired results. Alongside Jim, we had Tony and Les Newth of Commercial Road Skills who traveled from Auckland to deliver the Safe and Fuel Efficient Driving New Zealand (SAFEDNZ) driver training programme which assessed each drivers current driving styles and then taught them the EECA style of driving.  We found both the experience and knowledge of both of these driver trainers to be a great synergy which enabled our drivers to successfully reap the benefits of this course.

A lot of positive feedback was well received from our drivers including comments around the new driving techniques acquired to not only improve fuel consumption, but also improve overall health and safety through making slight adjustments to existing driving habits.

We feel that this programme will be of a great benefit to our fleet and look forward to seeing the great results in practice in the New Year.