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Coaching Tips for Idle – 3 Levels

Q:

With idle occurring all the time, what is the best way to help my drivers reduce their idle?

A:

Trying to explain all the ways idle accumulates and telling the driver they must improve isn’t the most beneficial strategy. In short, what becomes focused on, becomes improved. Our path to improvement starts with the lowest hanging fruits, and we progress in one area at a time. When you focus on one area, it allows the driver to focus on correcting specific behaviors in small fragments.

  1. Does this driver and/or unit have “PTO hours”? As a reminder, the CyntrX device records PTO hours off the ECM when a driver overrides the Idle Shutdown Timer through manipulation of the cruise pad. Inform your drivers this is not a company-approved practice and should be eliminated immediately. If necessary, we can provide detailed reports showing when these events happen (the warehouse personnel may be triggering this at night when the driver is not present).
  2. Once improvement opportunity #1 has been eliminated (or significantly reduced), we then focus on eliminating any idle of 9 minutes or greater. We can provide this detail for specific vehicles, when necessary, in order to help with coaching discussions.
  3. The last improvement opportunity is the actual focus of driving habits and anticipating traffic lights. This includes start-up procedures involving stops, as listed below.

Poor Idle Habits

1. Gets in the truck
2. Starts the truck
3. Checks next stop details
3. Checks/responds to emails, calls, and texts
4. Puts on seatbelt
5. Begins driving

Efficient Idle Habits

1. Gets in the truck
2. Checks next stop details
3. Checks/responds to emails, calls, and texts
4. Puts on seatbelt
5. Starts the truck
6. Begins driving

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