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A well-trained driver is the most effective tool to cut your operation's fuel consumption, according to Leigh Pomlett, Ceva Logistics UK and Ireland executive vice president.

Pomlett believes that although there are many techniques and products that can assist in improving mpg, it's ultimately the driver that has the greatest influence on a vehicle's fuel economy.

He says: "Our fuel consumption is down by 7% over the  past 12 months through a combination of fleet management, greater cost awareness and effective driver training.

"Ceva UK has driver training much higher on the agenda than previously. We have our own in-house Driver Standards Agency instructors plus we are accredited for the new Driver CPC qualification," he adds.

Pomlett believes that in a rapidly evolving industry, drivers are becoming more aware of fuel consumption, not only from a cost-saving perspective, but from an environmental one as well.

"As the world changes, carbon footprints become almost common parlance with our industry. Drivers take this personally and more seriously than in previous years and managers and drivers feel more accountable for the amount of carbon emissions and mpg," he says.

"Coupled with training and efficient driving techniques, this new thinking has lead to improvements and a 7% reduction in fuel usage."

Along with fuel savings, Ceva has also improved its truck utilisation  by 17% this year by centralising its planning operations and implementing tougher management controls on performance.

Pomlett adds: "Our trucks are working a lot harder than they were previously and there's more double-shifting, for example.

"We've downsized our fleet during the recession so even though there's slightly fewer trucks than before, they're spending more time on the road carrying more loads."

Ceva believes that improving truck and site utilisation has helped it take on what it terms distress business.

Pomlett says: "We've managed to pick up distress contract wins where a customer has come to us with a real problem. We're good at responding to these challenges at short notice."