Truckers at Nittsu Transport Service (M) Sdn Bhd have been trained on Eco and Safety Driving not only to save fuel but also the environment. This is in line with Nittsu's "Fuel Efficiency Improvement with Digital Tachograph System on Road Freight Trasportation" project (CDM Project 7455). To date they managed to reduce up to 893 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).

The drivers played their part in this effort through five factors that contributed to safe and eco driving. Those factors are speeding; engaging the correct gear; steady driving; no engine idling and driving within the permitted hours.

Speeding means driving at a consistently high speed. Constant braking and accelerating consumes a lot of fuel and also emits CO2. This relates to engaging the correct gear. Using the wrong gear for the wrong speed could also damage the engine besides resulting in high fuel consumption. Steady driving requires the driver to not accelerate or decelerate in a sudden manner while engine idling is altogether bad for fuel and environment, although we notice this happening once too often. Lastly, driving within the permitted hours will limit the time of these heavy vehicles plying the roads and emitting CO2.

Every month there a report and ranking of "good drivers" and "bad drivers" based on an evaluated performance score is generated. The good ones will receive incentives including monetary and recognition. Those who do not comply to the five requirements above will be singled out for counselling.

Nittsu General Manager Billy Tee said with the help of incentives of "penalties", drivers' consciousness towards safety and environment has increased, as well as the working environment at Nittsu. The CDM Project also allows the management to instantly trace the drivers' driving behaviours.