The next generation in road transport benchmarking

On Line Benchmarking (OLB) is seen as the next generation in benchmarking and is designed to allow operators to compare their performance with that of similar operators, instantly and anonymously for free. 

By benchmarking performance, operators gain a thorough understanding of how they are performing against best-in-class, are able to identify areas for improvement and ultimately improve the efficiency of their operation.

Registered OLB system users can access 18 key haulage performance indicators (KPIs), covering fuel, safety, vehicle utilisation, customer satisfaction and maintenance. Users also have access to an extensive options list of detailed external reporting, enabling them to drill down into benchmarking of vehicles operating in similar geographies and sectors.

Click on table to enlarge

 MPG 

An aggregated historical summary of overall MPG KPI performance for all OLB participants for each vehicle type to date (to end-July 2010) illustrating, as would be expected, that the lower the MPG, the heavier the vehicle type, within each of the artic and rigid categories

 CO_² 

A KPI that reports the average monthly total carbon emissions per vehicle type; illustrating, for example, that articulated 40- to 44-tonne vehicles are averaging a total carbon emissions figure of just over 9,200kg per month. This is the highest emitter of carbon across all vehicle types measured, and to be expected for vehicles that traditionally cover the longer distances, in terms of freight travel.

 This figure is directly correlated to the total fuel consumed per vehicle, using the standard Defra model of 2.64kg per litre of diesel fuel consumed.

Incidents per 100,000km

This KPI reports on the average number of incidents (accidents) reported for each vehicle type, where there is damage to vehicle, property or people, and pro-ratas according to 100,000km travelled. For example, if one incident incurred and 10,000km had been travelled by a vehicle, then the KPI output would be 10 for that vehicle.

This month’s figures demonstrate that smaller, rigid vehicle types in the 7.5- to18-tonne gross vehicle weight (GVW) bracket are experiencing the highest rate of incidents reported, which could, perhaps, be explained by their use in predominantly more urban areas – lower distances travelled, but greater exposure to incident risk.

Empty distance %

A KPI reporting on the average empty distance travelled for each vehicle type, according to empty distance running data entered into the OLB system, as a % of the overall distance travelled per vehicle.

 It is interesting to note that artic 40- to 44-tonne vehicles are currently reporting a 27% empty distance running figure, which is close to the historically reported 25% average for general haulage operators.

As a further comparison with the July OLB empty-running figures, a published interview with Stobart Group CEO Andrew Tinkler suggested that for Stobart, 15% of its running costs are for empty miles.

Average vehicle weight (as operated) %

This KPI offers reporting on the average vehicle weight for each vehicle type at average full payload, as a % of the GVW limit for each vehicle. For example, if operating a 44-tonne artic tractor-trailer combination, and on average full payload is 40 tonnes, then the KPI output would be 91%.

This month’s figures suggest that all vehicle types currently being measured in the OLB system are reporting less than ideal GVW utilisation figures of 48-73%. However, consideration must also be given to the type of cargo being carried – that is, if the vehicle volumes-out with cargo before the GVW limit is reached.

On Line Benchmarking can be accessed via www.freightbestpractice.org.uk/benchmarking  

Data courtesy of Freight Best Practice, analysis by Scott Hardy
Hardy is a Principal Consultant within the Sustainable Transport Group at AECOM. 
A primary client is the UK Department for Transport for which AECOM is responsible for managing various transport-related programmes, including Freight Best Practice, which is an operational efficiency programme tailored to the road freight industry.