In the current scenario, the autonomous heavy truck fleet in Brazil has a worrying average age of 20.5 years (ANFAVEA, 2018). These older vehicles consume more fuel, emit excessive pollutants and offer less safety to drivers and other passersby, given the greater risk of breakdowns and accidents.

The National Transport Confederation (CNT) highlights the need for a national program to renew the heavy vehicle fleet. This ideal program would include special financing and the retirement of trucks that are more than 20 years old. The goal? Encourage the sector to make road transport more efficient, as newer trucks are more reliable and, most importantly, improve the working conditions of self-employed truck drivers. 

Grupo Vamos carried out a comprehensive study on the impacts of the Fleet Renewal Pilot Program they implemented. The project involved the purchase and scrapping of trucks that were more than two decades old, in addition to offering credit with lower interest rates than those charged on the market for truck drivers who were interested in purchasing a newer vehicle. The main focus was to improve drivers' quality of life, focusing on 3 main aspects: working conditions, health and financial situation.

It was possible to measure additionality in several aspects: 

Regarding working conditions, 64% was the increase in truck drivers in the treatment group who reported working 8 hours or less, an increase of 76.3% was reported in drivers' autonomy to choose the load transported, an increase of 56% in relation to safety of the truck, in addition to an increase of 47% in the perception of general improvement in working conditions. 

Aspects related to truck drivers' health were also positively impacted: 57% was the improvement related to satisfaction with rest/hours of sleep and 23% reported a perceived reduction in stress level  

Regarding financial conditions, the macroeconomic scenario had a negative impact, caused by the significant increase in fuel prices, increased inflation and other exogenous factors. However, the impact on the income of the treatment group was 21% lower, that is, the fleet renewal program cushioned the loss of income of the group benefiting from the program.

Our contribution was valuable in establishing the theory of change with the client, guiding indicators of crucial results and impacts. By measuring before and after purchasing the trucks, comparing the same indicators to a control group, we were able to technically prove the increase in the quality of work and income for program participants, compared to the control group. We are proud to support initiatives that not only improve the lives of professionals, but also have positive impacts on the environment. 

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