Fuel is the average trucking fleet’s largest expense. Knowing how to keep costs low to save at the pump is a must for any successful transport business since it’s one of the quickest ways to cut costs and increase profit margins. This article will look at a few of the many ways to manage fuel costs for fleets more effectively.
1. Take Advantage of Available Programs
The simplest way to save money on fuel is to sign up for a program that gives fleet drivers a discount on fuel. Individual truck stops often offer incentive cards, but there are also organizations that specialize in finding ways to save fleet drivers money at the pump. Take advantage of them.
2. Optimize the Fleet’s Routes
Taking the most efficient routes possible won’t make fuel less expensive, but it will help to conserve diesel by reducing how much of it drivers need. Telematics systems offer an easy way to optimize routes by gathering real-time GPS, weather, and traffic information to create routes with minimal idling time.
3. Monitor Driving Habits
Driving behaviors can have a substantial impact on fuel efficiency. Good habits like finding an optimum speed and using cruise control to stick to it can improve efficiency, while bad habits like speeding, harsh braking, and needless idling can waste fuel. Monitoring driving habits through telematics systems saves fuel and helps drivers practice safer habits.
4. Check the Performance of Fleet Vehicles
The quality of a fleet’s vehicles impacts how much fuel it uses as much as its drivers’ behaviors. Check to be sure that all fleet vehicles are being used appropriately. Heavier trucks may be necessary for towing extreme loads, but they’re less fuel efficient. If a smaller vehicle can handle the job, use that instead. It’s also important to invest in aerodynamic vehicles and high-quality tires that won’t deform against the ground, creating more resistance and decreasing efficiency.
5. Stay Up-to-Date With Fleet Maintenance
Poorly maintained vehicles aren’t as fuel-efficient as those that receive routine preventive maintenance. Performing routine checks of fluid levels and system operations is a must if fleet managers want to maintain optimal efficiency across all of their trucks. For larger fleets, it helps to have a system in place that will send alerts to drivers and fleet managers when it’s time for scheduled maintenance.
6. Clean Vehicles Regularly
While it may not make as much of a difference as routine preventive maintenance, keeping fleet vehicles clean helps to maintain optimal fuel efficiency. When dirt, oil, and grease build up on the outside of a vehicle, it adds weight and increases drag, reducing aerodynamics and negatively impacting efficiency. This is particularly true of accumulated snow and ice. Removing snow and ice regularly and running vehicles through a car wash once or twice a month can make a surprising difference.
7. Improve Security at the Pump
Unauthorized purchases are common throughout the transport world, and they can severely undermine a fleet manager’s efforts to control costs. Smart fuel cards can help. These cards enable fuel-only purchases and lock with a single click to protect against unauthorized use. They can be assigned to drivers or vehicles, and custom policies can be created for each employee.
Start Implementing Solutions Now
Trying to improve fuel efficiency across a fleet of large vehicles can feel like an overwhelming task. Simplify it by choosing one or two of the methods described above to cut back on fuel expenses and implementing them. Once they’re in place, add more until you’ve reached optimal levels of fuel efficiency.