Truck fuel is a significant expense for any fleet. Reducing the amount of fuel used can result in substantial savings.
Although Statista Diesel per Liter Reports indicate diesel prices were 22 percent lower in June of 2020 than at the same time last year, fuel expenses still make up a significant portion of fleet operational expenses.
The wise fleet manager is proactive about saving their fleet money across the board regardless of economic fluctuations. You want to do everything possible to reduce expenses every day.
The following are five timely tips you can implement to reduce fuel expenses.
#5 — Use the Right Vehicle to Get the Job Done
Consider the engine size, power, and torque when assigning a load based on its weight could be essential to fuel economy.
Choosing a vehicle with a smaller engine and less torque could use more fuel if it strains to carry the weight.
Likewise, using a bigger vehicle because it is available might cost more in the long run. It’s up to you to balance availability versus expense. It might be beneficial to wait a few hours or even a day for a smaller vehicle to carry the cargo if possible.
#4 — Driver Behavior & Training
Speeding not only leads to traffic tickets and Compliance, Safety, & Accountability (CSA) points, reducing speed from 56 to 50 can result in a five percent fuel savings. Five percent might not seem like much, but across the fleet, it can be substantial.
#3 — Better Trip Planning
Planning trips to avoid heavy traffic and longer routes can significantly save on fuel usage. Training drivers to use apps to plot their trips can save time and money. Plus, when they use the shorter route, it cuts down on speeding.
#2 — Monitor Fuel Usage Versus Milage
Not saying that any of your drivers would make unauthorized fuel purchases or steal fuel, but if you are monitoring fuel usage and averages across the fleet, you know exactly where the money is going. When a driver is using a much higher fuel allocation than average, it could be that they are doing something deceptive.
#1 — Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance is where most fleets realize the most saving both in fuel expenses and reduced break downs. Maintaining proper air pressure and fluid levels alone can save fuel.
Something as trivial as under-inflated tires can cost you four or five cents per fill-up across the fleet. Preventive maintenance ensures well-maintained engines that use less fuel and fewer breakdowns.
Talk to the Professionals at Ultimate Fleet Repair
Call us to set up a schedule, (651) 454-8775. Use our contact form and schedule your fleet’s preventive maintenance.
