It’s no surprise that one of the largest
costs for companies maintaining fleets is fuel. With fuel prices changing so
sporadically it is difficult to forecast how much you will spend month over
month, or worse, week to week.
Just this week, diesel prices shot up
nearly 10 cents to $4.022, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information
Administration (EIA). The 9.5 cent gain represents the largest weekly increase
since the price moved up 6 cents to $4.034 the week of November 11, and it is
the first time weekly prices topped the $4 per gallon mark since reaching
$4.027 the week of December 3.
For fleets that are looking to avoid pain
at the pump, here are nine helpful tips:
1-Train drivers to practice fuel efficient
driving techniques – Speed is the largest single factor impacting large truck
fuel economy. Simply reducing speed from
65mph to 55mph can result in a significant improvement in miles per
gallon. Gradually easing into the speed
limit versus faster acceleration is also another way to use less fuel. Learn
more about fuel management in our Pro-TREAD driver training program, including
a specific module on fuel management.
2-Specify fuel efficient equipment – New engine
technologies, improved aerodynamics, and weight-saving designs are available to
improve the fuel economy of today’s fleets.
Natural Gas Vehicles are also an attractive alternative to mitigate fuel
cost volatility. Natural gas costs as much as 42 percent less per equivalent
gallon of diesel.
3-Plan Routes Around Traffic Patterns –
Knowing current traffic patterns can help drivers avoid congested areas. Less
deceleration and acceleration means less fuel consumed. It’s also important to
check routes for possible construction projects, as they usually cause delays.
4-Improve tire maintenance – Correct tire
pressure, alignment, and frequent tire maintenance have a significant impact on
fuel economy. Have drivers check for
visual defects before starting their work each day and use the recommended
inflation pressure provided by the tire manufacturer.
5-Use side skirts on your Fleet – Installing
side skirts on your van and refrigerated trailers and can minimize the drag
produced by air swirling under the trailer. This will further increase fuel
efficiency.
6-Implement an ongoing preventive maintenance
program – A well-maintained vehicle is a more fuel efficient vehicle. Make sure your fleet is on a scheduled
maintenance program for even the most routine care to optimize performance.
7-Leverage technology – Take advantage of new
telematics and onboard diagnostics systems, which help fleet owners analyze
fuel purchases, optimize routes, and monitor idle time and vehicle performance
– all which mitigate rising fuel costs.
8-Optimize distribution networks – Establish
regional distribution centers to serve customers on demand and optimize and
consolidate routes. This will reduce the number of loads to require fewer trips
and less idling.
9-Consider a dedicated fleet solution –
Control routes, fuel consumption, and idle time with dedicated assets, drivers,
and strategic route planning.
Implementing these suggestions into your
fleet operation can help you save a lot of money on fuel, and free up some cash
flow to put back into your business. You will also be helping the environment
by reducing your carbon footprint.
Source:http://blog.ryder.com
