Are you a truck driver or fleet business owner feeling the strain of high and unpredictable fuel costs? Finding ways to reduce fuel costs can help you save. From changing the way you drive to regular maintenance, there are many ways to reduce fuel costs and improve safety while on the road. In this blog we provide you with five tips that will help you save time and money. Let’s take a look!
Planning and Optimizing Routes
There are many benefits to optimizing routes and utilizing GPS, and the less you stop, the less gas your truck will consume. When you stop and start your truck, it drains more fuel than necessary. By planning your route ahead of time, you can find truck stops that offer better fuel prices. Also, GPS apps are designed for trucking companies with the best routes to save time and money.
Proper Maintenance of Vehicles
A regular maintenance schedule will ensure that your fleet will run properly, and you’ll be made aware of issues as they arise. This way, you can prevent further damage and avoid costly repairs. Be sure to have a consistent maintenance schedule, including tune-ups, oil replacement when needed, tire rotation, and more. In the long run, your truck or fleet will be more fuel efficient and safer out on the road.
Tire Pressure Matters
Checking your tire press will make a huge difference. Before you head out, ensure your tires are properly inflated. Improper inflation reduces fuel efficiency by up to 3%. This may seem minor, but it does make a difference in fuel consumption. Before you make any changes to your tires, consult with an expert. They will advise you on the best tire pressure and tires for your truck or fleet.
Driver Behavior and Training
Your driving behavior can affect gas consumption. Reducing speed, maintaining a steady pace, and avoiding excessive acceleration will help fuel efficiency. There are other simple changes to the way you drive that will help to conserve gas, including:
Reduce Idling
According to the US Department of Energy, a driver of a diesel-fueled vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds may not idle for more than five minutes at any time or location. When you idle more than necessary, it will drain your gas. To save money on gas, turn off your engine at quick stops and deliveries.
Decrease Your Speed
Speeding increases fuel consumption and may cause accidents and other potential issues. Being aware of your driving habits and reducing your speed by 5 to 10 mph can improve fuel economy.
Fuel Efficiency Incentive Programs
We encourage fleet owners to implement award programs to promote fuel efficiency. Weekly, monthly, or quarterly fuel-efficient training will help reduce fuel expenses in the long run. The training should cover ways to save on gas, like lowering speed, planning routes, and implementing cruise control when necessary.
Incentive programs are helpful and will motivate better driving behavior. There are many ways to reward good driving behavior, including compensation and recognition rewards, and business owners can implement these monthly or quarterly. Training your drivers and providing incentives to follow your fuel consumption guidelines will help conserve and save on overall costs now and in the future.
Fuel Purchasing Strategies
In addition to checking your tires, optimizing routes, and changing driver habits, there are other ways to reduce fuel costs. One of the ways that makes sense is buying fuel in bulk.
Buying fuel in bulk is more affordable for you and your business. It’s the better way to go because you’ll pay less per gallon. Make sure to find a reputable fuel supplier that can easily be reached and has multiple fuel sources.
Another way is utilizing apps to find cheaper gas solutions, like Waze, Gas Buddy, and Fuelio. Some of these apps also have the ability to track mileage and gas consumption.
Lastly, utilizing fuel cards is another way to save on gas. The savings card helps truck drivers, fleet business owners, and owner-operators get fuel discounts from a network of gas stations and other savings as well. Each fuel card company offers different options and benefits, so it’s good to research to find the one for your needs. Also, fuel cards are one of the best ways to monitor and control fuel consumption. This way, you can keep track of your spending habits and get discounts on fuel purchases from your membership.
It’s Time to Save on Gas and Insurance!
By implementing the five tips above, you’ll be on your way to improving fuel efficiency and a step ahead when gas prices unexpectedly increase. Optimizing your routes and consistently inspecting your vehicles will reduce fuel costs and improve safety measures. Finding the right insurance is another way to save money on your truck or fleet. Our insurance experts are here to guide you through the entire insurance process to ensure that your vehicle or fleet are properly insured with the best rate.
