Fuel Saving Tips For Fleet Managers

   Fuel expense is the number one expenditure in any type of trucking business no matter the size. I have several fuel saving tips that may be helpful in protecting your companies bottom line. If you are the owner of a single truck operation or a fleet manager at a much larger transportation business the fuel saving tips I suggest may very well help in saving thousands of dollars per/year.


   In no particular order there are many actions you can take to save fuel in a trucking operation. Institute a tire program that includes proper rotation and more importantly correct tire inflation. Each tire that is under inflated by 10% can reduce fuel economy by about 3.3 %. When purchasing tires keep in mind that ones that have the least rolling resistance will save the most fuel. Did you no that worn tires get better fuel economy than new tires by approximately 7%?


   Setting an idle shutdown on every truck in the fleet at about 6 min will ensure that precious fuel isn’t being consumed while the engine idles. A big rig burns about ½ gallon of diesel per/hour, which can really add up in larger fleets. You should also install or program engines to be governed at a top speed of 62 mph. Your drivers may not like this reduced speed limitation but in most states the commercial truck speed limit is only 55 mpg.


   Have you ever heard of air tabs? There are a couple of companies that manufacture a stick on plastic device that improves vehicle aerodynamics. These devices are placed 3 per-linear foot and have proven success-reducing drag on tractors and trailers.


   Another great tactic that has helped the company I work for save many thousands of dollars on fuel is to purchase diesel in lots locking in prices now on the assumption prices will rise dramatically in the future. This concept in fuel purchasing is not unlike trading futures for corn or any other commodity. Just be careful because buying fuel in lots can backfire as well, when the fuel prices begin to fall you may end up paying more for the fuel that has previously 
been locked in at a higher price.


   The way that your drivers operate the vehicle is huge in saving or wasting fuel. We know that we have controlled the speed issue with engine governors but lets look at shifting habits. It is proven that progressive shifting improves fuel efficiency. Basically progressive shifting is the act of up shifting into higher gears as soon as possible allowing the big rig to achieve maximum speed sooner; diesel engines are designed to produce more torque at lower rpm’s. Also when training your drivers to use progressive shifting techniques have them use cruise control when applicable road conditions allow. Cruise control saves fuel.


   I think I have offered some valid advice on how to increase fuel economy in trucking fleets, lets re-cap:


· Tires- Proper Inflation And Rotation
· Idle Shutdown Timers
· Air-Tabs- Increase Aerodynamics
· Purchase Fuel In Lots
· Progressive Shifting Techniques
· Cruise Control
· Use Of Engine Governors 


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