Some tips for drivers include:
• Fuel consumption increases dramatically as speed increases, so cruise control can be a great tool for speed management. On a truck with excellent aerodynamics, a driver can save up to 1.5 percent by driving 1.6 Kmh slower, and up to 8 percent by driving 8 Kmh slower. On a truck with less aerodynamic features, a driver can save up to 3 percent by driving 1.6 Kmh slower and up to 15 percent by driving 8 Kmh slower
• Throttling back 8 Kmh can result in a fuel savings of up to 15 percent
• Reduce stops
• Avoid idling
• Manage speed changes and routes
Environmental
Where you operate your trucks can also have a significant impact on fuel consumption.
Climate: Fuel efficiency improves about 2 percent with every 10 degree increase in ambient temperature. However, warm weather means that air conditioning is used more, which increases fuel usage. Chilly temperatures mean that trucks take longer to warm up, need to idle more, and create more aerodynamic drag due to increased air moisture and wind.
Route Planning: The route you travel can also have an impact on fuel. Traveling on flat major route highways as much as possible
– instead of mountainous roadways, suburban routes, or stopand-go urban streets – can save up to 165 percent on fuel. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic can use up to one-third of a tank. Plus, keeping track of road closures will avoid unnecessary idling, and traveling roads with less traffic can avoid frequent speed changes.
Fleet Management
The last factor to consider when looking for ways to keep costs down is fleet management. There are several easy business decisions you can make that reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Monitor your fuel usage. Use software to monitor L/100 km, and use engine data reports to understand what is affecting fuel economy. Also, remember to factor payload in your calculations: 1 percent for every 1,000 lbs. Make realistic delivery promises to your customers. By avoiding “run hard” situations in which your drivers need to deliver cargo quickly, you can improve fuel economy and safety. Another way to monitor logistics is to continually work with shippers to reduce loading and waiting times. Help drivers improve their habits, and keep them happy.
Consider offering an incentive or bonus to the drivers with the best fuel efficiency numbers. Another option is reducing the maximum allowable fleet speed. Keep all aerodynamics parts and devices maintained. Also, use maintenance tracking software to monitor the last time tires, filters, and other parts have been changed. Stay current on new industry technologies by keeping in touch with your dealer about new components and features that you can use to help your business be more efficient. The work truck experts at Sterling dealerships are always available to help you determine which technologies are right for your business.
• Fuel consumption increases dramatically as speed increases, so cruise control can be a great tool for speed management. On a truck with excellent aerodynamics, a driver can save up to 1.5 percent by driving 1.6 Kmh slower, and up to 8 percent by driving 8 Kmh slower. On a truck with less aerodynamic features, a driver can save up to 3 percent by driving 1.6 Kmh slower and up to 15 percent by driving 8 Kmh slower
• Throttling back 8 Kmh can result in a fuel savings of up to 15 percent
• Reduce stops
• Avoid idling
• Manage speed changes and routes
Environmental
Where you operate your trucks can also have a significant impact on fuel consumption.
Climate: Fuel efficiency improves about 2 percent with every 10 degree increase in ambient temperature. However, warm weather means that air conditioning is used more, which increases fuel usage. Chilly temperatures mean that trucks take longer to warm up, need to idle more, and create more aerodynamic drag due to increased air moisture and wind.
Route Planning: The route you travel can also have an impact on fuel. Traveling on flat major route highways as much as possible
– instead of mountainous roadways, suburban routes, or stopand-go urban streets – can save up to 165 percent on fuel. Sitting in stop-and-go traffic can use up to one-third of a tank. Plus, keeping track of road closures will avoid unnecessary idling, and traveling roads with less traffic can avoid frequent speed changes.
Fleet Management
The last factor to consider when looking for ways to keep costs down is fleet management. There are several easy business decisions you can make that reduce fuel consumption and costs.
Monitor your fuel usage. Use software to monitor L/100 km, and use engine data reports to understand what is affecting fuel economy. Also, remember to factor payload in your calculations: 1 percent for every 1,000 lbs. Make realistic delivery promises to your customers. By avoiding “run hard” situations in which your drivers need to deliver cargo quickly, you can improve fuel economy and safety. Another way to monitor logistics is to continually work with shippers to reduce loading and waiting times. Help drivers improve their habits, and keep them happy.
Consider offering an incentive or bonus to the drivers with the best fuel efficiency numbers. Another option is reducing the maximum allowable fleet speed. Keep all aerodynamics parts and devices maintained. Also, use maintenance tracking software to monitor the last time tires, filters, and other parts have been changed. Stay current on new industry technologies by keeping in touch with your dealer about new components and features that you can use to help your business be more efficient. The work truck experts at Sterling dealerships are always available to help you determine which technologies are right for your business.
Consider investing in APUs. Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) are generators that can be installed to run heat, A/C, and other electric-powered items without running a truck’s engine. They cost as little as $6-8,000, and based on fuel savings alone, they can pay for themselves in just over a year. Plus, many provinces and municipalities have anti-idling regulations, so APUs can help keep your drivers comfortable and out of trouble.
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