Fuel efficiency is a top concern for everyone in the transportation industry — from independent owner-operators to enterprise fleets. And as fuel costs continue to rise, drivers and fleet managers must take steps to reduce wasted fuel and conserve this liquid gold.
Let’s take a look at six ways fleets can save fuel and lower operational costs:
1-Reduce idling
Leaving the air conditioning running during a delivery or the radio on during lunch may seem small, but these expenses can quickly add up. It’s essential to train drivers so they can refine their habits to become more energy-efficient.
2-Avoid aggressive driving
Limiting quick acceleration, weaving in and out of traffic, and fast braking can save fuel, not to mention tires and brakes.
3-Eliminate unnecessary weight
Vehicles achieve better mileage when they’re not loaded with excess weight. Clean out any non-required tools and materials in your trucks to optimize fuel efficiency.
4-Stay on top of vehicle maintenance
Maintain correct tire pressure, make sure wheels are accurately aligned, keep air filters clean, and use good quality, energy-conserving oils to increase your vehicle’s fuel economy.
5-Park in the shade
Decrease the amount of fuel that evaporates and the amount of work the air conditioner must put in to cool the cab by avoiding parking in the sun.
6-Invest in a fuel management solution
Optimize visibility into engine performance, driving behavior, and fuel usage across your fleet to better control fuel consumption with Omnitracs Performance Monitoring.
Maximizing fuel efficiency directly relates to lower operational costs and an improved bottom line for fleets. To learn how Omnitracs Performance Monitoring can help you quickly identify and correct the behaviors that affect fuel consumption, visit our website.
