Fuel efficiency is becoming a big topic for CDL drivers and trucking companies, as diesel prices remain high, floating around $4.00 per gallon. Attention to fuel economy can make a major impact on your profits.
Aerodynamic Trucks = Better Fuel Efficiency
Are there companies beating the pavement to improve fuel efficiency on the newest models of Commercial Motor Vehicles (CMVs)? Sure, but is a truck upgrade a possibility or justified expense for every trucking company or driver? No, of course not! There are, however, steps you can take to make your existing truck more aerodynamic with accessories that affect drag and overall fuel efficiency. By making small improvements over time, you will see a major return on investment in the first year. Consider
- Aerodynamic mirrors
- Low rolling resistance tires
- Trailer gap reducers
- Tire pressure monitoring systems
- Side skirts
Keeping thorough and complete logs of your drivers’ miles per gallons and fleet fuel consumption can show you how quickly small changes can have a big impact.
Follow Speed Limits to Save Fuel
Did you know that reducing driving speeds by 10 mph can save you 1 mpg? This may not seem like a big number, but when you factor in how many miles you are putting on each truck, this can mean a major savings. Similarly, every mile per hour driven over 60 reduces your CMV’s fuel efficiency. Simply by following posted speed limits, and slowing down slightly, you can create fuel savings that will surpass distance and time lost.
Control Truck Idle Times
When your engine sits idle, it is using almost a gallon of fuel an hour. By limiting the time the engine idles, you are saving fuel and saving money. To help with this task, there are computer monitoring systems that watch idle time in addition to overall fuel consumption. Limit idle times!
Good Driving Practices & Regular Truck Maintenance
Driver inspections and routine maintenance on your fleet are important for controlling the costs of repairs and preventing extra down time for drivers waiting for their truck to be operational. It’s also a factor in increasing highway safety for all. Don’t underestimate the fuel savings gained from routine maintenance and driver inspections!
Making sure that each part of your rig is working properly makes your fuel go farther on every trip. Simply by keeping your tires aired properly and regularly checking air pressure can change your truck’s mpg. Any time needed repairs are ignored, you are looking at added expenses, and often this includes reduced fuel efficiency.
Similarly, by practicing good driving techniques, you can exert control over your rig’s fuel efficiency. Frequent or improper shifting and quick accelerations or braking can decrease your miles per gallon – these actions can actually increase your fuel usage by up to 30%!
And fuel efficiency isn’t the only way you can save money…
Office Tenders Saves You Time, and Time = Money!
With our comprehensive and customized services, Office Tenders can save you time spent on paperwork, which means more time on the road! Whether you are looking for fuel tax reporting, help with a new business startup or driver qualification file services, we can help! A couple of drivers or a large fleet, Office Tenders is here for you.
