For nearly every business that operates work trucks, fuel is one of the largest and most volatile operating expenses. While you can’t control the price at the pump, you can significantly influence how much fuel your fleet consumes. Indeed, by focusing on a few key areas, you can implement changes that lead to substantial savings. These strategies go beyond simply telling drivers to ease off the accelerator and create a culture of efficiency.

Beyond Driver Behavior: The Role of Routing

Aggressive driving is a known fuel-waster, but inefficient routing can be just as costly. Modern routing software does more than just find the shortest path; it can optimize for the most fuel-efficient route. For example, these programs can reduce left turns, minimize time spent idling in traffic, and sequence stops logically to avoid backtracking. In addition, by integrating your routing with your telematics system, you can compare planned routes to actual routes taken, creating coaching opportunities for drivers and further refining your efficiency.

Tire Pressure and Aerodynamics: The Easy Wins

Two of the simplest yet most effective ways to save fuel are often overlooked. First, maintaining proper tire pressure is critical. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which means the engine must work harder and burn more fuel. Therefore, you should make tire pressure checks a mandatory part of every pre-trip inspection. Likewise, reducing aerodynamic drag on medium-duty trucks can yield surprising benefits. Installing aerodynamic components verified by the EPA’s SmartWay program can measurably improve miles per gallon ($MPG$) on highway routes.

Making Smart Choices at the Pump

A comprehensive fuel management program is essential. Using a fleet fuel card and management system provides detailed data on every purchase, helping you track consumption per vehicle and spot irregularities. Furthermore, these programs often provide discounts at specific fueling stations. You can use this data to identify your most and least efficient vehicles and drivers, which then allows you to target training or maintenance where it’s needed most. Ultimately, by combining smart routing, proper vehicle upkeep, and diligent fuel data analysis, you can achieve significant and lasting reductions in your fleet’s fuel expenditures.

Also read More Than a Paycheck: Keeping Your Best Drivers