Save fuel on your fleet operations in 2022 with these smart hacks.
The world runs on energy.
This is an obvious truth for many industries across the globe.
And if you’re a fleet owner or manage a fleet company, you know that with the rising costs of fuel, it becomes more and more important to keep a track of fuel utility and save it with practical approaches.
So, here are 10 different approaches to save fuel and drive efficiency for your fleet operations.
Let’s get to it.
1. Reduce vehicle idling time
When the vehicle or the truck is “idling”, meaning: when the engine is keyed but static, the vehicle is likely to utilize more fuel. So, turn off the engine when not on the road or when you’re parking or stop for a break.
Incorporate these instructions in the post-onboarding training modules to educate your drivers about the same.
While many truck drivers do this to get the engine up and running during winters, the counter effects outweigh the benefits.
2. Pay attention to driving patterns
Advanced fuel consumption tracking apps enable you to check and review the miles utilized and the fuel consumed by the vehicle.
If the vehicle is going long distances but utilizes proportionately less fuel, the overall consumption ratio is fair and efficient.
However, if the number of miles is reasonable but the fuel consumption is high, the overall fuel consumption ratio is unsustainable and requires you to review the vehicle’s performance.
3. Leverage connected transit experiences
Consider splitting a trip between different trucks if certain shipment destinations require your truck drivers to drive for longer hours. Long driving hours don’t just burn out the driver, but also the vehicle, which results in higher fuel consumption.
It would be ideal to split a long trip between two connected drivers to save fuel and improve operational efficiency.
Loading time and effort must also be considered for the same.
4. Make scheduled maintenance a priority
Sometimes, it’s not the shipment locations.
Sometimes, it’s just the vehicle.
If repairs are due for your truck, then it’s likely that the vehicle is going to rely less on its performance and more on the fuel to power it through long trips.
Consider a bi-weekly truck repair and maintenance schedule to make sure that everything is in optimal condition.
5. Monitor vehicle performance
Review the performance of your vehicle every month and check if the truck is delivering the required miles efficiently.
If a truck breaks down or experiences downtime, the vehicle is more likely to expend fuel.
You should also consider reviewing the make of the trucks to measure their performance. Advanced trucks with simplified motion technologies usually outperform older trucks.
6. Deadhead miles can be used productively
Before assigning the loading order to a truck driver, make sure that there are no deadhead miles (which is a casual case in the trucking industry). And if there is one, assign a second shipment en route home destination to avoid deadhead miles.
This helps you operate your fleet much more efficiently because there are no empty miles and the distance back home is worth the fuel consumed by the truck.
7. Don’t overload your truck
Every truck comes with a capacity.
Although heavy-duty, not all trucks are built to accommodate massive weights.
Check out this guide to understand the vehicle weights and the laws which restrict overloading your vehicles in each state.
It’s essential to note that an overloaded truck is going to move slower, which wears down the vehicle in the long term, requiring it to depend on excessive fuel for its performance.
8. Look for routes with less traffic
Stagnation pushes your vehicle to drink up the fuel. This is similar to idling. Avoid routes that require your truck to be stagnated on highways (or anywhere) for longer.
Choose alternative routes that permit heavy-duty trucks yet enable you to reach places faster.
Use advanced GPS and truck route software systems to find the best routes that allow your truck to utilize less fuel and help you reach the locations in time.
9. Evaluate tire pressure
Always inspect your trucks after every load trip, especially the tires and axles as they carry most of the weight.
If the tire pressure is off, the vehicle is likely to tremble or slow down, which puts more pressure on your engine. This could lead to not just increased fuel consumption but even accidents (which can be avoided with regular inspections).
10. Embrace electric trucks for short load trips
Be it fuel or alternative energy. Most industries are dependent on energy in some form.
The demand for fuel is only increasing to a level, where “regular” fuel utility might become unsustainable.
Hence, electric vehicles and alternative energy options are being embraced by emerging industries. The drive around sustainability begins with being resourceful and embracing the latest technologies, such as e-vehicles that are known to be more sustainable when compared to regular, traditional fuel-based vehicles.
Managing a fleet company is not easy. It requires a lot of effort to stay compliant.
Every good fleet company wants to stay compliant (and on the road).
And one cannot comply 100% unless you also address the HVUT tax-filing responsibilities.
2290 HVUT Form is a mandatory IRS vehicle information reporting form.
Every owner-operator, small truck business, and even a fleet company that operates trucks weighing 55,000 pounds or more is required to file a Form 2290.
Always be ready with the IRS-authorized HVUT compliance enabler – EZ2290.
EZ2290 enables:
- Quick and easy bulk data import
- Real-time TIN matching
- Dynamic form completion
- Automatic HVUT tax calculations
- Secure & encrypted eFile transmissions
- Free 2290 VIN Corrections
- Free Re-file for rejected returns
- Online options to pay your HVUT with convenience
- Priority 2290 tax support
And much more.
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