As the global population grows, the demand for transported goods follows. You can maximize the efficiency of your truck fleets, improving business by decreasing their general costs. While many maintenance and part prices remain consistent, fuel varies from day to day.

A fleet owner can decrease unnecessary costs by reducing their trucks’ fuel reliance. When they enhance the efficiency of transportation, they may increase their profits. There are nine ways employers can reduce their fleets’ fuel usage.

1. Reduce Idling

Even when trucks are idling, they continue burning fuel. Researchers found vehicles waste nearly a half gallon of fuel at a standstill with the engine running. Fleet drivers can conserve energy by turning their trucks off when stopped.

Reducing idling time can also enhance an engine’s longevity, reducing general wear. The fewer hours a truck spends burning fuel, the longer it will last. Preserving an engine also improves fleet owners’ savings over time.

2. Replace Old Vehicles with New Versions

Vehicle manufacturers have a new focus on fuel efficiency. They are developing trucks with better mileage to decrease emissions and transportation costs. Fleet owners can reduce their fuel use by swapping out older vehicles for newer, more efficient versions.

When purchasing new trucks, owners should thoroughly check the engine for efficiency flaws. They can also search its VIN, evaluating its service history and other necessary details. If a vehicle’s engine is well maintained, it should use less fuel than a worn version.

3. Use Alternative Fuels

Individuals can also decrease their reliance on diesel by adopting alternative fuel sources. Some vehicles accept biomethane compressed natural gas (CNG) and biodiesel, which are significantly more cost-effective than diesel. CNG is currently $2.19 a gallon, and biodiesel is $2.82.

Today, diesel is nearly $3.35 a gallon, increasing transportation costs. Owners can lower their fuel usage by switching a portion of their trucks to alternative power sources.

4. Practice Regular Vehicle Maintenance

Professionals can also decrease their fleets’ fuel reliance by enhancing their gas mileage. Practicing regular vehicle maintenance may effectively improve a vehicle’s efficiency. During the process, workers add low friction lubricants to the truck, limiting fiction-derived fuel waste.  

Greasing the axles and upgrading defective parts may also improve the efficiency of a vehicle. The easier it is to run a truck, the less fuel it uses. Owners can set up alerts, ensuring they meet all regular maintenance requirements.

5. Train Drivers for Fuel Efficiency

Speeding and aggression on the road wastes gas. When drivers engage in reckless habits, they can decrease their mileage by up to 30% on the highway. Aggressive driving in stop-and-go traffic can lower one’s mileage by up to 40%.

Sensible drivers that follow traffic laws can save money on fuel over time. Fleet owners can train their employees, limiting inefficient transportation habits.

6. Reduce Loads

Truck drivers may notice a decrease in fuel efficiency when transporting heavy goods. The extra weight places pressure on the engine, increasing its use of fuel. Drivers can increase their savings by carrying lighter loads.

They may disperse a shipment between vehicles on the same route, increasing their mileage. Employers can map out similar routes to help drivers share jobs using less fuel.

7. Check Tire Pressure

Individuals can also lower a fleet vehicle’s fuel usage by maintaining recommended tire pressure rates. A car traveling 40 miles per hour (mph) with the optimal pressure receives 57.5 miles to the gallon. When the pressure decreased by 50%, the fuel economy dropped to 51.7 miles per gallon.

When fleet owners keep their trucks’ tires at the recommended pressure, they can reduce fuel waste. They can also map out tire inflation stations on a driver’s route to increase their access to higher efficiency rates.

8. Reduce Mileage

Professionals can also decrease a truck’s fuel use by limiting the miles it travels. They may track the most direct routes, reducing extra transportation. Fleet owners can also track drivers’ stops, ensuring the efficiency of their travel methods.

9. Reduce Warmup Time

Many drivers believe it takes a few minutes for a truck’s engine to warm before they can travel. Researchers found vehicles need around 30 seconds to warm before driving in the winter. In the summer, the time decreases.

Professionals can decrease fuel waste by educating their drivers about warmup times. They can place signs within their vehicles, reminding drivers to reduce all idling time.

Education is Essential

Small business owners have more control over their truck fleet drivers because they can personally train them. Educating your employees about all aspects of fuel efficiency may increase their willingness to reduce waste. When a company works together to decrease its fuel usage, it can successfully expand its savings.