Fuel is a major expense. Because it is a variable cost, meaning it can fluctuate and be challenging to predict, trucking companies are always looking for ways to improve fuel economy to help keep costs down. Read the information below and ask yourself if there are actions you can take to improve your driving skills and save fuel.
FACTORS THAT AFFECT FUEL ECONOMY
ENVIRONMENT
Adverse weather, like snow and ice, can negatively affect fuel economy. The weather is out of the driver’s control, but how the driver reacts to adverse weather can help minimize wasteful fuel consumption.
EQUIPMENT
Under-inflated tires affect fuel economy over time; decreased fuel economy equates to wasted gallons. In addition, using the wrong type of tire, like high-traction treads, on highway trips during summer months can negatively impact the truck’s miles per gallon (MPG) average.
PERSONAL BEHAVIORS
Speeding wastes fuel and reduces your MPG average. Speeding also wears out equipment faster (ex. tire degradation). Aggressive driving, like speeding and drafting, are risky behaviors that each driver can control. In addition, driving in a lower gear and laboring the engine in top gear on hills increases fuel consumption.
TIPS TO IMPROVE FUEL ECONOMY
slow down
Reduce speed 2-3 mph below the flow of traffic, not to exceed the posted speed limit. Slowing down will not only help save fuel but also make it easier to maintain proper following distance by reducing the need to constantly slow down and speed up.
MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT
Conduct pre-trip inspections to check for under-inflated or damaged tires. Service equipment regularly to keep the engine properly lubricated, align axles properly, and repair other issues that affect fuel economy.
MINIMIZE IDLE TIME
Use an auxiliary power unit to run your climate controls and electrical devices when taking breaks. This can help reduce fuel consumption.
PLAN ROUTES BETTER
When programming your GPS, look for the shortest route but also consider routes that may involve less stopping and starting, such as areas with heavy traffic congestion. Even if an alternate route is longer, it may get you to your destination faster and burn less fuel.
REDUCE AERODYNAMIC DRAG
Do not draft other vehicles to reduce drag. This only increases the risk of a rear-end crash. Instead, use roof-mounted cab deflectors to redirect air over a trailer. Also, try to reduce trailer gap to allow air to flow freely around the vehicle, especially while at highway speeds.
Note: These lists are not intended to be all-inclusive.
The information in this article is provided as a courtesy of Great West Casualty Company and is part of the Value-Driven® Company program. Value-Driven Company was created to help educate and inform insureds so they can make better decisions, build a culture that values safety, and manage risk more effectively. To see what additional resources Great West Casualty Company can provide for its insureds, please contact your safety representative, or click below to find an agent.
© Great West Casualty Company 2020. The material in this publication is the property of Great West Casualty Company unless otherwise noted and may not be reproduced without its written consent by any person other than a current insured of Great West Casualty Company for business purposes. Insured should attribute use as follows: “© Great West Casualty Company 2020. Used with permission by Great West Casualty Company.”
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Great West Casualty Company does not provide legal advice to its insureds, nor does it advise insureds on employment-related issues. Therefore, the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds. Legal advice should always be sought from the insured’s legal counsel. Great West Casualty Company shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein.
