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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Use an auxiliary power unit to run your climate controls and electrical devices when taking breaks. This can help reduce fuel consumption.
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.
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.
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