In the transportation industry, your fleet’s fuel consumption is a major line item. Without proper due diligence, fuel costs can quickly rise, negatively impacting your profitability.  

Luckily, many of the steps you can take to keep your fleet’s fuel consumption down are fairly straightforward. If you want to ensure that your company’s fuel expenses are as low as possible, here are some tips that can help.  

Monitor Tire Pressure  

Tire inflation plays a significant role in fuel consumption. When the amount of air in the tire is at the right level, it makes the truck more fuel-efficient.  

Under-inflated tires can bunch. When this occurs, the engine has to work harder to get them to turn, burning additional fuel to make that happen. By adding air, that issue is resolved.  

As a bonus, proper tire pressure also extends the life of your fleet’s tires. By keeping it optimized, you’re saving on more than one front.  

Watch Speeds  

Following speed limits is critical for managing fuel consumption. When drivers speed on highways, they usually burn more fuel than those that don’t.  

Generally speaking, fuel efficiency starts to fall once a vehicle is going over 60 mph, give or take. While it’s perfectly acceptable for your drivers to follow speed limits if they are above that mark, going beyond the speed limit means more fuel is consumed than should be during that drive.  

Additionally, speeding can increase the number of sudden stops. This leads to more fuel waste, increasing your overall costs.  

Try Alternative Fuels  

In some cases, alternative fuel options can be a wise choice. If a truck is capable of using more than one fuel type, explore which option is the most cost-effective.  

For example, if your fleet is filled with flex-fuel vehicles, don’t automatically default to traditional gasoline. See if E85 (fuel that’s up to 85 percent ethanol) represents a better value.  

It’s important to note that alternatives like E85 may not be widely available in all areas. However, it’s usually possible to identify locations where it can be used with ease. If it optimizes fuel consumption in your vehicles, you can instruct drivers on routes that have easy access to the alternate fuel to use it instead.  

Check Drag-Reducing Devices  

Drag-reducing devices like roof deflectors can only do their job if they are in the proper position. Even if they were installed correctly, these devices can shift over time and are subject to wear-and-tear damage. Plus, they may occasionally experience impacts, such as being hit by flying road debris or hail during a storm. Ideally, you want to check all drag-reducing devices regularly to ensure they are in good repair and the proper position.  

If you don’t use drag-reducing devices, consider adding them to your fleet. Many can significantly improve fuel efficiency, allowing you to reduce overall consumption and keep your costs down.  

Optimize Your Fleet With The Right Drivers 

PTS® offers both temporary and long term driver staffing solutions to best fit the needs of your fleet.  Our service fees include driver wages and background screening, worker’s compensation insurance, and more.  Contact our team for your driver leasing needs, or visit our talent showcase to request a driver today!