When you operate a fleet of diesel vehicles, whether they are trucks, forklifts, or other types of construction vehicles, budgeting for fuel costs can be challenging due to price fluctuations. And yet it’s a nonnegotiable cost of doing business. The price of fuel can hit your bottom line, and it can affect your customers, too. When so much about the cost of fuel is out of your control, it’s essential to manage costs carefully when and where you can. Making sure the drivers and operators who run your fleet understand the basics—and the finer points—of fuel efficiency can be a game changer.
Fuel efficiency means your vehicles and equipment are operated in a way that reduces wasted fuel, without sacrificing power or performance.
Here’s what you need to know.
Regularly scheduled maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and engine tune-ups, can help ensure that your vehicles are running at their peak performance levels. Keeping your vehicles in good shape is not only good for fuel efficiency, but it reduces costly breakdowns and downtime for repairs.
Maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring wheel alignment will also improve performance, because vehicles won’t have to work as hard; that translates into fuel savings over the long term.
Another easy change is switching to synthetic oil. Synthetic oil has lower viscosity and helps reduce friction, which can optimize vehicle performance and enhance efficiency.
Teach your drivers efficient driving techniques. Simply practicing proper acceleration and braking, maintaining steady speeds, and avoiding excessive idling will significantly improve fuel efficiency. Consider developing an incentive program for your drivers based on fuel-efficient performance to encourage more eco-friendly and fuel-efficient driving habits.
If you don’t already do this, you will be surprised at the difference efficient route planning and vehicle utilization can make when it comes to maximizing fuel efficiency. GPS technology and route optimization software can help identify the most fuel-efficient routes and reduce unnecessary mileage. Optimizing vehicle load capacity and reducing empty trips can further improve fuel efficiency by ensuring that each vehicle is operating at maximum efficiency.
Diesel engines can face unique challenges in cold weather—and northern Vermont gets its share of frigid temps. Use winterized diesel fuel or an anti-gel additive to prevent the formation of wax crystals that can result from cold temperatures. Use block heaters or engine pre-heaters to keep the engine warm when parked, rather than prolonged idling, which wastes fuel and is not as effective.
If you’re fueling your fleet at retail gas stations, you can probably save money—and improve efficiency—by switching to fleet fueling.
Fleet fueling gives you the advantage of wholesale pricing and bulk fuel discounts. Plus, when you consider the cost per mile to operate each of your fleet vehicles, the cost to send them just a few miles out of the way to fuel up really add up! Onsite delivery removes those costs.
You’ll also receive detailed invoices (instead of gas station receipts that can get lost) so you can more accurately track your fuel usage to reduce waste.
Our team understands the importance of fuel efficiency—and we know how it affects your bottom line just like it does our own. Discover how our fleet fueling services deliver the power of diesel to your business.
Whether you need to fuel trucks, construction vehicles or farm equipment, Corse Fuels can help you get on the road to savings. Contact us for details today.