One of the biggest expenses every trucking company must account for is fuel. One study suggests that fuel accounts for approximately 30 percent of every fleet’s total operating costs. It’s in every truck company owner’s interest to reduce how much is consumed with every haul. Here are some tips for limiting the amount they typically burn.

Observe Traffic

Many do not realize that gear changes eat up fuel. Truckers can reduce the number of gear shifts they make by anticipating traffic conditions. Instruct drivers to pay attention to travel announcements so they are able to limit how often speed adjustments are needed.

Avoid Idling

Leaving trucks idling creates unnecessary waste, costing approximately a gallon of fuel every hour. Mandate that drivers shut vehicles down whenever they leave their driver’s seat. Recommend that they switch engines off every time they get stuck in long bouts of traffic.

Don’t Overfill

Remind drivers that they must never push diesel tanks beyond their limits. Attempting to pump more gas in than they are designed to handle can cause a dangerous overflow of both fuel and expenses.

Obey Laws

The faster one drives, the more gas is consumed. It is tempting for truckers to violate speed limits so they arrive at destinations as quickly as possible. Inform them that breaking the law may not be worth the perceived reward. 

Check Tires

When tire pressure is off, it hurts fuel efficiency. Confirm with drivers that they are checking their tires at every weigh station. Besides saving on gas, having proper tire pressure helps prolong the tires’ lifespans by reducing unbalanced wear.

Limit A/C-Heating

Although they do not require much fuel, air conditioning units get their energy from fuel tanks. Tell drivers to turn off cooling systems when they move through lower-temperature environments. Encourage wearing heavy jackets and sweaters during the winter months. Have drivers remove outer layers when they get hot before turning their A/Cs on.

Go Synthetic

Synthetic oil may be more expensive but it is less prone to thickening in colder temperatures. Every time this happens, fuel consumption is negatively impacted. When it comes to investing in your trucking business, this is one of the wisest moves you can make.

Paying for fuel is a challenge for every trucking company. Thankfully, particular strategies can help reduce how much gets used. Let drivers know that they can have a direct impact on the amount of fuel that is needed and incentivize following these conservation ground rules.