Over the past several weeks, the steady climb of fuel prices has the transportation and consumer industries abuzz with rumors of prices hitting as high as $5 per gallon at the pump in 2012.
Article after article is citing the rising cost of fuel – various factors have been explored – from the potential conflict in Iran, to the increasing demand for fuel, to more expensive seasonal formulations of gasoline and diesel. What fleet owners can’t ignore is that the price of fuel has historically increased, year over year – with significant spikes along the way, making for a bumpy ride. You can view the increasing fuel price trends here.
So, what can you do in the face of fuel increases and constant volatility? Many companies are turning to vehicle routing software to help decrease their mileage, optimize their fleet’s routes, and reduce fuel consumption overall. Vehicle telematics solutions can help to identify idling problems, assist with fuel-saving driving behaviors, and preventative maintenance issues, saving time and money.
In addition to investing in transportation logistics and route optimization software, you can also check out the following fuel-saving tips below:
- Plan and optimize your route, then compare the plan with the actual data to make sure the plan is being followed
- Reduce idling – train your drivers to turn the vehicle off at each stop. Telematics devices can help track vehicle idling
- Avoid speeding- even going 5-10 miles per hour over the speed limit can cost money when it comes to the pump
- Investigate alternative fuel options or hybrid vehicle replacements
- Manage driving behavior – try to have your drivers avoid a lot of stop and start movement or harsh-braking events
- Adhere to a regular vehicle maintenance schedule to make sure you are getting the most out of your vehicles (i.e. tires are at the proper inflation levels, etc)
- Remove anything from the truck that is not necessary, to help reduce the weight
And remember, Roadnet’s experienced fleet management team is available to help you by conducting an operational analysis of your fleet and vehicle routing and scheduling practices. Contact us to learn how you can save today.
