How to Keep Costs Down in Your Trucking Company
If you run a trucking company, you spend about 30 percent of your budget on gas and other fuel. To reduce this percentage and spend your money expanding your business, urge your drivers to follow these tips.
Avoid Unnecessary Fuel Use
When you’re driving, you can’t help using fuel. However, there are many opportunities to waste fuel when you’re not on the highway. Never leave your truck idling, even if you’re just filling up your gas tank. Not only is it dangerous to leave your engine on when you’re not behind the wheel, but it also uses a lot of fuel. Depending on the size of your vehicle, idling can use up to a gallon of fuel per hour. Similarly, don’t use your air conditioning or heat unless you absolutely have to. These systems both rely on your fuel source to run, and while you sometimes need them to avoid exposure-related health risks, you can usually just roll down your windows.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
By being aware of your surroundings, you reduce fuel consumption at your trucking company and keep yourself safe. Look out for speed limit changes so you don’t go too fast, since higher speeds use up more gas. Also, look at the road ahead of you to see if you need to change gears soon. These switches take up extra energy, so if you can avoid unnecessary or rushed changes, it’s better for your fuel consumption.
Take Care of Your Truck
Taking care of your truck means that it lasts longer, cutting down on repair and replacement bills. However, regular maintenance also keeps your truck from using up too much gas. When you fill up your tank, don’t fill it all the way up. Not only is overflow bad for your truck, your health, and the environment, but it also results in wasted fuel. Additionally, use synthetic rather than natural oil in your engine for better performance and fuel use. Finally, watch the level of air in your tires. If they’re not properly pressurized, your truck uses more fuel to go the same distance.
Running a trucking company comes with many expenses, including drivers’ wages, repair costs, and vehicle purchases. One of the biggest areas in your budget is fuel. To avoid unnecessary fuel use, go over these tips with your drivers at orientation. They also make your driving safer and more eco-friendly, so there’s no reason not to implement them.
