When you’re either driving a truck or operating a trucking company, it’s important to understand the importance of keeping fuel costs low.
And there are 2 major methods at your disposal to help accomplish this:
Choosing proper routes
Using proper scheduling techniques
You might be amazed by how these 2 strategies can help you to save even more money on fuel than you ever realized.
The cost of operating a trucking company is on the rise due to the increasing cost of fuel and inflation.
As the cost of fuel rises, the overall operating costs of a trucking company also increase, which affects their profitability.
Inflation, which leads to a general increase in prices, also impacts the cost of goods and services required to run a trucking business.
These rising costs put pressure on trucking companies to find ways to optimize their operations and remain competitive in the market.
Therefore, in this blog post, we’re going to show you 8 ways to keep your fuel costs low, through the use of proper routes and scheduling.
These steps can save you a lot of money and help to make your business even more profitable.
Let’s dive into it.
1. Avoiding Traffic
Choosing the right route can help truck drivers avoid traffic congestion, which can lead to idling and excessive fuel consumption.
For example, choosing an alternative route that avoids heavily congested areas during peak hours can help truck drivers avoid idling in traffic, ultimately leading to less fuel consumption and cost savings.
2. Optimal Speed
Proper scheduling allows truck drivers to maintain a consistent speed, which can lead to better fuel efficiency and lower fuel costs.
For instance, by scheduling deliveries during off-peak traffic hours when the roads are less crowded, truck drivers can maintain a steady speed, reduce the need to slow down and speed up frequently, and ultimately save money on fuel and other related costs.
3. Avoiding Hills And Steep Inclines
Truck drivers can choose routes that avoid steep inclines, which require more fuel to traverse.
The scientific principle behind this statement is that it takes more energy to move an object uphill against the force of gravity, which requires more fuel for a truck to climb a steep incline.
On the other hand, choosing a route with less incline reduces the energy required to move the truck, resulting in less fuel consumption and cost savings.
4. Fuel-Efficient Equipment
Proper scheduling allows trucking companies to invest in fuel-efficient equipment, such as aerodynamic trailers and low-rolling-resistance tires, which can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
The scientific principle behind this option is that the design of the equipment can reduce air resistance and rolling resistance, which results in lower fuel consumption and cost savings.
5 Alternative Fuels
Trucking companies can choose to use alternative fuels, or even electric vehicles, which can be cheaper and more eco-friendly than traditional diesel.
Scheduling ahead can really help you with this, because when you plan ahead 3 to 5 years, buying this kind of new equipment really gets easier and more realistic.
6. Use Of Technology
Truck drivers can take advantage of GPS systems and fuel-saving technologies, such as cruise control, which can optimize fuel efficiency and reduce fuel costs.
7. Reduced Idling Time
Proper scheduling can help truck drivers reduce idle time, which can result in significant fuel savings.
This can be especially true for avoiding busy bottlenecks at weigh stations, busy interstate exits, loading ramps, etc.
8. Avoiding Unnecessary Stops
By planning routes and schedules effectively, truck drivers can avoid unnecessary stops, reducing fuel consumption and saving money on fuel costs.
Of course, planning such routes requires a bit of strategy and forethought—which is why some companies just don’t do it.
But the extra time, effort, and energy can definitely equate to less waste, better profits, and all-around greater business success.
You can even save money by planning to stop at more truck-friendly hotels (like these) along your route—to save more money, time, and hassle.
Conclusion
There you have it!
8 simple steps that you can use to help you save money on fuel costs while operating your trucking business.
Equipped with these tips, you’re now ready to hit the road and lower those fuel costs.
You’ve got this.
