Llame al (888) 572-7520 para hablar con un agente
Enviar mensaje a un agente
From avoiding idling to reducing the use of heating systems, implementing these strategies can lead to fuel savings of up to 30%.
Road transportation in the U.S. spends approximately $105 billion annually on diesel fuel, according to data from Global Trade. This consumption accounts for up to 20% of operating costs—second only to wages—making fuel cost reduction a top priority for fleet managers.
To achieve this, it is essential to educate and train drivers in strategies and behaviors that promote lower fuel consumption. From avoiding idling to reducing the use of heating systems, implementing these strategies can lead to fuel savings of up to 30%, increasing average fuel efficiency from 6 to approximately 8.5 miles per gallon per vehicle.
Why is fuel savings important?
In addition to cost reduction, improving fuel efficiency brings other key benefits:
- Environmental responsibility
- Extended vehicle lifespan
Given the volatility of fuel prices, implementing effective fuel-saving strategies is crucial for maintaining both profitability and business sustainability. Reducing fuel consumption helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, enabling companies to meet environmental goals and regulatory requirements. Additionally, efficient driving and proper maintenance reduce vehicle wear and tear, extending the lifespan of trucks and decreasing repair costs.
Fuel-Saving Strategies
1. Avoid speeding
Speeding is the behavior that most increases fuel consumption. For instance, driving at 75 mph can consume 27% more fuel than driving at 65 mph. To prevent this, drivers can simply monitor their speedometers or rely on fleet management systems to track and manage driving speeds.
2. Reduce aggressive driving
Aggressive driving, including frequent hard braking and rapid acceleration, significantly increases fuel consumption. While studies vary, avoiding these habits can save between 5% and 10% in fuel. Though heavy trucks benefit less than light vehicles, aggressive driving remains one of the leading causes of fuel waste.
3. Minimize idling time
According to data from Tech.co, heavy-duty trucks consume approximately 0.8 gallons of fuel per hour while idling, leading to substantial costs—especially during long stops. This practice burns around 1.1 billion liters of fuel annually and increases both emissions and engine wear.
4. Keep the vehicle properly tuned
Keeping the engine tuned and the vehicle well-maintained can help save fuel, although recent data suggests the gains may be modest. Regular oil and filter changes are key to maintaining performance. Tire maintenance also plays a role: properly inflated tires can lead to fuel savings of 2% or more over time.
5. Improve operational efficiency
Transportation experts agree that the greatest source of waste in road transport is operational inefficiency. This is especially critical for multi-stop delivery trucks, where poor route planning results in major losses. Using routing and dispatch software—available in many fleet management systems (FMS)—allows for automated decision-making and more efficient routing, significantly reducing daily fuel consumption.
6. Limit use of heating and air conditioning
Air conditioning use can increase fuel consumption, though its exact impact on trucks is not clearly established. In passenger cars, fuel efficiency can drop by up to 3% when using A/C, so it is reasonable to assume a similar effect in trucks. Overall, moderate use of climate control systems has a minor impact on fuel use but should still be managed carefully.
By implementing these strategies, fleets can achieve a significant reduction in fuel costs. While these are routine and seemingly small actions, they are essential for making a meaningful difference and enhancing operational efficiency.
What is the new TIFIA plan to make infrastructure financing easier in the U.S.?
The Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) aims to modernize roads across the country. From now on, all types of eligible projects will be able to finance up to 49% of their costs, a significant increase from the previous cap of 33% for most cases.
Top fleet manager’s concerns: safety, compliance, and cost control
The J.J. Keller Center for Market Insights recently published a study on the top concerns of today’s fleet managers. The J.J. Keller Center for Market
NRII temporary exemption granted by the FMCSA
The FMCSA announced on July 14 an exemption to the new NRII rule to facilitate the transition. On June 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation
Flash Floods Shut Down U.S. Roads: Infrastructure Fails Amid Extreme Weather
A violent storm slammed the U.S. Northeast on the night of Monday, July 14, triggering devastating flash floods across New York and New Jersey
Grand Canyon Lodge Burned Down Amid Ongoing Southern U.S. Flood Recovery
The United States is facing a summer kickoff marked by simultaneous emergencies. In the West, wildfires have forced the full closure of the North Rim of Grand Canyon National Park. Meanwhile, in the South and parts of the East, widespread flooding has submerged highways, closed key transport corridors, and left entire communities under water. The combined impact is putting pressure on logistics systems, disrupting both tourism and the movement of goods and services.
Road rage spikes during summer: beware and be safe
Stress behind the wheel, combined with extreme heat that makes us more irritable, can lead to more than just frustration: it can trigger road rage.
Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. California time