The Energy Information Administration (EIA) predicts lower national diesel fuel prices in 2013 by 10 cents lower than 2012, when it was $3.97. It also predicts that diesel fuel costs will be 9 cents lower in 2014 than 2013. This means they believe diesel fuel prices will average $3.87 a gallon in 2013 and $3.78 a gallon in 2014.
While your fleet fueling prices are going lower, they also believe consumption will be higher! Bold predictions, yes! Two things I know for sure; first, there will be lots of ups and downs in diesel fuel prices (view chart) no matter where they end up. Second, even if fleet fueling prices are lower, you still want to maximize your fuel costs.
So here are 5 tips to maximize fuel savings:
1. Monitor tire pressure. Each 10 psi that tires are underinflated reduces fleet fuel economy by 1%. Check tire pressure during pretrip. Tire pressure monitoring systems can monitor the pressure of each tire and through wireless communication, provide alerts of under inflated tires. This is even more important during these cold winter days.
2. Standardize powertrains to increase driver efficiency. If your drivers are always driving the same kinds of trucks with the same kinds of powertrains, they will become more efficient and it will improve your fuel economy.
3. Know your fuel program. Fuel card being used. In network and out of network of where your buying fuel. Drivers’ wages & time compared to mobile fueling. Buying diesel fuel at your leasing company. Information integration.
Let me give you 2 quick examples of what I have seen in the last month.
A very large company, with over 750 trucks, has a fuel card and has a deal with a truck stop chain. They only buy 40% of their diesel fuel at that truck stop chain. The rest of the fuel they buy at other truck stops with no discount or rebate. This company with proper management is missing out on at least $50,000 a month in fuel savings.
The other example is a company that has 250 trucks mostly delivering on a hub & spoke basis. Some trucks have 2 drivers in the cab. Most of the diesel fuel is bought at more expensive locations that don’t really cater to trucks of straight truck size or larger. They have never explored mobile fueling or card locks, both of which would save this operation close to $10,000 a month.
Time is tight for most people and sometimes things get overlooked by companies. Don’t let it happen to you. Take action! If you need help, let us help you.
4. Maintain fuel filters. Clogged filters make the engine run rough and work harder. Replace according to the manufacturer’s recommendation or maybe a little sooner. Yes, I realize that your diesel fuel filter budget might go up a little, but remember the diesel fuel that runs in your trucks today is not like it used to be. Of course it’s cleaner, but some areas it is ULSD, B2, B5, B11, Carb, LED (low emission diesel fuel), etc. Fuel is treated in the winter in certain parts of the country and untreated in others. All these things play with your fuel filters.
5. Use rounder mirror backs. Seems simple, but you still see the old-style flat West Coast mirrors for side views on trucks. The rounded back mirrors will further enhance airflow. What sticks farther out of the sides of your trucks then your mirrors? Let those mirrors cut through the air.
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