3 Tips for Improving the Efficiency of Your Truck Fleet

28 September 2016
 Categories: , Blog


Since tractor trailers are on the road for long stretches of time and often cover great distances, these are the ideal types of commercial vehicles to do an efficiency assessment. By improving the efficiency of your truck fleet, you can reduce maintenance, repair, and fuel costs.

Consider Alternate Fuel Sources

Changing from a traditional diesel truck may not make much of a difference for local or regional jobs, but when your trucks make deliveries across the country, an alternate fuel source may be more economical. One option is semi-trucks powered by hydrogen fuel cells. Although the initial investment is more than that you would make with a traditional semi, the savings in diesel costs over the lifespan of the vehicle will make it a more efficient and economical option. Other advantages include fewer fill-ups, and that saves you time when you are delivering your load. Switching from diesel may also reduce the risk associated with combustion of the fuel tank in the event of an accident.

Be More Strategic About Rest Stops

Making a better decision about rest stops for your truckers can also improve the efficiency of your vehicles. A typical rest stop may have little more than some basic amenities, with your truckers relying on their vehicle itself for comfort. When you consider the usage of air conditioning, heat, and running any appliances, this all requires fuel. It may be more economical and less demanding on your vehicles to schedule rest stops at an inexpensive hotel than a traditional truck stop. Not only are you reducing demand on your fleet, but your truckers may rest more comfortably before another day of driving.

Take the Scenic Route

Time is money when it comes to delivering a load on time or ahead of schedule, but often the shortest route is more demanding on your fleet and consumes more diesel. Whenever possible, consider a longer, less demanding route. For example, steep hills and mountainous terrain may be a faster route for your vehicles, but your fuel economy is drastically reduced. Additionally, the same route will place more of a demand on both your engine and wear down your tires faster. Another drawback of taking a popular, shorter route is that everyone is taking the same route. This can translate into more delays. If your fleet is often stuck in traffic, you may not save any time at all and will be constantly wasting fuel while idling or in stop-and-go traffic.

Reducing the overall repair costs of your fleet begins with strategies for reducing demand on your trucks and enhancing fuel economy. A few strategic moves can help you meet your delivery demands while saving your company money.


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