Fontana: 9 practical ways to improve your fleet's MPG

The average price of a gallon of diesel fuel was well over $5 in May, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In addition, fuel comprises a significant percentage of a fleet’s operating budget—more so now with spiking prices.

While fleet managers can take steps to buy fuel economically, they have very little control over the price of a gallon of diesel. However, there are steps they can take to get more miles from a gallon of diesel. Given today’s high fuel prices, that should be a priority.

1. Amp up driver training

Now is a good time to re-engage drivers to prioritize fuel economy. Despite today’s truck technology, drivers still have a significant influence on their trucks’ fuel economy. Things like speeding, hard braking, and hard starts consume fuel.

Remind drivers of their role in reducing fuel consumption, and consider incentivizing those who improve their MPG. The national average MPG is 6.91, but fleets that are hyper-focused on fuel economy regularly achieve 10-plus MPG. In addition, the SuperTruck 1 and 2 programs had trucks achieving 10.7-16 MPG. This proves that better fuel economy is possible.

2. Review engine parameters

Consider adjusting the electronic engine parameters for fuel economy. Myriad parameters can be set, and many of them can enhance fuel economy. Parameters can be used to control speed, reduce idling, and more. If you have already set parameters, check that they have not been reset or tampered with.

3. Reduce idling

The amount of time a truck idles is controllable. A typical Class 8 truck idles at approximately 0.8 gallons of diesel per hour. Look for ways to reduce idling without compromising driver comfort. Consider automatic engine shut-off mechanisms, timers that limit idle, and auxiliary power units. This is again a place where drivers can be incentivized with rewards for reducing the time they idle their trucks.

4. Slow down

Lowering speed without sacrificing productivity can result in fuel savings. An industry norm is that for every mile a truck is operated at more than 60 mph, a fuel economy penalty of 1/10 of a mile per gallon results. Fleets need to meet their commitments to customers, so ensure any speed reductions do not impact delivery windows. Also, keep in mind drivers’ hours of service when considering speed reductions.

5. Encourage the use of cruise control

Running in cruise allows the truck to maintain a steady speed, which is good for fuel economy. When a driver repeatedly accelerates and brakes, they waste fuel.

6. Optimize routing

Spend some time evaluating your current routing. Determine if you can alter driver routes to make them more efficient. Speak with customers to determine how willing they are to change delivery windows if those changes allow you to reduce empty miles.

7. Optimize back hauls

Examine opportunities to pick up freight once your drivers have completed their regular route. Hauling an empty trailer is costly, so take advantage of back hauls as they become available. Optimizing backhauls can help with your overall fuel economy.

8. Leverage telematics

There is a wealth of data captured by your telematics devices. Use that data to improve your operations and coach drivers who are not driving fuel-efficiently.

9. Focus on maintenance

Preventive maintenance not only ensures that trucks are safe to operate but also ensures they operate as efficiently as possible. Make sure all trucks are brought in for their regularly scheduled preventive maintenance service.

While fuel prices may be out of your control, following these simple tips should help you get more miles per gallon of diesel until fuel prices return to more normal levels.