Simple strategies can cut fuel usage,lessen impact of climbing fuel costs

Ryder System Inc. offers simple strategies to help businesses reduce fuel consumption and improve the efficiencies of their fleets and overall supply chains.

Operating practices that can be implemented immediately to improve the fuel efficiency of fleets include:

• Train drivers to practice fuel-efficient driving techniques — Simply reducing speed from 65 to 55 mph can result in an improvement in miles per gallon of up to 22 percent.

• Improve tire maintenance — Correct tire pressure, alignment, and frequent tire maintenance have a significant impact on fuel economy. Have drivers check for visual defects before starting their work each day and use the recommended inflation pressure provided by the tire manufacturer.

• Specify fuel-efficient equipment — New engine technologies, improved aerodynamics, and weight-saving designs are available to improve the fuel economy of today's fleets. Ryder recently launched a line of RydeGreen vehicles that include several “green” features designed to reduce fuel consumption, such as 2007 engine technology, an auxiliary power unit to reduce idling, frame-side fairings to reduce wind resistance, an automated direct drive transmission, and fuel-efficient drive tires.

• Implement an ongoing preventive maintenance program — A well-maintained vehicle is a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Consider outsourcing fleet maintenance to an experienced third-party provider, or at least put a fleet is on a scheduled maintenance program for even the most routine care.

• Leverage technology — Take advantage of new telematics and onboard diagnostics systems, like Ryder's FleetCare and RydeSmart.

Other strategies that help reduce fuel consumption and streamline a company's supply chain include:

• Integrate real-time inventory visibility in the warehouse — Leverage technology to streamline and improve accuracy of inventory levels and reduce unnecessary trips.

• Optimize distribution networks — Establish regional distribution centers to serve customers on demand and optimize and consolidate routes, reducing the number of loads to require fewer trips and less idling.

• Consider a dedicated fleet solution — Control routes, fuel consumption, and idle time with dedicated assets, drivers, and strategic route planning.

• Improve transportation management — Coordinate supplier shipments to consolidate freight costs and negotiate better rates, and leverage multiple modes.

Ryder's Pro-TREAD driver training program, including a specific module on fuel management, is available at www.rydersafetyservices.com. For more information about FleetCare, RydeSmart, and other strategies to improve transportation and supply chain efficiencies, visit www.ryder.com.