Most fleet companies have the goal of increasing their profit margin through various strategies like increasing the customer base and saving on costs. Today, one of the major concerns in any such company is the ever-increasing cost of gas.
Since this is the main source of auto energy, coming up with strategies to reduce its cost should be a priority in fleet companies. Both managers and owners of such ventures will benefit from the following tips:
Train the Drivers
There are many small things that can be done on the road to save fuel, but drivers will tend to overlook them unless they are frequently reminded. Thus, fleet companies should conduct regular training for their employees on how to save fuel while they are driving.
One great fuel-saving tip is to avoid unnecessary idling when waiting for the loading or offloading of goods. It will not cost a driver anything to switch the engine off and on as needed.
See also: Safety Tips for Companies with Fleet Vehicles
Good Driving Habits
Hard accelerations and instant braking take a toll on the fuel gauge. It is highly recommended to do this gradually, especially when you are in a town where traffic is higher.
Modern vehicles usually come with eco-modes to assist drivers in knowing when fuel consumption is going overboard. These are the models that fleet companies should focus on buying during upgrades or the addition of vehicles.
Mapping the Best Routes
Fleet companies are now investing a lot of money in technology that helps them to map the best routes. You can buy some of the best devices including GPS trackers and their accompanying software.
This solution reduces the fuel spent by over 30 percent when it is implemented well. The idea is to get the shortest route with minimal traffic jams for fleet companies that operate mostly in towns.
Tires Need to be Inflated properly
Before taking your truck for a long drive, you need to check the tire pressure. Because tire pressure affects the mileage of your vehicle by up to 3%. Tire pressure can change season by season. In both summer and winter the tire pressure changes. So, need to check the tire pressure on a regular basis helps your fleet get maximum mileage, and that cuts reasonable fuel costs.
See also: How tire pressure affects your vehicle’s characteristics!
Service the Vehicles Well
There are many mechanical issues that can increase the fuel spent in a vehicle by up to 20 percent. Simple regular services are the main culprits for those who neglect them, not to mention that other parts of the vehicle can also be damaged.
Fleet companies should have professional mechanics in the company or have one that they can collaborate with or garages that offer the services. It may look costly to service the vehicles regularly, but this saves a lot of fuel costs in the long run.
Keep Records of Fuel Costs
All vehicles in a fleet should have a file with fuel logs and other details. The goal is to know when the consumption has gone higher or lower than expected. The manager can then investigate the cause of this deviation to learn the factors that contributed to it. This way, it is easy to find solutions for any challenge that might be there.
Conclusion
A fleet company that focuses on saving fuel is already on the right track for managing its company. If this is done from the start, it will also encourage other good management habits and the company will be successful within a short time. If you are a fleet manager, you now have what is needed to bring the fuel costs of the company lower.
