Fuel Efficiency Tips for Truck Drivers
April 19, 2023
Just as truckers power the supply chain and the economy, diesel fuel powers our rigs. Unfortunately, Costs are up since last year, so drivers are looking for ways to save. From proper truck maintenance to smart driving habits, you can ensure that your fuel costs don’t eat into your wages, savings, and profits on the road.
Here are some helpful tips you can use to improve fuel efficiency on the road.
Adopt Better Driving Habits
We often talk about driving habits to improve road safety and help us reach our destination faster for more efficient routes. While the right habits can help with both of these ends, they can also help with fuel efficiency. Consider tips like:
● Reduce idling - Idle time represents a waste of fuel. Try to turn your truck off when stopped for long periods and plan your journey to avoid congestion when possible.
● Maintain steady speed - Speeding up and slowing down can create a situation where your fuel is depleted faster, largely because of the initial burst required during acceleration.
● Consider cruise control - Another way to maintain a steady speed is to use cruise control if your rig has it and your carrier permits it.
The way you drive is as important to your fuel efficiency as it is to your road safety and your ability to save time on the road. But as any driver knows, the task of a trucker starts before you ever hit the road.
Service Your Truck Properly
If you take care of your rig, it will take care of you. Most drivers focus on their rig checks for the same reason they focus on their driving habits: they help you travel more efficiently and stay safe on the road.
You can also enjoy improved fuel efficiency by performing the proper truck maintenance before you go, such as regular oil changes. When you use manufacturer-recommended oil and change it at proper intervals, your engine will function more efficiently. This can translate into a slight improvement in your fuel efficiency.
Your tire pressure also plays a role in fuel economy. When tires have the right amount of air, it can improve your handling, which creates less strain for you to turn and maneuver on the road. When you consider how these small improvements will add up over a long journey, you’ll see how proper pressure in the tires can lead to better efficiency in the tank.
Plan Your Trips Efficiently
Logistics is a massive part of the freight industry for a reason. When you’re looking to take a strategic approach to planning out your fuel usage, you can find a place to start when you’re planning the route or even loading up the trailer.
Starting with the planning process, you want to organize your route in a way that eliminates lengthier detours, avoids congested areas, and provides as much of a straight shot as possible.
This ties into how you load your rig. One school of thought says lighter loads can reduce strain on the rig, which in turn improves fuel efficiency - but is this really beneficial if you have to make more trips in the process?
While loading your truck to full capacity may actually reduce fuel efficiency when compared to loading it halfway up, you’ll make up the difference if you have to make one trip instead of multiple. This is why many carriers try to eliminate empty space during their trips.
Finally, look for budget friendly options to afford fuel. These can include:
● Cash-back on fuel purchases from participating companies
● Fuel cards which may be available at a discount to truckers
● The ability to write off fuel costs as an independent contractor
Make Your Next Trip with Trans Lines
We here at Trans Lines know that trucking is a crucial industry - it’s why we’ve worked hard to build a great company that’s served clients for over a decade.
With high-quality trucks and smart logistical planning, we help our drivers cut down on the costs and stress of the road, allowing them to enjoy thriving careers with a chance to see the world. Would you be interested in fueling your career aspirations with a career at Trans Lines? Then we’d like to hear from you. Click here to apply today!