For today’s freight carrier industry, fuel costs are one of the largest operational expenses. Diesel prices are in constant flux, making it challenging to control how much is spent on fuel consumption. Training drivers on fuel-efficient driving behaviors is more than just an environmentally responsible initiative, it’s also essential for maintaining a profitable operation.
TBS Factoring takes a look at the driver behaviors that have proven to significantly reduce fuel consumption and boost a profitable bottom line.
12 Fuel-Saving Freight Driver Behaviors to Adopt Today
1. Limit Fast Acceleration
Fast acceleration is by far one of the biggest fuel-wasting actions by all drivers on the road, but especially freight carriers. When drivers accelerate too quickly, the engine is forced to consume far more fuel than is necessary.
According to the Department of Energy, aggressive driving, which includes rapid acceleration and braking, can lower fuel efficiency by as much as 30% at highway speeds.
Slow, gentle acceleration is the way to improve fuel efficiency. Professional drivers should aim to reach their desired speed at a smooth, steady pace, which allows the vehicle to build its momentum naturally.
In addition to saving fuel, avoiding fast acceleration also reduces wear and tear on the engine and transmission components.
2. Don’t Ignore Preventative Maintenance
Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping freight trucks running and in safe working order. It’s also important for fuel efficiency.
In a busy industry, regular maintenance can slip to the back burner. Ensure that each truck undergoes regular maintenance that includes:
- Regular oil changes
- Replace air filters at recommended intervals
- Check and maintain proper fuel levels regularly
- Ensure engine timing and emissions systems are properly adjusted
- Follow all manufacturer-recommended service schedules
3. Manage Speed
Speed matters to fuel efficiency. Proper speed management is one of the most effective ways to reduce fuel consumption. For trucks, fuel efficiency begins to significantly plummet at speeds above 65 mph. Every mile-per-hour drive over 65 mph can exponentially reduce fuel economy.
Maintaining a steady speed between 60 – 65 mph, without frequent acceleration and deceleration, can help drivers maximize their fuel efficiency while not compromising their timing or meeting tight delivery schedules.
If you find yourself using more fuel than you intended, TBS Factoring offers a discount fuel card for truckers. With this card, you can save up to $0.90 per gallon at truck stops nationwide and get access to extra benefits.
4. Limit Engine Idling
Excessive idling is a source of wasted fuel consumption. Consider implementing a no-idle policy during breaks, as well as during loading and unloading stops. Stretched out over the year, this can potentially save hundreds of gallons of fuel per year for every truck.
Consider using auxiliary power units (APUs) and other idle reduction technologies for climate control and electrical needs during mandatory rest periods.
5. Use Cruise Control
Cruise control can be a valuable tool for maintaining consistent speeds, which is key for optimizing fuel efficiency. Cruise control can be used on highways and flat terrain with relatively steady traffic speeds and patterns. Cruise control can be more effective for maintaining a steady speed than manual throttle control, which results in improved fuel economy.
While cruise control is effective for fuel efficiency, drivers should be trained on when and how to use it, and that it should be disengaged during heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
6. Maintain Appropriate Tire Pressure
Proper tire inflation is critical for fuel efficiency and safety. Tires that are underinflated can reduce fuel economy, while overinflated tires can be dangerous and increase the likelihood of a blowout.
To ensure that optimal tire pressure, drivers should:
- Check tire pressure at least once weekly, or more if driving long distances
- Maintain manufacturer-recommended tire pressure levels
- Regularly inspect tires for wear and damage
- Consider installing automatic tire inflation systems
7. Stop Aggressive Breaking
What does breaking have to do with fuel economy? Harsh breaking essentially wastes the fuel used during acceleration. It also increases wear on the braking system, which leads to costly repairs down the road.
To reduce the amount of aggressive breaking on the road, ensure drivers maintain a proper following distance and practice smooth, gradual deceleration. It’s also smart to anticipate traffic patterns ahead of time to avoid unnecessarily hard braking.
8. Utilize the Most Direct Routes
Efficient route planning can help to reduce fuel consumption. Drivers should be using modern routing software and GPS systems to help them optimize delivery sequences. These technologies can also help drivers reduce fuel consumption by avoiding congested areas, plan ahead for construction and road closures, and minimize stops.
While planning your routes, make sure you factor in the stops you’ll need to take to refuel at certain points. If you’re finding yourself low on cash to pay for fuel, consider TBS Factoring’s Get Paid App. This app helps you get paid fast when you deliver loads and you can request a fuel advance while you’re out on the road..
9. Anticipate and Prepare for Traffic
Drivers who are able to anticipate and prepare for traffic conditions can better optimize their fuel consumption by maintaining steady speeds and reducing unnecessary accelerations and stops.
Planning for traffic involves monitoring real-time traffic reports and using navigation apps. When possible, plan routes during off-peak hours, which can also help drivers maintain appropriate following distances and abrupt stopping.
10. Encourage Safe Driving Practices
Safe driving and fuel efficient driving go hand in hand. Safe driving habits, such as maintaining appropriate following distances, following traffic laws and regulations, and scanning the road for potential hazards are all ways to stay safe on the road, and avoid unnecessary fuel consumption.
Safe driving also means employing defensive driving techniques. The roadways are filled with aggressive and distracted drivers who can put freight truck drivers in the position to make sudden lane switches, perform evasive maneuvers, and quickly break or increase speed to accommodate them.
Being a defensive driver, keeping an eye on other drivers, and anticipating sudden moves and erratic behaviors can help drivers maintain a steady speed on the road.
11. Monitor Driver Behavior
Driver monitoring systems can help identify areas where drivers can become more fuel-efficient in their driving. Driver monitoring systems can track key behaviors, such as:
- Acceleration patterns
- Breaking patterns
- Fuel consumption patterns
- Speed consistency
- Adherence to routes
- Idle time
12. Improve Aerodynamics
Finally, consider ways to improve the aerodynamics of the truck to improve fuel economy and save money over the year. Simple steps, such as maintaining a proper gap distance between trailers can help to improve the aerodynamics, as well as ensuring all trailer doors are properly closed and sealed. Drivers can also minimize opening windows at high speeds.
Additionally, consider installing aerodynamic devices to improve fuel economy. A few examples of aerodynamic devices include:
- Gap reducers to minimize the air turbulence in the tractor/trailer gap space
- Rear fairing device to reduce drag behind the trailer
- Under fairing and side fairing to reduce airflow under the trailer and near the wheels
- Aerodynamic splash guards reduce drag compared to traditional splash guards
Final Thoughts
In today’s economy, encouraging fuel-efficient driving behaviors is essential for saving money on fuel and lowering overall operating costs. By focusing on these twelve opportunities for improvement, drivers can reduce their fuel consumption, while maintaining safe and efficient operations on the road.
The key to success with each of these behaviors is consistency. Even small changes in behaviors can lead to improved fuel efficiency and significant cost savings over time. Long-haul truck drivers can drive as many as 100,000 miles per year, and local drivers often cover at least half of that distance each year.
Each mile is an opportunity to adopt fuel-efficient driving behaviors and improve the bottom line while contributing to a more sustainable industry.
If you’re looking for ways to streamline your freight-driving operations and optimize your financial bottom line, TBS Factoring is here to help. In addition to freight factoring, you can visit our site for helpful resources for truckers, and to learn more about our services. Reach out to us at TBS Factoring today to learn more about how we can help you grow your business.