As a new fleet manager, you’re watching every line item on your budget, and none is bigger or more volatile than fuel. Gaining control over your fleet’s fuel consumption is one of the fastest ways to improve your bottom line. While you can’t control the price at the pump, you can control how efficiently your fleet uses every gallon.

It Starts Behind the Wheel

Your driver is the single most important factor in fuel economy. Aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration, hard braking, and excessive speeding can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 30%. Implementing a driver training program that focuses on fuel-saving techniques is a crucial first step. Coach your team on the importance of progressive shifting, maintaining a steady speed, and anticipating traffic flow to minimize stops and starts. A little education goes a long way in reducing consumption across your entire fleet.

Smarter Routes, Smarter Savings

The shortest route isn’t always the most fuel-efficient one. Modern routing software does more than just get a driver from Point A to Point B; it can account for traffic patterns, road grade, and the number of stoplights. Reducing idling time is also critical. An idling truck consumes about a gallon of fuel per hour. Educate drivers to turn off engines when parked for more than a few minutes and use route planning to avoid known congestion spots where idling is inevitable. For the latest on fuel prices to help plan your purchasing, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) is an indispensable resource.

Maintenance is Money

A well-maintained truck is an efficient truck. Underinflated tires are a primary cause of wasted fuel, as they increase rolling resistance. Make daily tire pressure checks a mandatory part of your pre-trip inspections. Regular engine tune-ups and ensuring clean filters also help the engine run at peak performance. Consider exploring aerodynamic additions like side skirts and trailer tails, which can significantly reduce drag at highway speeds. The EPA’s SmartWay program offers a wealth of information on verified technologies that can provide a strong return on investment.

Also read how telematics transforms fleet safety.