Six Ways to Improve Fleet Fuel Efficiency to Combat High Inflation and Rising Fuel Costs

Fuel efficiency and fuel costs have always been a matter of concern for fleet owners. But this concern is at its peak now more than ever, thanks to the Russia-Ukraine war that has taken the price to a staggering amount.

Fuel cost surges continue to disrupt supply chains globally. High inflation and rising prices have forced organizations with fleets of vehicles or equipment to reevaluate their practices and cut down operating costs.

Fuel expenditure continues to be a significant concern, especially for trucking fleets. Thanks to the record-high fuel prices, even a slight increase in fuel costs can result in substantial financial pressure on fleet management.

Fortunately, there are ways in which organizations can improve fleet fuel efficiency and combat rising prices. This article discusses some prominent and effective ways that can help organizations streamline their fleet operations and fight inflation while contributing to environmental sustainability.

<h2>Ways to Improve Fleet Fuel Efficiency

<b>Let’s see what they are.

<h3>#01 Route Optimization

Proper route optimization via proper planning can significantly reduce distance and travel time, leading to better mileage and reduced fuel consumption. For instance, heavy-duty vehicles can try and avoid routes with steep hills. 

However, one can also consider the reevaluation of hilly routes for medium and light-duty vehicles wherever necessary. Other ways to optimize routes and save on fuel are:

- Using a good telematics system that utilizes advanced GPS to optimize routes
- Steering clear of congested routes that can result in an increase in idle time and frequent stops
- Scheduling deliveries during off-peak hours and reducing miles driven

<h3>#02 Reduce Idle Time

A myth surrounding idling is that it is gentler on the engine rather than restarting. But experienced and trained drivers will understand that idling burns more fuel than restarting. In the case of medium and heavy-duty vehicles, a 15-second idling can waste more energy than turning and restarting the vehicle.

In colder regions, ask drivers to drive at a slow speed rather than idling to keep the engine warm.  Fleet managers can also come up with policies to limit unnecessary engine idling.

<h3>#03 Encourage Good Driving

High speed and harsh driving directly affect fuel consumption. For medium and heavy-duty vehicles, a stable speed can significantly improve fuel economy. 

However, it is not always possible to drive at low speeds, especially on highways and expressways, but drivers can maintain a steady pace and use cruise control to conserve fuel.

Organizations should also encourage good driving behaviors and specifically instruct drivers to avoid excessive torque and harsh braking that results from rapid acceleration. 

<h3>#04 Manage Other Vehicle Parameters

Fleet fuel efficiency depends on other factors besides good driving, reduction in idle time, and route optimization. One such factor is the effective management of other vehicle parameters. 

The very first parameter is tire pressure. Under-inflated tires can have a negative impact on fuel efficiency while properly inflated tires can improve gas mileage. So, regular monitoring and managing tire pressure can lead to significant fuel-cost savings.

<b>Other parameters include:
- Engine health: Keep an eye on your engine health and poorly-performing engines can lead to a surge in fuel consumption.

- Timely vehicle servicing: Properly maintained vehicles tend to have better fuel efficiency. To ensure routine maintenance, use and implement a pragmatic <a href="https://www.hiddenbrains.com/fleet-vehicle-tracking-solutions.html?utm_source=GP&utm_medium=Qiita&utm_campaign=vehicle+tracking">vehicle tracking solution</a> like a telematics system that offers real-time insights into vehicle health and leads to proactive maintenance.

<h3>#05 Wise Usage of AC and Windows

Continuous running of AC puts extra load on the engine and hence, slightly increases fuel usage. The problem is that driving with open windows affects fuel economy even more because of drag.

In this case, drivers need to know the judicious use of AC and windows. They can turn off the AC where open windows won’t lead to increased drag. Drivers should also be taught about cabin cooling ways that can lead to better fuel practices.

Additionally, organizations also need to engage in appropriate techniques like equipping their fleet vehicles with aerodynamic features like air deflectors and side skirts. Such measures reduce wind resistance.

<h3>#06 Load Management and Cargo Optimization

Vehicle weight directly impacts fuel consumption. That’s why organizations need to pay attention to load weight management and optimize their cargo organization, especially in heavy-duty vehicles. Proper load organization and distribution are critical measures. 

Unnecessary items should be removed as that can decrease aerodynamic drag and ultimately save fuel. Organizations should have an advanced vehicle tracking and fleet management system as it can prove substantial in monitoring such things and lead to better cargo optimization. 

With some customization, a good fleet management system integrated within the vehicle will immediately notify if the load exceeds the mentioned weight.

Other Crucial Measures for Increasing Fleet Fuel Efficiency
Apart from the above-mentioned methods, there are other ways in which organizations can increase their fleet fuel efficiency. Some of them are mentioned below.

- Going for Fuel-Efficient Vehicles
Vehicles need replacement. While replacing your old ones, invest in modern vehicles that are designed to be fuel-efficient. Electric vehicles are good examples and are becoming widely popular too.

- Proper Driver Training
We have seen how good driving practices directly impact fuel economy. However, many of them lack the required training. So, offer training programs that will teach them fuel-friendly practices like gentle braking, maintaining a steady pace, and accelerating smoothly.

- Consider Renewable Energy
Investment in renewable energy sources like solar panels can be beneficial. This power can be used to fulfill the charging needs for EVs (electric vehicles), thereby reducing fuel costs and promoting sustainability.

<h2>Final Thoughts – navigating the road ahead

Enhancing fleet fuel efficiency can prove useful in combating high inflation and rising fuel prices. The ways outlined above can offer a direction to organizations and help in mitigating the impact of increasing fuel costs.

By implementing proper strategies like route optimization, driver training, idle time reduction, proper tire maintenance, regular servicing, and cargo management, organizations can improve fuel economy and bring financial stability.

They can further improve these strategies by investing in a robust fleet management system that can provide them with real-time data and help them become proactive.