Gasoline is expensive, and when you’re a truck driver handling the biggest long haul vehicles on America’s highways, it’s definitely an expense you might have in mind a lot of the time.
With logistics, the game is about how to save the most money, work efficiently and save time. Being mindful about fuel use is important, and there are plenty of hacks and smart practices to ensure you make the most of a full tank.
Need some tips? We’ve got the gold right here!
The best load is a low one
Take a step back and look at fuel savings from a bigger picture. It’s not just about searching for the cheapest gas station in town, it starts with your truck. A trailer that is filled to capacity and unevenly distributed is going to make your truck work harder to move. That means guzzling more gas. Keep your load height low and even. This is going to make it easier for your truck to pull, and save on fuel in the long run.
Brake less
Yes, you have to come to a complete stop at stop signs and traffic lights, but there are plenty of instances where truck drivers can slowly coast without having to brake too much. The less stops you make the more gas you save, because it takes quite a bit of power for a truck to get moving again from a stand still.
Keep those tires full
Did you know that for every 1 psi drop in tire pressure any under-inflated tires can lower your gas mileage by .3%? Check your tires often and make sure they are correctly and evenly filled.
Calm your need for speed
Going along with what we said about minimizing braking, try to keep your truck in a higher gear and use collected momentum to coast up and down hills without stomping on the gas or brakes. Avoid idling as much as possible and when you’re cruising, keep your speed limit at 65 mph. The faster you go, the more gas you’re using.
