September 2008, Automotive Fleet - Feature

60 Ways to Reduce Your Fuel Spend

By Mike Antich

Modification of Driver Behavior

26. Changing Driving Habits.

An easy way to reduce fuel spend is to change drivers’ habits that unnecessarily consume fuel. “We have a driver awareness campaign to make them aware of how much excessive idling, aggressive driving behavior, improper tire pressure, etc., affect mpg and our carbon footprint,” said Howard of Verizon.

A similar approach has been adopted by Baker Hughes. “We are communicating to our drivers about the importance of maintenance, repairs, idling, tire inflation, etc.,” said Davis.

Changing driver attitude is easier said then done. “One challenge we face is changing our drivers’ driving habits,” said Scolan of Illinois Tool Works. “During this time of higher fuel cost, slower driving, more efficient routes, and less idling time will hopefully reduce costs.”

Fleet managers use e-mail newsletters to communicate these tips to drivers. “I put articles in our electronic newsletters to make the drivers more aware of how their actions can increase or decrease fleet costs,” said Liddle of Terracon. Similarly, other companies have developed a DVD on fuel economy tips to distribute to drivers.

Oftentimes, small increases in mpg can result in substantial savings when extrapolated across the entire fleet. “Recently, we calculated the annual savings in fuel cost we could gain if each of our drivers simply increased their individual fuel economy by one mile per gallon,” said Dinwiddie of Labcorp. “To facilitate this process, we’ve sent out various fuel savings tips. At the end of the year, we’ll compare our overall mpg for year-end 2008 versus year-end 2007. A one-mile-per-gallon fuel efficiency increase has the potential of saving us over $1 million annually versus 2007.”

PPG is also implementing a driver communication program. “We are conducting a rigorous communication campaign to outline how driver behavior can be a major influence in our fuel usage,” said Szymanski of PPG. “We have provided hard copy letters, e-mails, and Web links, which describe many of the ways drivers can save fuel. Our internal fleet Web site also provides this information as well as a Web-based locator for www.cheapgas.com.”

27. Have Drivers Ensure Tires are Inflated to the Correct Pressure.

This is the cheapest and easiest way to control fuel expenses and the one most often overlooked. It is worth the expense to buy tire gauges for drivers so they can ensure that tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended level. One underinflated tire can cut fuel economy by 2 percent per pound of pressure below the proper inflation level. One out of four drivers, on average, drive vehicles with one or more underinflated tires. When a tire is underinflated, by 4 to 5 psi below the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure, vehicle fuel consumption increases by 10 percent and, over time, causes a 15-percent reduction in tire tread life. Check the vehicle’s doorpost sticker for minimum cold tire inflation pressure.

28. Make Drivers Energy Conscious.

Similar to turning off the lights in unoccupied rooms at home, drivers should practice energy conservation habits in their vehicles as well. If a vehicle has a trip computer, encourage drivers to use the “instant fuel economy” display to refine driving habits.

Similarly, fleets are encouraging drivers to be “price sensitive” when refueling. “We encourage drivers and managers to look for the best net fuel pricing,” said LaPorte of Iron Mountain.

29. Institute Driver Training Course on How to Improve Fuel Economy.

Some fleets are evaluating the use of online training modules that teaches fuel conservation techniques for drivers.

30. Communicate Fuel Saving Tips to Drivers.

“I send fuel saving tips to all of our drivers,” said Berg of Toshiba America Medical Systems. Another company increasing communications to drivers is E.A. Sween Company. “We communicate to all of our employees the methods to conserve fuel with lower highway speeds and driver behavior changes,” said Hodgdon.

31. Incorporate Fuel Economy Suggestions in E-mail Communications.

At the bottom of every e-mail from Lofgren of Honeywell are six suggestion on how to reduce fuel spend. These include maintaining proper tire inflation, changing driving habits, such as not racing to a red light, maintaining posted highway speeds, and eliminating unnecessary idling engines.

32. Clean Out the Trunk and Eliminate Unnecessary Weight.

Cars, like cargo trucks, get much better mileage when they’re not loaded with unnecessary weight. According to AutoZone, every 200 lbs. of additional weight trims one mile off fuel efficiency. Most drivers accumulate material in their trunks, much of it unnecessary. Instruct drivers to remove all unnecessary items from the trunk, such as unneeded tools or materials.

33. Encourage Carpooling When Appropriate.

Encourage drivers to carpool when they know that they will be in the office all day for meetings or catching up with paperwork.

34. Drive the Posted Speed Limit.

Driving fast wastes gas. Traveling at 65 miles per hour uses 10-15 percent more fuel than driving at 55 mph. By adhering to speed limits, a driver will conserve fuel.

“We have limited our top speed to 68 mpg,” said Hodgdon. “We are unable to lower it further because it would increase our workday – making them too long.”

35. Use Cruise Control during Highway Driving.

Unnecessary changes in speed are wasteful, and the use of cruise control helps improve fuel economy.