Transplace, a provider of transportation management services and logistics technology, has developed a list of fuel conservation tips to help carriers and drivers endure rising fuel prices.


Included below are a few highlights from the list.

OTR Driver Fuel Conservation Tips:

• Plan routes through major cities during off-peak hours

• While customer requirements often dictate that deliveries occur during peak hours, supply chain partners should work together to establish flexible shipping and receiving hours to maximize the efficiency of all affected parties.

• Reduce deadhead and empty miles by laying over and waiting on the next closest load, if practical

• Coordinate the most efficient backhaul with your driver managers, rather than running long distances to pick up the next load. This applies your available capacity to the closest load and reduces the total gallons required to reposition for the next pickup.

• Utilize low RPM shifting techniques for maximum fuel conservation. Less fuel is used when changing gears more quickly at lower RPMs, which also reduces long-term wear on engines.

• Ensure all equipment is properly maintained and all air/fuel filters are changed according to the manufacturer's specs

• Instead of trying to save money by lengthening the time interval between service checks, ensure your vehicle is running safely and efficiently by following the manufacturer's specs.

• Eliminate unnecessary equipment/tools/personal effects to reduce total weight on truck

• Remove excess weight from the vehicle, such as TVs, double bunks, etc.

Carrier Fuel Conservation Tips

• Become an EPA SmartWay Transport Partner certified carrier and apply all applicable SmartWay specs for over the road equipment

• By following SmartWay specs (such as in-cab heaters/APUs, low-resistance tires and aerodynamic fairings) as a general rule, you can ensure that fuel-efficiency will be maximized.

• Deploy route optimization software to select routes with fewest impediments such as traffic flows or adverse topography

• Many carriers have the sophistication to use software that will ensure the quickest, and therefore, the most fuel-efficient route. It is vital to utilize this software rather than to rely on out-of-date technology that does not meet the needs of our ongoing national economic hurdles and energy conservation requirements.

• Examine driver incentives and training for fuel efficiency and idle reduction procedures

• Change the mindset of the driver by providing him or her with a reason to practice fuel conservation techniques. If you convince the drivers that their actions will have a direct impact on their paycheck and the success of the company, then they will be more likely to conserve fuel and help the environment.

Through its alliance with Transplace's customer base and SmartWay, an organization that partners freight industry sectors with the U.S. Environment Protection Agency, Transplace is currently developing a Fuel Emergency Kit, which will be a useful set of fuel conservation strategies and tactics that will help make a dramatic impact on reducing the overall cost of fuel to their customers' operations. The emergency kit will be available this summer.

More info: www.transplace.com