Fuel Efficient Fleet Management

Now more than ever, fleet managers are looking for ways to reduce fuel cost. Consequently, they are also creating more sustainable work environments. Three ways that you can manage your fuel spending are:

1. Alternative Vehicle Choices - Using compact or midsize pickup trucks rather than large trucks and vans can greatly reduce your gas bill. Alternative engines such as the powerful 13.0L diesel is  more fuel efficient than the 15.0L-plus engine. Drum brakes can be replaced with discs which are lighter and exposed to outside air to avoid overheating. Service truck bodies made of light-weight fiberglass composite and transferable truck bodies are both alternative methods that fleet managers can use to reduce life-cycle cost. Alternative vehicle choices are often used in a companies sustainability initiative. The Durashell 170 by Fleetwest Transferable Truck Bodies (pictured below) will reduce your fuel cost and your footprint.

Durashell 170 Light-Weight Transferable Truck Body

2. Monitoring Driving Behaviors - Drivers can use methods such as eliminating fast starts and avoiding excessive idling in order to reduce fuel consumption as much as 19 percent. Apps for smartphones are available to find the cheapest gas, which can sometimes be a difference of 20-30 cents. Modifying the way you drive is a small, cost-free change that will save you money.

3. Acquire the Right Equipment - "Rightsizing" is a method that will help you pay less in both the acquisition cost of a vehicle and fuel cost. 3/4 and 1/2 ton trucks can usually get the job done just as well as a 1-ton pickup. Pickup trucks generally have a lower life-cycle cost than comparable vans, especially the four-wheel drive versions. Acquiring the right truck for the job will help you avoid unnecessary costs and financing alternatives can help improve cash flow. It is also important to find the right size service body for your pickup. Fleetwest.net has a Fit Guide that allows you to match up your truck to different slip-on utility bodies.