Fuel efficiency techniques every truckload carrier should know

Fuel is the lifeblood of any fleet — and it's getting more expensive to pump through the system. For fleet operators, managing fuel costs isn't just a line item on the budget; it's a constant battle. In fact, fuel is often the single largest operating expense, eating up as much as 40% of a fleet’s annual costs. The rollercoaster of diesel prices doesn’t help either, with a jaw-dropping peak of $5.81 per gallon in June 2022 and prices that remain more than 30% higher than pre-pandemic levels. But the real question fleet managers are asking now isn’t just “How much?” — it’s “How much of this fuel spend is being wasted?” And more importantly, “What can we actually do about it?”.

Let’s talk about it. 

Idling: The silent fuel killer

One of the most common forms of fuel waste is excessive idling. It might seem negligible, but vehicle idling can consume a quarter to a half-gallon of fuel per hour, and in some cases, like that of a diesel truck, it can be around one gallon of fuel per hour. This not only leads to wasted fuel but also increases harmful emissions. Fuel efficiency telematics solutions provide the tools to monitor and manage idling. Geotab, for example, offers tools like the Trips History Report and Last 3 Months Idling Trend Report to give you visibility into idling times and trends. You can also set up idling rules and alerts to proactively address this issue, identify repeat offenders, and implement driver training. By actively managing idling using Geotab, California Freight was able to cut idling costs by 59%, achieving significant fuel savings and reducing their environmental impact.

Maintenance: Fuel efficiency's best friend

Vehicle maintenance plays a crucial role in truck fuel management and overall fleet fuel consumption. Seemingly small issues, such as underinflated tires, can lead to a notable decrease in fuel economy; for every PSI below the tire manufacturer's recommended pressure, you could be losing 0.2% in fuel efficiency.  Neglecting regular maintenance, like oil changes and air filter replacements, can also reduce fuel economy by approximately 4%. Telematics solutions enable proactive maintenance, helping truckload carriers avoid these fuel-draining problems. Geotab offers solutions like dynamic vehicle maintenance reports and engine fault monitoring, which keep fleets informed about the state of their vehicles. By staying on top of maintenance, fleets not only reduce fuel waste but also extend vehicle lifespan and minimize downtime.

Accuracy is key

Accurate fleet fuel consumption reporting is essential for effective fuel management. Without precise data, it's difficult to identify inefficiencies or detect potential fuel card fraud. Telematics for fuel savings provides the accuracy needed to track fuel consumption, monitor fuel expenses and reconcile them with other vehicle data. Geotab's Fuel and EV Energy Usage report, for example, offers a detailed view of fuel economy, distance traveled and monthly fuel usage. Integrating fuel card data with a telematics platform enhances this visibility, enabling fleets to compare fuel purchases with actual consumption, identify discrepancies and prevent unauthorized use.    

The human factor in fuel efficiency

Driver behavior has a substantial impact on truck fuel management and overall fuel efficiency. Aggressive driving like speeding, harsh braking and weaving can cost around $0.25 to $1 per gallon, and for every 5 miles per hour (mph) you drive over 50 mph, you pay $0.30 more per gallon. Telematics systems can monitor these behaviors and provide valuable insights for driver coaching. Geotab's platform allows for the creation of rules-based alerts that notify managers of aggressive driving events. Driver scorecards can further help identify risky drivers and track trends in driving behavior. In-vehicle feedback can also be delivered to drivers in real-time, promoting safer and more fuel-efficient habits. By addressing driver behavior, fleets can not only reduce fuel consumption but also improve safety and lower maintenance costs.   

Your partner in fuel waste reduction

Telematics provides an interconnected ecosystem that empowers fleets to fundamentally transform their fuel management. Saving up to 40% of your annual fuel costs starts by tackling idling, enabling proactive maintenance, delivering precise fuel reporting and shaping positive driver behavior. Telematics provides a 360-degree view of truck fuel management and the levers to control it.

As adoption of fuel efficiency solutions grows and average fleet MPG improves, it's clear that an integrated approach is the key to unlocking substantial telematics for fuel savings and a more sustainable and profitable future for fleets. Unlike locked-in platforms that limit your options, Geotab’s open ecosystem gives you the freedom to build a fleet solution that works for you, integrating with the specialized tools you need. Don't get stuck with a rigid system. Geotab's open platform partners with the best in the transportation and logistics industry, giving you a future-proof solution that evolves with your business needs.

Want to learn more about how Geotab can help you put a cap on fuel waste? Click here to find out more.