Maximising your mileage: driving efficiency in transport

SOUTHAM, U.K. - EntSun -- The cost of fuel is governed by external factors. Diesel and petrol prices can fluctuate due to geopolitical events, with the current Middle East crisis causing a 35% price spike. Transport firms are sensitive to this price volatility. Their margins are tight, and fuel typically accounts for 30% of operating costs. Fuel surcharges (FSC) protect carriers to a degree, but what other measures can logistics businesses take to minimise pressure at the pump?

Efficiency is the key to getting the maximum miles from every drop of fuel. In practice, this means efficiency at every point, from planning to people to processes. When people and technology work in partnership, the benefits compound, adding up to significant mileage gains.

Drivers are the first line of defence when it comes to fuel economy. Skilful, eco-aware driving can result in many more miles being covered per gallon. Driver telematics use GPS technology and on-board diagnostics to record and analyse a vast array of information. It means that operations teams can drill down into the data to discover where driver-led efficiency improvements can be made, whether that's reducing idling time, avoiding harsh braking, or reducing speeds.

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Training can be tailored, and progress can be measured and rewarded. This targeted approach can help transport firms improve their MPGs right across the fleet, as Invo Fulfilment's (https://invo-fulfilment.co.uk/) Gary Bevan explains, "Seeing their eco-driving scores has helped our drivers take ownership of their fuel economy. This is important for us, as an employee-owned business, and many of our drivers consistently achieve the highest A-rating, which makes a big difference in helping to manage our operational costs."

The other piece of the puzzle is to maximise every mile, so that each part of the truck's journey is planned and necessary. Empty loads, extended routes, or duplicate journeys can be avoided when the right planning procedures are in place. Delivery and collection should be synchronised to ensure fleet load capacity is properly utilised.

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Friction is the enemy of vehicle efficiency.  Reducing friction helps teams to get the maximum MPG from their fleet. The point where the wheels hit the tarmac is a key friction point. The right tyre pressure and correct wheel alignment can improve fuel efficiency by 10% on average. The other place to minimise friction is the vehicle itself. A smoothly running engine uses less fuel per mile, so replacing filters and regular oil changes are about more than vehicle maintenance.

Transport businesses might not be able to control the price of diesel, but they can control how they use it, and in today's global climate, that's more important than ever.