TIPS FOR FLEET MANAGERS Fleet managers – including IT professionals, safety directors and operations managers – all can put pencil to paper and contribute to lowering fuel consumption by employing any number of strate- gies and technologies.

Investigate traffic problems, and plan around them. Slow traffic not only 1sucks hours from a driver’s on-duty time, it also requires more decelera- COMMON tion and acceleration, which requires more fuel. Check state U.S. Department of Transportation Websites for potential con- struction projects CENTS and traffic on a route.

Use route-planning TIPS TO MINIMIZE software or a GPS unit. 2Choosing the short- est, most practical truck route FUEL COSTS can save hundreds of dollars a year in fuel. Spoken turn-by-turn BY AARON HUFF, TODD DILLS, JACK ROBERTS AND JAMES JAILLET directions will take you directly to ith the “new norm” cost of diesel at $4 per gallon, fl eets street-level addresses. With navi- should look at every possible opportunity to lower fuel gation, savings of 10 or 15 miles consumption. Like no other time in the trucking indus- a week are possible by eliminat- try, every drop counts. ing out-of-route miles. A tractor-trailer combo or driver able to improve fuel Weconomy by a mile per gallon gained is huge in savings terms. Plan fuel stops carefully. The difference between 6 and 7 mpg on a power unit operating 120,000 Some in-cab navigation miles annually is nearly $12,000. Multiply that for a fl eet with 100 3systems and smartphone trucks, and the savings come to $1.2 million per year. apps include real-time infor- Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet or overnight solution when it comes mation in their point-of- to improving fuel economy. But by paying close attention to a number of small interest features to help gains, fl eets can fi nd incremental ways to lower fuel drivers search for the costs effectively. nearest fuel locations Understand that every aspect of a fl eet’s organiza- and cheapest prices tion can impact fuel costs – not just the driver. With on their route. that in mind, here are 75 useful tips that fl eet managers, company drivers, maintenance managers and equipment purchasers can use to lower fuel costs.

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CONSOLIDATE FUEL PURCHASES. Fuel card providers have negotiated discounts with truckstops, but just as importantly, drivers and fleets can use the data they collect to compare and consoli- date fuel purchases to negotiate more savings.

Renegotiate fuel surcharge agreements. Isolate data and look for correlations. Fuel efficiency may be a better cal- Technology enables carriers to create ECMs record many things that can culation for your fleet instead of fuel 5surcharge programs using lane-specif- 8affect fuel economy. Look for notice- 13economy. Hauling 40,000 pounds ic fuel prices and a daily reset. able changes in average speed, top gear at 6 mpg day in and day out may be time, diesel particulate filter regenera- better for your bottom line than hauling tions, shifting and idling. Compare those 30,000 pounds at 7 mpg. trends with fuel economy during the same period. Consider other calculations to deter- mine fuel efficiency. Hours on the Check your fuel consumption by route. If 14road per gallon instead of mpg you have dedicated runs that can be may be a better measurement in some 9made via either interstate or a shorter applications. route with a lot of stop-and-go traffic, run trials for fuel usage and time to see Use reefer monitoring systems. An which is the most efficient. often-overlooked expense is burn- 15ing excess fuel to cool trailers. Use fuel incentive programs. Capture Trailer monitoring systems capture the data to compare drivers against vital information needed to use no more 10their peers based on mpg, idle fuel than necessary. time and other fuel metrics, and offer BYPASS WEIGH STATIONS AND TOLL cash rebates and rewards for perfor- Eliminate fuel theft. Truckstops and BOOTHS. Enrolling in programs mance. Consider taking a team approach fleets are beginning to use cardless such as PrePass and electronic to encourage top-performing drivers to 16systems with infrared technology toll collection systems can help mentor less-efficient drivers. Don’t rely and/or radio frequency identification that drivers avoid burning extra fuel solely on mpg as a measuring stick, as prevent fuel purchases from going into by stopping and then accelerat- there are too many variables outside the the wrong tank. ing back to speed. driver’s control. Employ . To influence Analyze fuel consumption trends. When Be efficient across the board. Fill trail- drivers, you need data points, mpg falls, try to determine why. Did ers to capacity to haul more freight 17which is why telematics have 7you encounter more urban driving? 11while burning less fuel and driving become so important in boosting fuel Did your length of haul change? As a fewer miles. economy. general rule, drops of more than 0.5 mpg are due to maintenance problems. ECMs Consider trailer size and weight. Create driver scorecards. Onboard can be wildly optimistic, so your actual Are you getting the most out computers capture a range of mileage may be lower than indicated. 12of 53-foot trailers? Or can you 18information on how drivers are Validate ECM readings with your own get by with a smaller trailer? Why burn performing. This information can be calculations based on the and fuel to haul a heavier trailer around if presented to managers and drivers in an gallons purchased at fillup. it’s not needed? easy-to-use scorecard format.

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Locate trailers. Have you ever spent Avoid revving the engine between Lower your average highway speed. time and fuel looking for a trailer shifts. Ease into each new gear, Every mph over 55 equals a 0.1- 19in a parking lot? Trailer-tracking 25and don’t be in a hurry to climb 30mpg drop in fuel economy. systems provide the trailer’s precise loca- through them. tion to remove all uncertainty. Don’t punch the . Gradually Run in your engine’s sweet spot. put your foot into it, pretending Minimize distractions in the cab. Once you reach cruising speed, 31there’s an egg between the pedal Lock out all in-cab interactive 26operating in the peak torque zone and the floorboard. Use smooth, steady 20devices, including cell phones, gives you optimum horsepower so that the accelerator inputs to avoid fuel burn to keep the focus on driving and fuel engine runs most efficiently. It takes only spikes. economy. about 200 horsepower to maintain 65 mph. Maximize use of . That Use speed governors. But recognize Minimize air-conditioning use. enables you to avoid wasteful that they are unpopular with Running the A/C delivers a 32throttle use to climb hills. 21drivers, so take the time to com- 272/10- to 4/10-mpg hit. municate your reasons and objectives for Use truckstops atop hills. Driving spec’ing them. Anticipate traffic lights. If you can uphill toward the truckstop approach slowly and avoid a 33allows natural deceleration, and Look for exceptions. Set up instant 28complete stop, it saves fuel and going downhill to re-enter the highway alert notifications when any reduces equipment wear. requires less fuel. 22action is out of bounds. This strategy will ensure you have the infor- mation when you need it – now – rather than days or weeks after the fact. TIPS FOR DRIVERS Of all the factors affecting fuel economy, including aerodynamics and tire maintenance, more than a third are attributable to driver skills.

Turn off the engine. Drivers should avoid excessive warm-up times 23when starting the truck, even for a short time. Look for other times when MAINTAIN AN EXTENDED FOLLOWING DISTANCE. drivers have a habit of idling. It helps to prevent unnecessary acceleration due to frequent braking.

USE SHOREPOWER WHEN IT’S AVAILABLE. Many inverters and auxiliary power units come with a plug-in option that converts incoming current to DC to charge the batteries, using AC to power climate-control units and/or in-cab accessories. The truckstop electrification move- ment to help eliminate idling has gained steam Todd Dills in the last year, with plug-in options available at many more parking spaces.

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Avoid needless acceleration when Keep up with oil and oil filter chang- Monitor tire . Each 10 psi not on cruise. Don’t hit the throttle es. A well-maintained engine not that tires are underinflated reduces 34too much when approaching the 36only lasts longer, it also has a fuel 43fuel economy by 1 percent. Check hill’s crest. Instead, lay off the throttle and efficiency edge. tire pressure during pretrip. Tire pressure let the truck’s momentum carry it over. monitoring systems can monitor the pressure Watch the boost gauge for an exact read of Keep belts at proper tension. Even of each tire and, through wireless communi- what you’re doing. slight slipping creates parasitic cations, provide instant alerts through an in- 37horsepower loss. Make sure all cab display the instant a tire is underinflated. TIPS FOR belts are tightened properly and in good MAINTENANCE MANAGERS condition. Check wheel alignment. Make Next to driver behavior, a fleet’s alignment testing – both on the maintenance program has the next- Maintain fuel filters. Clogged filters 44tractor and trailer – part of your biggest net effect on fuel economy. make the engine run rough and periodic maintenance. It’s essential for opti- Routinely check systems and com- 38work harder. Replace according to mum fuel economy and maximum tire life. ponents that can affect fuel usage. the manufacturer’s recommendation. Get your technicians and drivers on Match tires to your application. If board by making sure they under- Maintain DPFs. A plugged DPF you’re running long-haul routes and stand the value of their efforts, and hampers exhaust flow, which can 45using tires designed for any other give them the tools they need to do 39lead to compression or combus- application, your fuel economy will suffer. their jobs right. tion problems if left untreated. Get oil analysis. The main value Adjust the fifth of routine analysis is identify- wheel to narrow 46ing engine problems before they 40the truck-trailer become serious, but some of those prob- gap. The ideal gap should lems also can affect fuel usage. be about 30 inches. Every 10-inch increase increases TIPS FOR EQUIPMENT drag by 2 percent. PURCHASERS While the initial investment may Use low rolling- be steep, savvy equipment pur- resistance tires. chasers are proving every day that 41Deeper-lug tires aerodynamic devices and sharp usually last longer, but attention to tractor-trailer spec’ing their extended tread has can produce real savings when it slight movement – enough comes to fuel consumption. to decrease fuel economy. Shallower lugs decrease Buy a diesel-powered APU. While rolling resistance and help your truck’s engine can use a improve fuel economy. 47gallon of diesel an hour idling, ADJUST SHIFTING PATTERNS. recent estimates indicate a diesel APU Download engine data to compare burns only about a fifth of that. shifting behaviors – rpms at shift point – to the optimal rpm “torque bands” for your engine. Adjusting your shifting to fit the engine’s make and model can make a big difference. Every 1,000-rpm reduc- RUN WIDE BASE TIRES. tion in engine speed delivers a 1 They have been proven to deliver percent fuel economy gain. better fuel economy than duals.

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Lighten Get an electric APU. These systems Use your reefer for climate control. typically use electric power from Some solutions allow you to har- 48a bank of high-capacity absorbed 53ness the reefer unit’s power capacity Your Load glass mat batteries to power climate- to function much as a diesel APU would – control units and in-cab accessories. The running cab accessories and climate-control With PrimaTronics® systems currently on the market cost devices when the truck is idle, as well as LED Work and Spot Lamps roughly half to two-thirds of most diesel charging truck batteries. APUs. They won’t cover your power needs over a 34-hour restart, but for driv- Install an automatic engine start-stop ers getting home once a week, they could system. These can be set up to shut be more appropriate. 54down the engine after a certain amount of idle time or, tied to a thermo- Purchase a diesel-powered heater. stat, to turn on when the cab goes above or Operators in northern climates below a certain temperature. 49may not need to shell out up to $9,000 for a full-function diesel APU Switch to a daycab, and use motels. because a less expensive diesel-fired heater If your operation doesn’t require can keep the cab plenty warm while burn- 55too many over-the-road overnight ing about a quarter of the fuel an APU uses. stays, not only would you save on the cost HL SerieS – PTL5020 of a tractor by buying a daycab instead of a 600 Lumen Work Lamp Use a DC air-conditioner. If your need sleeper, the lower weight and reduced idling for cooling when resting is low, also could save fuel costs. 50battery-powered air conditioners • Six, one watt high-output Surface can be paired with high-capacity batteries Add a roof fairing. If you’re running a Mount Diodes: the latest technology and a fuel-fired heater for a comprehensive flat-top or midroof tractor in a van for maximum vibration resistance cab climate-control alternative to idling. 56or reefer application, an aftermarket • Whiter and brighter than roof fairing can smooth the airflow over the incandescent and halogen for Get an engine block heater. If you find trailer, improving fuel efficiency. Some tests increased visibility yourself operating in colder climates indicate that a full roof fairing, combined 51often and you idle a lot to warm with side shields/extenders, can deliver up to • Less amperage draw than your engine, you might save in the long run a 15 percent improvement in fuel economy. incandescent, reserves more by getting a block heater. power for other vehicle needs Install side skirts. Many fleets have Use an inverter. It will convert installed these on van and reefer • Vented powder coated aluminum direct current from your batteries 57trailers to minimize the drag pro- body operates cooler and resists 52to alternating current to power duced by air swirling under the trailer. Side corrosion in-cab accessories. If your idle time skirts can deliver a savings of 7.4 percent, needs are limited, an inverter can supply according to U.S. Environmental Protection To download your copy of the adequate electricity. Agency-verified SAE Type II testing. PrimaTronics specification flyer, visit www.primabrands.com ADD A TRAILER TAIL. Aerodynamic trailer add-ons can reduce aero- dynamic drag and help stability in crosswinds. The tail reduces the drag created by the at

® the back of a fast-moving tractor-

Todd Dills trailer. Some fleets report a full 1 Available Exclusively at FleetPride mpg boost from using a trailer tail combined with side skirts. Text INFO to 205-289-3554 or visit www.ccjdigital.com/info INFO to Text

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Choose a lower sleeper roof. Use cab side extenders. For tractors The stand-up sleeper with a not already optimized for aero- 59full roof fairing is not always 64dynamics, installation of cab side Will low viscosity engine oils provide the most fuel-efficient choice when extenders can create a smoother airflow benefits for my engine it’s not paired with a dry van or reefer. around the tractor-trailer gap. Makers and my bottom line? In liquid bulk operations, spec’ing a estimate a fuel efficiency improvement of The reasons to midroof sleeper or searching the used 1 to 3 percent. switch to using lower viscosity, full synthetic lots for one is going to be your best or synthetic blend motor oils continue to bet for aerodynamics. In most flatbed Add a nose cone fairing. For flat- build. The tried and applications, loads are unlikely to rise top or midroof tractor owners true SAE 15W-40 By Dan Arcy conventional motor above the height of a midroof setup. pulling dry vans, nose cone Shell Lubricants 65 oils that many use has competition from lower viscosity For some high-density-load haulers, a fairing technology combines the verti- grade oils that promote better fuel flattop may be the best choice. cal fairing of more standard tractor- economy and other benefits. trailer gap technology with an outsize A number of diesel engine manufacturers recommend lower Use rounder mirror backs. If you’re fairing at the top to direct air both viscosity lubricants in their newest engines, and the move to lower using old-style flat West Coast over the trailer and down and around viscosity lubricants is reinforced 60mirrors for the side views, con- the sides. by the recent announcement that one of the focus areas for the next sider moving to mirrors with a more generation of heavy-duty diesel rounded back to further enhance airflow. Install airtabs on the hood, along the engine oils will be fuel economy savings, which lower viscosity sides and at the top rear of the trac- oils have demonstrated the ability to provide. This is particularly Dress your tanks with aero steps. Fuel 66tor and/or trailer. Each one cre- important as the first-ever fuel tank fairings paired with steps that ates vortices that combine to reduce the economy regulations for heavy trucks will begin in 2014. 61smooth airflow over the tractor’s suction and drag at the rear of vehicles Less energy is consumed when lower side can improve fuel performance traveling at speeds above about 35 mph. starting a cold engine when it is lubricated by a synthetic SAE by 2 to 3 percent. Based on a study involving Britain’s 5W-40 than is consumed with a Institute of Road Transport Engineers, conventional SAE 15W-40. Lower viscosity oils also help reduce Use dry van gap fairings. At the the technology can produce fuel savings friction in an engine, which can front of dry vans, gap fairings of 2 to 4 percent. result in fuel savings. ease airflow over the tractor- Anti-idling laws mean the days of 62 40 percent idle time are over. Idle trailer gap. This can boost fuel efficiency Choose aero or porous mudflaps. times of 10 percent or less are now common, meaning more start-ups. by 1 percent when paired with a highly These can help reduce drag. The better cold temperature flow aerodynamic tractor with a tight truck- 67 of a lower viscosity oil such as SAE 5W-40 full synthetic or SAE 10W-30 trailer gap length. synthetic blend versus SAE 15W-40 will provide easier starting and faster lubrication in colder weather. Low viscosity oils, Shell Rotella® T6 Full Synthetic SAE 5W-40 or Shell Rotella® T5 Synthetic Blend SAE 10W-30 have been shown to deliver fuel-economy savings, extended- drain capability, enhanced engine cleanliness, and excellent wear protection.

This monthly column is brought to you by Shell Lubricants. Got a question? Visit ROTELLA.com, call 1-800-231-6950 or write to The AnSWER COLumn, 1001 Fannin, Ste. 500, COVER WHEEL HUBS. Hub manufacturers estimate 1.5 Houston, TX 77002. to 3 percent in fuel savings when all outside-facing The term “Shell Lubricants” refers to the various Shell wheels are outfitted with the devices, which smooth Group companies engaged in the lubricants business. airflow across the wheels. Text INFO to 205-289-3554 or visit www.ccjdigital.com/info INFO to Text

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Use aluminum wheels. The weight proven to deliver vastly better fuel econo- reduction relative to steel brings my than manual transmissions, especially 68better fuel economy and also can for novice drivers. mean a payload increase. Standardize powertrains to increase Choose a 13-liter engine over a driver efficiency. If your driv- 15-liter. Unless your application 75ers always are driving the same 69absolutely needs the extra mus- kinds of trucks with the same kinds of cle, there is a considerable fuel savings powertrains, they will be more efficient with the smaller engine. because you’re removing variables that can impact fuel economy. Choose trucks with lighter specs. Having 2,000 extra pounds results 70in a 0.1-mpg hit.

Use a hybrid in city opera- tions. They can cut fuel 71consumption as much as 50 percent in pickup-and- delivery applications. Return on investment is about 12 to 13 years, but federal and state incentive programs can ENTER TO WIN $500 reduce that. California offers a $25,000 incentive for the first hybrid purchased and Visit www.timken.com/techseries $20,000 for each hybrid to complete the Tech Series thereafter. training and receive a Timken hat. Each module you complete gives Choose a truck with you a chance to win $500, so smaller fuel tanks. Fuel finish all seven modules for seven 72weighs 7 pounds per chances to win! gallon, so a smaller tank can cut weight significantly. We will give away one $500 gift card every Spec the optimal gear month between July ratio. Gear ratios can and November. 73be optimized for a Complete details and rules can be found at www.timken.com/techseries. variety of applications. For most trucks, 3:08 is a highly efficient highway ratio, says www.timken.com the American Trucking Associations’ Technology & Bearings • Steel • Maintenance Council. Power Transmission Systems • Precision Components • Gears • Chain • Augers • Seals • Lubrication • Industrial Services • Use an automated Remanufacture and Repair manual transmission. Timken® is a registered trademark of The Timken Company. 74Don’t let acquisition costs scare © 2012 The Timken Company you off. These transmissions have been Text INFO to 205-289-3554 or visit www.ccjdigital.com/info INFO to Text

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