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Fuel Efficiency for Improving Your Fleet's Operations

Thursday 7 January 2016, 1:34PM

By Mini-Tankers

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AUCKLAND

Fuel prices often take up a huge chunk of a company’s budget, especially those with a fleet of vehicles. There’s a lot businesses cannot control when it comes to fuel price. Market prices are affected by supply and demand, as well as geopolitical events. In New Zealand, duty and value-added tax also add to the price when the petrol makes its way to the local market.

However, what you do have control over is the fuel efficiency of your vehicles and machines. This includes better driving, quicker routes, and more streamlined job allocation. Small changes here and there will add up to big savings for your entire organisation.

Better Maintenance and Upkeep

Vehicles in tiptop shape run more efficiently and use less fuel than neglected ones. A proper maintenance plan should include cleaning of the engine, regular changing of the oil, refilling of lubricants and greases, and replacement of old or broken parts.

A proactive fleet maintenance program will not only reduce fuel expenses, it also reduces the chances of vehicle breakdowns and problems. Moreover, it can save your assets by keeping the vehicle roadworthy and costing you less money in repairs in the long run.

Improved Routing

Your vehicle burns more fuel when it drives on the road longer. As such, one of the first things you should consider is shortening the route it takes for the vehicle to go from Point A to Point B. this is where GPS tracking and proper dispatching comes in.

Dispatchers can ensure trucks and other vehicles are taking the most direct route to any job site, taking into account current traffic conditions and road restrictions. If you plan a delivery or travel route properly, vehicles do not spend as much time travelling to and from job sites, which burns less fuel.

Taking Things into Your Own Hands

That is, when it comes to sourcing your fuel and other supplies. The fewer handlers or middlemen there are between your company and the fuel supplier, the cheaper the price will be.

This means instead of filling up at the local gas station, it would be better to have the diesel refuelling at your own sites. Getting the fuel, lubricants, and other related supplied direct from the manufacturer or trader means you get to enjoy the price at wholesale. It will also be more convenient, as your fleet can refuel right in the comforts of your warehouse.

Mini-Tankers is one of the leaders in providing on-site refuelling and related services. The company provides more information about fuel efficiency and on-site diesel refuelling solutions on their website, http://www.minitankers.co.nz/.