AYR, ON – April 18, 2008 – With rising fuel costs, and ever-increasing operating expenses, more of today’s truckers are seeking to drive smarter – and save fuel money - to take the edge off in an increasingly costly industry.
The challenges of rising operating costs are familiar to all owner/operators, including Larry Noble, who works for Doyle Transportation in Guelph, “If I can reduce costs, and with the price of fuel going up, that will be a big help for anybody that’s in the business of burning fuel to make a living.” With resources and training available through trucking companies, the Internet and print media, more and more drivers, fleet managers, and driver training programs are implementing strategies to ease the bottom line.
One of the simplest ways to cut long-haul costs is to reduce highway speed. For truckers running 90 percent highway miles, reducing top speed from 70 to 65 miles per hour could cut their annual fuel costs by up to $1500.
Some drivers are improving aerodynamics on their rigs by adding roof and side fairings, cab extenders, and air dams. And new truck buyers can now purchase more aerodynamically-friendly streamlined truck models.
Improving freight logistics is a strategy many companies are implementing. Through better load matching, creating more efficient routes and delivery schedules, or coordinating loads with other fleets, carriers are reducing the miles that their trucks drive empty, thereby reducing their bottom line.
New and experienced drivers alike can cut costs – and improve their skills – by taking advantage of driver training, utilizing techniques such as optimal gearing, progressive shifting, engine speed optimization, idle reduction, speed control, and smoother braking and acceleration.
Friction-reducing metal treatments are also a real cost-cutter for a growing number of operators. Operator Nathan MacLeod, who hauls a 6-axle dry bulk pneumatic tanker with loads of cement or sand - usually weighing 140000 lbs – not only carries heavy loads, but heavy operating costs. Says Nathan, “the way the industry’s going and the price of fuel and guys having trouble making ends meet, [the affordable investment in this engine treatment] sure makes a difference at the end of the year.” By using XenTx Engine Treatments - which utilize a unique covalent bonding process to enhance diesel engine, transmission, and fuel system performance – Nathan is currently saving 1000 to 1100 dollars per month (12000-13000 dollars per year).
The benefits of these strategies extend to our environment as well, and many companies who serve the trucking and transportation industries want to send the message that driving smart also means thinking green. Lorne Shantz, CEO of Green Performance Systems, International manufacturer and distributor of green energy conserving products in Ayr, ON says, “We have seen the ripple effect of operators and fleet owners saving money – which is so rewarding – but we are also aware that making products available that reduce black particulate emissions, reduce engine friction, and help equipment run cooler and more efficiently is our small part in helping to protect the environment. You can’t put a price on that.”
Call Toll Free: 877.370.4672 or visit www.greenperform.com for more information.