Avoid left turns: Save money by driving like the pros
Posted
May 08 2008, 07:21 PM
by
Karen Datko
Rating:
Who has the best tips for saving money on gasoline and diesel? Trucking companies, that's who.
So we decided to check out how those companies are adjusting operations to reduce the financial blow of rising fuel prices. A very good article in USA Today notes that "every efficiency is a brake on rapidly rising fuel costs, up 22% for gasoline since last year and up 46% for diesel," and shares some professionals tips that you can easily incorporate into your own driving habits.
In fact, some of these tips are among proposals made today by the American Trucking Associations, whose members include FedEx Corp., UPS Inc. and Con-way Inc. The group says its combined suggestions -- including a national speed limit of 68 mph, reduced idling, increased fuel efficiency, and national fuel-economy standards -- "will reduce fuel consumption by 86 billion gallons and carbon dioxide emissions -- the main culprit of climate change -- by 900 million tons for all vehicles over the next 10 years," an Associated Press story says.
Here's what the pros are doing:
Minimizing left turns. The USA Today article by Julie Schmit says "waiting for lights or for traffic to pass can consume more fuel than driving alternate routes."
Reducing idling. Big trucks eat up a gallon of fuel an hour while idling. Heck, we were near McDonald's the other day and noticed about 10 cars in idling mode in a slow-moving drive-through lane. How about parking and walking inside? Bonus: You'll probably get your food faster.
Reducing speed. Companies are telling their truck drivers to slow down, and are employing technology to limit their trucks' top speed. State troopers in North Dakota, a vast state with sparse population, have noticed the trend, says another Associated Press article.
Combining errands and reducing the number of trips. Delivery companies use software to design more efficient routes. You can do this yourself with a little common sense.
Checking tire pressure. USA Today says trucking companies are now checking tire pressure several times a day, rather than several times a week.
Using alternative transportation, like ships and trains. (Trucks have been hauling 70% of freight in the U.S., says AP.) You can switch, when possible, to riding a bike or walking.
Improving aerodynamics. "Drag matters," says George Wilkins at Trucker Talk.
