Fuel is the largest cost for owner-operators, but the OOIDA Foundation wants drivers to think in terms other than price per gallon or miles per gallon.
The Foundation recently released a video detailing best practices for improving efficiency.
How and where you buy fuel, how the truck is maintained and whether the load is worth diesel it will take to move it are examined.
“Efficiency isn’t just about miles per gallon,” the Foundation said. “It’s about controlling every factor that affects what you pay to move the truck.”
The following factors should always be considered.
Fuel cards
Don’t pay full price if you don’t have to. The key is understanding the real savings after fees, location restrictions and network limitations. Use the card that allows you to consistently buy diesel at the lowest net cost. Fuel purchasing is a management strategy.
Make IFTA work for you
IFTA redistributes fuel taxes based on where miles are driven, not where diesel is purchased. Buying fuel in a lower-tax state may improve immediate cash flow. Reviewing IFTA reports can help identify trends or regions where fuel purchasing habits need adjustment. However, do not buy fuel only for tax reasons.
Nationwide fuel prices are updated daily on this Land Line resources page.
Tire pressure
This affects rolling resistance, tire wear and fuel economy. Underinflated tires wear out faster and make the truck work harder every mile. That means more fuel, more heat, more wear and more money. Check tire pressure regularly, especially when temperatures change, before long trips and when hauling heavier loads. Proper alignment and suspension maintenance are also critical. A truck fighting tire scrub is wasting diesel every mile.
Invisible costs
Heavier and high-profile loads require more energy to move. Hills, traffic and poor weather are also variables. The rate per mile may not look as good after weight, terrain or headwinds push fuel costs higher than expected. Not every mile costs the same. If the load is going to burn more diesel, that should be reflected in the rate.
Idle time
Some idle time is unavoidable, but unnecessary idling burns diesel without moving freight or generating revenue. Modern engines, auxiliary power units (APUs), bunk heaters and idle management can reduce avoidable fuel consumption while still protecting comfort and reliability.
“Fuel efficiency is not one trick,” the Foundation said. “It’s a series of decisions. Don’t just move freight, move freight profitably.” LL
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