I’d be surprised at the current levels of fuel if any beverage fleet manager would say “no” to practicing fuel conservation.
I’m sure all of you have heard tips and examples of what other fleets have done, but the key is doing a little research, finding ways to reduce your fuel usage and keeping at it. Fuel can account for as much as 25 percent of total operating costs in some fleets.

The first step is to review those things you know affect fuel usage. To help you do this, keep records and monitor adherence. The non-vehicle factors should be reviewed first, since no fleet can turn over it’s entire fleet, spec’ing all the available fuel savings components and products.

It’s no secret that the driver is the main factor in fuel economy. The most efficient drivers get about 30 percent better fuel economy then the least efficient drivers. Using good driving techniques and practices all of the time comes first. Newer low emissions engines are less forgiving and require more driver skill to keep revs at optimum fuel conservation levels.

Then, unnecessary speeding is next— speed burns fuel. Fuel economy is about 6.7 percent at 65 mph and about 5.5 percent at 75 mph—a 20 percent difference.

Last, but arguably the most important, is eliminating all unnecessary idling. The best way is to set idling practices, policies and goals and then monitor driver idling. Keep in mind that the Argonne National Laboratory says that unnecessary idling can shorten a diesel engine’s life by six to 12 months.

There are now more than enough auxiliary power units (APU) and fuel-fired devices to install and eliminate idling, except for when idling is felt necessary to heat or cool a vehicle. Also, there are idle time shutdown features available if those fit your operation. Attention also should be given to more efficient distribution and transporting practices, to keep miles as low as possible. Also, avoid commuter traffic, and when appraoching red lights, do it slowly, timing arrival at the intersection just before the light turns green.

Specs
The equipment specs you set also are a big factor. Improved aerodynamics is one way to reduce fuel usage and all truck OEMs have put a lot of engineering effort and design into this. Bumpers, windshields, hoods and even mirrors are contributing in their efforts. A 2 percent reduction in aerodynamic drag results in approximately a 1 percent improvement in fuel economy.

Tires are another area for careful specing. All tire manufacturers have fuel-efficient tires—consider their use. Goodyear has its Fuel Max Technology for many of its models and says tests on line-haul models show an 8 percent increase in fuel economy, that’s a 4 percent fuel savings.

As usual, there are tradeoffs, especially in tire selection:
• Tread Depth. Deeper tread extends miles, but increases rolling resistance and fuel consumption.
• Tire Profile. Lower profile tires are lighter and can enhance fuel economy, but affect axle ratios and transmission gearing.
• Tread Type. Rib tires are more fuel efficient, but do not have the traction of a lug tire.

All of these factors must be considered to see if a fuel-efficient tire is right for your operation. In addition, there is a direct correlation between a tire’s air pressure and fuel economy.

Fleets are going to tire inflation systems to monitor and maintain proper inflations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says only 45 percent of tires are within 5 psi of their target pressure. Every 10 psi that a tire is under inflated reduces fuel economy by 1 percent.

And, worn tires provide up to 7 percent better fuel economy than new tires, so don’t pull tires for retreading too early.
Another spec that affects fuel economy is the transmission. More fleets are switching to automatic or automated transmissions and hoping the higher cost will be offset by increased safety with drivers being able to focus on better fuel economy and reduced maintenance costs. Spec the correct engine/transmission combination.

Other specs that factor in include:
• Weight. Lightweight components can be cost effective, but with their cost they could outweigh the value of saving a few pounds of weight—do the math. Aluminum wheels; composite springs of monoleaf design; aluminum hubs; brake drums; fifth wheels; suspension brackets and air tanks are some components worth a look to reduce weight.
• Proper Wheel Alignment. If the wheels don’t agree on which direction they travel, they fight each other removing a little rubber with every revolution. It takes extra energy to erase tire tread.
• Higher-Viscosity Lubes. Using a higher-velocity lube than necessary makes it harder for pumps and gears to move and uses more energy than necessary, wasting fuel.
• Air Filters. A dirty air filter can deprive the engine of the air it needs for optimum combustion.

Finally, fan clutches and compressors that are not in good working order may run more than necessary, which results in excess power taken from the engine. Remember, none of your specs will help save fuel if they aren’t maintained and kept in perfect operating condition.

From Beverage World August 15, 2007