Three Hot Tips to Save Fuel Costs & Keep Perishables Cool this Summer
With warmer temperatures on the horizon, that typically means fuel prices are about to head north. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), fuel is far and away the top vehicle-based expense for motor carriers, accounting for anywhere between 34% and 39% of total costs in recent years.(1) In addition, keeping perishable foods at temperature during warmer temperatures on multi-stop routes can be challenging during the summer months.
Here are three hot tips to save fuel and keep your perishables at temp this summer:
- According to a study completed by Cummins Engine(2) – excessive speed, excessive idling, operating the vehicle in the wrong gear, and accelerating and decelerating rapidly all consume extra fuel. Simple habits, such as coasting to a stop instead of pushing the accelerator until the last moment and braking hard, add up to significant fuel savings after thousands of miles. Fuel economy drops by a tenth of a mile per gallon for every one mpg over 55.
- Additionally as noted by the Cummins’ study, engine manufacturers continue to cite improper use of tires and underinflation of tires as significant causes of poor fuel economy. Every 10 pounds per square inch of underinflation represents 1% penalty in fuel economy.
- Shorten your load with an insulated bulkhead. As your inventory decreases in a multi-stop route, use a bulkhead to compress the refrigerated space. This eases the burden on the refrigeration unit and fuel consumption. Also, insulated bulkheads serve as a partition between your refrigerated and dry inventory which allows for refrigerating only the inventory that requires it.
Insulated bulkheads can be used with Center Divide Systems or independently in a trailer. Bulkheads that are built to spec, with specialized material that can withstand freezer temperatures and provide warp forgiveness, helps ensure your refrigerated space stays sealed.
Safe Fleet Truck & Trailer offers a full line of insulated trailer bulkheads, rear and side curtains, insulated containers and covers to help protect inventory from the summer heat and elements while helping to conserve energy and fuel.
Visit our website> www.sftruckandtrailer.net or give us a call at 800-323-7424 to talk with your territory manager to start saving energy and fuel costs with your fleet.
