Photo: ©Siwakorn1933}| adobestock
- Rolling resistance uses one-third the power needed to move the truck. Maintaining the correct tire pressure and balance is important. Fuel usage increases 1% for every 10 psi that a tire is below the recommended pressure.
- Keep speed down. Install governors to control maximum speed. Increasing speed from 65 mph to 75 mph reduces the miles/gallon as much as 25% with little loss of productivity.
- Create an aerodynamic streamline design. Adding skirts (5%), roof deflectors (6%), open bumpers (1%) and replacing side mirrors with camera vision (2%) are good add-ons.
- Reduce weight. Every additional 100 pounds reduces fuel consumption by 2%. Selecting aluminum or magnesium rims, smaller or wide base tires, light weight shipping carts and over-watering plants can have a large impact on fuel consumption.
- Trucking operation has a large impact on efficiency. A survey by the American Trucking Association found that the difference between the best and poorest drivers was about 35% or 10 to 15 cents/mile in fuel efficiency. Drivers that have gone through a formal training course usually do best.
- Scheduling deliveries is very important. Scheduling software is available that will route your trucks in the most efficient manner. It compares cost, mileage and time. Try to schedule deliveries between periods of heavy traffic flow. Adding GPS-assisted navigation can increase driver efficiency.
- Backhauls can reduce deadhead miles. Plan trips to return empty carts or pickup needed supplies. These can also generate added revenue and help to pay for the trip. Growers can also use an outside trucker to return your empty carts.
- Replace older trucks. New model trucks are 16% more efficient than one that is five years old. Features to consider include automatic shifting, automatic cruise control, anti-idle device, 6 x 2 transmission and engine supercharger.
- Provide regular maintenance. A daily safety inspection and accurate log of miles traveled, fuel usage and miles/gallon can help in pinpointing problems with truck operation. Scheduling preventive maintenance based on hours, days or miles of operation will eliminate many breakdowns and lost time. The log may also be needed in states that now charge a vehicle mileage tax.
Explore the March 2023 Issue
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