DKV BeNeLux You drive, we care
Without any doubt this is a regularly recurring topic of discussion in your transport company: Saving Fuel. Certainly under the current economic market conditions characterised by rising fuel prices and duties, saving on fuel costs is becoming very interesting. Operating in the transport business, you obviously cannot avoid the aspect of fuel costs, but all the same there are a few interesting ways of keeping these costs as low as possible. Below you will find a few tips for you to take advantage of on your way to optimal cost control.
1. Combine your routes with an excellent fuel station network
Usually it is the planning department where routes are laid out, often on the basis of addresses of delivery or collection. Now what are the saving options here? A simple way of cutting costs is to combine the chosen routes with fuel stations that offer the lowest prices. Practice shows that there are regular opportunities here. Furthermore, driving during peak hours has many drawbacks. By mapping out an alternative route you will be refuelling more cheaply on your way, while saving time on top. A mobile app will enable your drivers to find the cheapest fuel stations without any problem.
2. Training and schooling options
The so-called Code 95, a code attesting professional skills, is compulsory for all drivers. It is indicated on the driving licence and its validity is 5 years. Also drivers who already possess a C or D licence must have taken compulsory refresher courses before 10 September 2015. Offering an additional ‘New Driving‘ module will prove a great benefit to your company as well. This module covers the theoretical and practical aspects of responsible and ecologically conscious driving. How will this affect your company?
- At least 10% fuel savings
- Reduced wear of tyres and brakes
- Lower maintenance and servicing costs
- 30% – 40% damage reduction on your fleet
3. Monitoring EU fuel prices
Are your drivers often seen along European international roads? In that case your company would gain by monitoring the various European diesel prices. A clear overview of the lowest fuel prices will already bring great fuel savings. In addition, there are possibilities for reclaiming foreign VAT paid on fuel, or diesel duties. There is a certain advantage involved in continuous monitoring of price statements!
4. Switching off engines when idling
It would appear as a logical thought, but right now it is practised too little: switching the engine of a stationary vehicle off. The average engine uses 2 litres of fuel per hour when idling. Although, admittedly, this would not seem much, it might result in considerable savings on an annual basis, certainly when multiplied by the number of trucks in your fleet. So make your drivers aware of the fuel consumption of an idling engine. Besides, in the long run it might turn out interesting to buy trucks with a start-stop system, which may even imply tax benefits under the Energy Investment Allowance scheme.
5. Stepping up the use of cruise control
Cruise control is an (almost) standard component on the newest trucks. If cruise control should not be a standard accessory of the trucks in your fleet, installing it would surely be interesting. Cruise control will make your drivers go more evenly, resulting in relatively low average engine rotations. Except for fuel savings, which might well run into 5% per year, there is a smaller risk of speeding and your drivers will feel more comfortable and relaxed during their work.