ForConstructionPros.com

With diesel prices at record highs, it pays to take steps to optimize fuel economy for your vehicle fleet. A good starting point is driver training.

"Of all of the factors that affect fuel consumption, drivers have the most influence on fuel economy," says Matt Gervais, heavy-duty product strategy manager, Sterling Trucks.

"Operators typically influence overall fuel economy by as much as 35%," says Christy Nycz, Cummins. "Operator training and implementation of electronic control module features [i.e., road speed limits] are key to reducing this disparity."

Gervais recommends training drivers to anticipate road speed changes; plan routes to minimize stops; avoid unnecessary engine idling; minimize accessory loads on the engine (air conditioning, fan-on time, etc.); keep rpms low and running in the "sweet spot"; optimize shift points; and use cruise control wherever possible. "Drivers who are trained in these techniques can improve fuel economy by up to 35%," he adds.

Driving techniques
Speeding dramatically increases fuel consumption. This is especially true for vocational trucks, which exhibit many aerodynamic inefficiencies vs. their over-the-road counterparts. "The losses [in fuel efficiency] are somewhat greater due to the lack of aerodynamic aides and the irregular loads typically hauled by vocational applications," says Nycz.