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Company News
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Motor Vehicle Fleet Management Bulletin
With the cost of gasoline over $4.00 a gallon and diesel reaching $5.00 a gallon what are you doing to lower your operating costs? Have you evaluated your routes and made changes to how your drivers are dispatched? Eliminating backtracking and reducing left hand turns on your routes are some simple solutions. Have you changed your start and finish times so your drivers avoid congested or rush hour traffic? How are you addressing reducing idling times? The use of telematics in vehicles and the monitoring of drivers has reduced idling times, in many cases justifying the cost of the telematic devices and the vendor's monthly charges. Do you have a "no idling" policy? Are the drivers being instructed to turn the engine off no matter how long the stop is?
Maintenance is another important factor. Vehicle maintenance does have an impact on your fuel mileage. For those vehicles in your fleet for which the driver is responsible for the maintenance, do you have procedures in place to verify they are properly manufacturer requirements. Do you require your mechanics and drivers to check their tire pressure at least monthly? Is it documented?
An Excellent resource for information and ideas is the EPA website: www.fueleconomy.gov
Do you or your maintenace department maintain records identifying the fuel mileage for each of your vehicles and drivers? Assinged vehilces help in making drivers accountable for their vehicles including fuel mileage.
FUEL PURCHASES FORM
In comparing the fuel mileage of your drivers do you have any drivers whose mileage is below the norm or average? You may consider riding with all your drivers to evaluate their driving habits. A good defensive driver optimzes their fuel mileage.
Whate help, advice, and education have you provided your drivers on improving their driver habits? Poor driving habints by your drivers can increase your fuel costs significantly. Do you or your dispatchers put pressure on your dirvers to meet to unreaslistic schedules includiing appointments or deliveries? Rapid acceleration and speed reduce fuel mileage.
This article is courtsey of the Loss Control Department of The Hartford
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