Buying a fuel-efficient truck
If you’re a small business that uses a truck in the course of your work, then you need to visit TruckBuyersGuide.gov.au. The guide has:
- a step-by-step guide that helps you in the selection of a fuel-efficient truck
- an interactive overview that shows you what to look out for when buying a fuel-efficient truck.
The site also details[1] the fuel usage impact of:
Aerodynamic aids: If you drive a truck at speeds of 80 km/h or above, air deflectors can save you fuel. They can also improve the handling of your truck. Cab roof deflectors, side fairings and body panels are other aftermarket products that can be fitted by specialists to your truck. The front of a truck and the gap between the cab and the body can have a big impact on fuel consumption, so visit the site to check your options.
Sat Nav and route planning systems – These can get you to a delivery location via the most efficient route, thereby reducing fuel wastage and costs.
Ancillary equipment – When you add refrigeration units to trucks or mount cranes and tail lifts on them, it extracts power from your engine and increases fuel costs. If you add equipment that is not matched to the size of your engine, it can run the motor harder, leading to extra fuel consumption. The site recommends that you get advice from dealers and aftermarket suppliers to ensure that ancillary equipment is matched to the size of your engine.
Fuel-efficient driving techniques – The site shows how smoother, careful driving can reduce fuel consumption by 5-10% (and in some cases by as much as 30%). Check the site for links to accredited vehicle training providers.
Idling reduction – Trucks and lights have one thing in common. When you switch them off you save money. Reducing unnecessary vehicle idling is a guaranteed way to reduce fuel costs. The site has suggestions on the best way to minimise this problem.
Buying a new truck or commercial vehicle – The site has a checklist to help you choose the right vehicle for your type of business.
Dealer support – If you’re buying from a dealer, check to see if they have a good repair workshop. A good workshop can minimise the amount of time that your vehicle is off the road and in for repairs.
Two Men and a Truck, NSW
Two Men and a Truck introduced a vehicle acquisition policy that aimed to reduce energy consumption. Their ‘fleet transition plan’ to energy efficient vehicles began with the investment in two replacement trucks to their fleet – an Isuzu SiTEC Series III and a Mercedes Atego. This saved $1,730 per year in fuel costs, and a further $4,195 per year on servicing and maintenance costs – a total saving of $5,925 per year. For a company of their size, this is a significant saving.[2]
Want to save fuel with your trucks? Ask yourself these questions!
- Do you monitor and measure your fuel use?
- Have you identified appropriate training courses for yourself or your drivers?
- Is engine idling a habit with your drivers?
- Have you developed an appropriate vehicle specification for either your own vehicle or your fleet?
- Are your vehicles fitted with suitable aerodynamic equipment
- Is the aerodynamic equipment – and the vehicle as a whole – in good enough condition to achieve optimum aerodynamic performance?
- Do you specify low-rolling resistance tyres?
- Are tyres regularly checked for pressure and condition?
- Are your wheels regularly checked for alignment?
- Do you maximise all opportunities for back-loading?
- Do you have a preventative maintenance program in place?
- Do you use or have you investigated the use of journey planning software?
Answer these questions and you could save significant amounts of money on fuel.
- 1. This information has been adapted from TruckBuyersGuide.gov.au
- 2. EnergyCut.info/transport-case-study