Service Truck Magazine recently received an article from tradeshow organizers CONEXPO-CON/AGG offering advice on how you can minimize the impact of rising fuel prices.
However, it was keyed towards the construction industry. While we are aware that many in our service truck sector work alongside the construction industry provide maintenance et al to equipment on site, most of you don’t.
However, if we cherry-pick some of the data and re-present it, it will better-serve our industry.
Getting on the road these days is an expensive proposition.
Through the first week of July 2022, the average price of diesel fuel has increased by nearly 70 percent over 2021.
Short of not driving, there’s no single magic bullet to reduce fuel costs, improve fuel efficiency or help you navigate through these unprecedented times.
However, there are a few strategies that can alleviate the gas pains.
One of the more interesting methods, is to shop around. Sure, you can drive around and around looking to save a penny a gallon, or you can use an app that will find the lowest price of gas or diesel near you—Gas Buddy and Drivvo, are two such apps.
1. Track fuel costs with fleet management software
Roberta Wright, CEM and Fleet Coordinator for the City of Lynchburg, Virginia said that a fuel management software will help fleet managers keep an eye on costs. The FuelMaster fuel management software from Syntech, creates a report to display the vehicle number, who fueled the vehicle, the number of gallons, date, time, pump, and product. She adds in the fuel costs which change every time they load their two on-site tanks. “Having some type of monitoring system reduces theft,” said Wright. When she sees fuel efficiency decreasing, she can have the maintenance team identify any issues.
2. Vehicle telematics
Telematic data offers valuable insight into fuel efficiency and machine utilization. “Across the industry, telematics data is often underutilized,” stated Larry Herman Jr., the Telematic Support Supervisor at RDO Equipment Co., which represents CONEXPO-CON/AGG exhibitors John Deere and Vermeer.
According to Herman, many factors can contribute to fuel burn rate and excessive fuel consumption. “Telematics systems, like John Deere’s JDLink, can track utilization data including idle time, fuel consumed while in idle, and compare that data across the fleet to identify opportunities for improvement,” said Herman.
JDLink’s Machine Analyzer tool allows managers to compare data for the entire fleet, specific groups of equipment, or machine types.
Another area to focus on are the gears or modes the machine is being operated in—if a truck isn’t in optimal gear, maximum fuel efficiency is not achieved.
“Auto-idle/shutdown can be beneficial in some situations, but not every situation as each business and use-case is different,” said Jacob Koon, an RDO telematics consultant based in Texas.
3. Be transparent with customers when implementing a fuel surcharge
While fleets and service truck operators may take pride in creating contracts that lock a customer with set mileage charges, the rising cost of fuel could—or may have already—made the trip into the red ink.
Instead, a fuel surcharge should be considered, with the rate based on a publicly available data source and adjusted monthly.
A fuel surcharge offers full transparency to your customers.
4. Convert trucks to compressed natural gas hybrids
With compressed natural gas (CNG) priced at $2.52 per gallon, converting your trucks to run on CNG and gas, or CNG and diesel can bring significant savings, all while reducing emissions. Conversion kits from Green Energy Solutions effectively convert your trucks to dual-fuel hybrids, running approximately 20-30 percent CNG.
If you think the cost savings won’t amount to much, consider this construction sector example: according to Business Development Manager Kyle Flint, one of their clients, Oklahoma-based B&H Construction, has seen fuel costs go from $11,600 per employee to $4,800 per employee after converting most of their truck fleet.
Conversion kits are easily installed and include a tank package suited to the vehicle, plus hoses, tubes, fittings, pressure regulator fuel delivery system, sensors, and processors. The cost for a diesel assist kit is approximately $15,000-$20,000, while the cost for a gas kit is $13,500-$15,500. There are a number of government incentives for organizations that convert their vehicles to CNG because it is a renewable, clean-burning biofuel. Green Energy Solutions will have products on display at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2023.
5. Don’t overlook machine maintenance
It’s never a good idea to skimp on maintenance, especially the parts with a direct impact on fuel efficiency, such as air filters. Fuel filters should also be monitored for water or sediment that could lead to poor fuel economy.
Lastly, ensure that tire pressures are set to the proper points to avoid overworking your machines and burning more fuel than is necessary.
About CONEXPO-CON/AGG
Held every three years, CONEXPO-CON/AGG is the must-attend event for construction industry professionals. The show features the latest equipment, products, services and technologies for the construction industry, as well as industry-leading education. The next CONEXPO-CON/AGG will be held March 14-18, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information on CONEXPO-CON/AGG, visit www.conexpoconagg.com.
