10 Ways to Increase Your Fleet’s Fuel Economy   Although gas prices have hit a record high, you can take actions to maximize the fuel efficiency of your fleet.  Here are 10 suggestions for drivers to follow to maximize fuel economy, most of which won’t cost you a cent. Fuel represents the largest operating expense for fleets, and that expense is increasing. Gasoline prices have climbed to over $2.00 a gallon, a 30-percent increase since January. For the past several years, fuel prices have spiked in the spring and summer, playing havoc for fleets that did not budget for this increased expenditure. Here are 15 actions your drivers can take to minimize fuel expenditures. 1. Have Drivers Ensure Tires are Inflated to the Correct Pressure This is the cheapest and easiest way to control fuel expenses and the one most often overlooked.  One under-inflated tire can cut fuel economy by 2 percent per pound of pressure below the proper inflation level. 2. Implement Fleet Fuel Cards A fuel management program helps avoid unauthorized purchases by allowing you to control exactly what drivers purchase.  Limiting the type of fuel purchased is an easy way to control costs. 3. Clean Out the Trunk and Eliminate Unnecessary Weight Every 200 lbs. of unnecessary weight trims one mile off fuel efficiency. 4. Avoid Long Idling The worst mileage a vehicle can get is 0 miles per gallon.  When idling for longer periods of time, shut off the engine. 5. Monitor Preventive Maintenance Schedules Proper maintenance will increase a vehicle’s fuel economy. 6. Make Drivers Energy Conscious Similar to turning off the lights in unoccupied rooms at home, your drivers should practice energy conservation habits in their vehicles as well.  It can reduce gas consumption by 5 to 20 percent, depending on the type of vehicle and the way it is driven. 7. Use Cruise Control During Highway Driving Unnecessary changes in speed are wasteful, and the use of cruise control helps improve fuel economy. 8. When Feasible, Have Two Employees Per Vehicle If you have several employees going to the same work location or job site, have them take one vehicle instead of driving separately. 9. Avoid Jackrabbit Starts A car consumes extra fuel when accelerating.  To maximize fuel economy, drivers need to examine their driving habits. 10. Stick to the Speed Limit and Anticipate Traffic Flow Driving fast wastes gas.  By not driving aggressively, drivers can save up to 20 percent in fuel economy.  In commuter traffic, which usually involves stop-and-go movement, look two or more vehicles ahead rather than watching the driver in front of you. Pay Attention to the Details Some of these suggestions may seem slight in the big picture of fleet operation expenses, but paying attention to details will add up to large savings during the course of a year.  According to industry experts, if a single driver rigorously adhered to these suggestions, the fuel economy of a vehicle could be increased by approximately 10 percent.

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