How to Improve your Fuel Mileage

If there is one thing that never changes in the trucking industry, it’s the fact that everybody is trying to make as much money as possible. While this can prove to be a challenge at times and seem out of the drivers’ control, one way for smart drivers to take back control and maximize every paycheck is by saving at the gas pump and valuing every drop of fuel that enters their truck. Listed below are five steps these drivers can take so that they can improve their MPG.

BE SMOOTH

While the last thing a busy driver wants to do is slow down their truck as they rush to deliver a load on time, one way drivers can save fuel consumption while topping out at the same cruising speeds is by taking their time to get up to speed and making an effort to stay smooth while shifting gears, accelerating and braking in their truck. Shifting before hitting high RPM in low gears might be a little bit slower, but avoiding those increased rev levels can help the truck at the gas pump and also prevent engine wear.

Likewise, if possible, drivers can help save both gasoline and braking power by spending more time off the throttle while in anticipation of stopping instead of staying on the gas and stopping harder.

AVOID IDLING

An easy way to avoid fuel consumption is to limit the amount of time spent idling the truck. All Merx Global company trucks come equipped with auxiliary power units that run the electronics within the cab while allowing the engine to take a rest. As a result, our drivers can save fuel when taking a break while continuing to enjoy all the comforts for their sleeper birth. Idling will still be unavoidable at times; however, take advantage of that APU as often as possible and there will be a difference at the gas pump.

MAINTAIN THE EQUIPMENT

One of the simplest ways to save on fuel and increase the miles per gallon is by ensuring that all vehicle maintenance is completed regularly and the truck is running at optimal performance.

This includes routine things like regular oil changes to keep the engine running clean and using the correct gasoline. However, it also includes things that require a little bit more effort, like checking the air pressure of the tires and maintaining the manufacture suggested amount of tire pressure at all times. Driving with low tire pressure forces trucks to work harder to get moving and produces more tire wear than a properly inflated tire.

PLAN AHEAD

Every driver knows that planning ahead is critical in the transportation industry and that goes double when trying to save fuel. With that in mind, it is important for CDL drivers to consider factors that the average driver might not. Things like fuel weight, route efficiency, and gas price by region are all factors that can be taken advantage of. Managing fuel weight and knowing where to find the best deals on gasoline (without driving extra miles to do it) is a great way to cut back on fuel burned and improve MPG.

CHECK MPG’s REGULARLY

In addition to everything mentioned above, it is also important to create a road map to monitor MPG progress and help recognize good/bad driving habits. Making a plan, setting MPG goals, and then striving to hit them while out on the road is a great way to keep the truck in top shape and save money while doing it.

If you are interested in driving with Merx, please complete our application at http://bit.ly/35Zhd2U. Our recruiting team would be happy to tell you more about our driving opportunities.