It’s no secret that it’s a challenging time to be a trucker in North America. Truckers continue to get a large share of the blame for the supply chain issues that have plagued the country since the pandemic. Independent trucking is under strain due to legislation and a difficult market. And on top of all of that, diesel fuel has never been more expensive! If you’re a trucker who’s feeling the squeeze at the pump, take a look at our trucking experts’ tips on how to save on fuel.
Drive the speed limit
If you want to save money on your fuel costs, you’re going to have to slow down a bit. Drivers burn through fuel much faster the faster they drive, especially for larger vehicles like semi-trucks. Not only does it take a ton of fuel to speed up to, say, 70 mph, but it takes a ton to maintain that speed. Not to mention it’s Operation Safe Driver Week this week! Because of the greater enforcement associated with this week, you’ll also save money by not getting speeding tickets out there. Between the monetary and safety benefits, driving the speed limit is a no-brainer.
Keep your tires pumped up
Low tire pressure is one of the main causes of wasted fuel. Your truck will have to work a lot harder to drive if your tires aren’t properly inflated. Making sure to inflate them periodically helps keep your truck efficient while also preventing more serious problems. Older or underinflated tires are more likely to cause damage to your truck, whether through blowouts or misaligning your axles. So make sure you keep your tires inflated and have comprehensive physical damage coverage to ensure your operation’s financial safety.
Compare prices before picking your station
Of course, one of the best ways to save on gas is to… save on gas. Fuel prices are high all over the world right now, but that doesn’t mean that every single gas station has the same price. So make sure to get a good deal on diesel when you do need to fill up. Using a gas station finder like this one from our partners can help you find the best price in the area with real-time prices. And even if you can’t get to the cheapest station on your current tank, you can always fill up a little bit at another station to make the final leg of that trip.
