6 Tips for Sustainable Fleet Management
Environmental impact is a hot topic in the commercial trucking industry. Federal and state agencies are cracking down on carbon emissions and enacting regulations to encourage fleet owners and operators to go green.
Sustainable fleet management involves managing and operating your commercial vehicles in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. There are different ways to implement green fleet management and protect your bottom line, too.
#1: Optimize Driving Routes
More efficient routes mean less time on the road and lower carbon emissions. You can pair commercial tracking software with GPS to find the fastest routes. Those programs account for traffic, construction, road closures and other variables that could increase travel and idling time.
Driving management systems also track average speed, brake times and driving habits that could result in more time on the road. Consider combining multiple deliveries into one trip to boost efficiency and improve customer satisfaction.
#2: Pay Attention to Fuel Efficiency
These days, it’s even more important to track how much fuel your fleet uses daily, weekly and monthly. Fuel management systems monitor fuel levels, consumption patterns and driver behaviors to help you understand where you can improve.
You can integrate a fuel management system into existing fleet software for an overview of your consumption rate to help save money on fuel.
Driver behavior also influences fuel efficiency, so remind your operators to stop bad habits, such as:
- Excess idling
- Speeding
- Heavy braking
- Improper shifting
#3: Create a Fleet Maintenance Schedule
Reducing the everyday wear and tear on your commercial vehicles can also decrease your carbon footprint. Preventative maintenance extends the life of your fleet so you get the most return on your investment.
Fleet maintenance services provide you with data that helps you better understand the effectiveness of your operations. A technician will identify areas for improvement and make recommendations to enhance performance.
Keep your semi-truck toolkit stocked so you can complete maintenance between service appointments. That includes:
- Inflating tires properly
- Changing the air filter
- Monitoring oil and fluid levels
- Inspecting your exhaust system
#4: Reduce Cargo Loads
Excess weight increases both fuel consumption and emissions. Reducing cargo enhances fuel efficiency and decreases the likelihood of accelerated wear on mechanical components and tires.
Load planning helps you optimize the space in your vehicle and account for group shipments, so you don’t make unnecessary trips.
Use lightweight packing materials and eliminate bulky containers to lighten the load. Implementing pre- and post-trip inspections also allows your drivers to spot opportunities to get rid of unnecessary items.
#5 Downsize Your Fleet
Periodically assess your fleet and operational needs. Review historical data from fleet management systems, maintenance costs and vehicle utilization reports to determine if you can offload some of your inventory. Downsizing your fleet will immediately impact your emissions rate.
#6: Invest in Electric Vehicles
Switching to electric commercial vehicles takes planning, but box trucks, cargo vans, shuttles, semi-trucks and flatbed trucks are all available in electric models.
Consider replacing a single truck or van and then growing your electrical fleet over time. It’s also important to account for charging stations, infrastructure and driver training. It’s an investment, but electrical vehicles can significantly reduce your fleet’s carbon emissions.
Schedule Fleet Maintenance at Bauer Built
To keep your commercial vehicles rolling, schedule comprehensive maintenance and repair services at Bauer Built. Our services cover suspension, alignment, brakes, wheel-end repair and inspections. For more information, find a location near you.
Categories: Bauer Built Blog
