Domestic Trucking – Fuel Savings
May 16, 2008 by Splatty
Filed under Misc Logistics
Domestic trucking issues stemming from a sharp increase in diesel fuel prices has been a hot topic over the past month and half beginning with the trucker’s strike back in early April.
Purchasing.com has an excellent article about steps that many trucking companies are taking to reduce fuel consumption. They mention that UPS has recently ordered 200 hybrid electric vehicles in order to combat rising fuel pricing. However it looks like many trucking companies are simply looking at reducing speeds to cut down on fuel costs.
“Trucking companies are getting squeezed at both ends — by fuel costs and the fact that high gasoline costs are hurting consumers,” says analyst Lee Klaskow of Longbow Research in a Reuters report. “Smaller trucking companies in particular face extremely stiff headwinds.”
Trucking firms and independent truckers are reducing their speeds, sacrificing service levels to reduce fuel costs. “I’m saving between $100 and $200 a week by cutting back from 72-73 mph to 60-65 mph,” Dennis Sheridan, who owns an 18-wheeler and hauls freight on a contract basis throughout the Northeast, tells the Associated Press.
Additionally, the American Trucking Association, recommends making trucks with governors set at 68 MPH.
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