Maximizing your Fuel!

Today, I would like to blog about the cost of fuel, and how to maximize your fuel mileage.

There are many factors that contribute to your fuel mileage and consumption.

I believe there is a difference between consumption and mileage.

First lets talk about consumption. Your truck will consume alot of fuel when you are loading, unloading, idling, and slowing down and getting back up to speed in traffic, as well as getting on and off the scales.

There are several ways to minimize your fuel consumption during when operating your truck.
Do as little idling as possible. When you are idling the average truck consumes 9/10 of a gallon of fuel an hour. At today's fuel prices, this can add up to be quite a bit of money.
When loading and unloading, use your electric backup pto, if you have one.

There are several pieces of equipment you can add to your truck to help your fuel mileage as well.
Generators have come along way in reliability, and size. They will provide heat, and air conditioning for the drivers comfort, and enable you to KEEP YOUR ENGINE OFF, when you are not driving. A generator burns 1/10 of a gallon an hour.

Purchase a Prepass transponder for your truck. This little gizmo lets you get weighed while approaching a scale, and signals you in the truck If you are within the proper weight limits, you will get a green light on the transponder, and you can bypass the scales. Your truck burns extra fuel when coming back up to speed when leaving the scale house.

Lets talk about fuel mileage. You should drive between 65 and 70 mph, as much as possible.
Most trucks get the best mileage at a consistent, but not to fast of a speed.
If you own a fleet of trucks, set the governors, so your drivers are not out on the road driving with their foot to the floor.

Make sure your TIRE PRESSURE is correct, this makes a hugh difference in fuel mileage, and keeps the tires wearing much more evenly.

Always do your schedules maintenance on time. Valve adjustments, services, injector cleanings using an additive can make a hugh difference in your fuel mileage.

I hope this blog helps with operating your truck when it comes to fuel consumption, and mileage.
Fuel is one of your biggest expenses, if not your biggest expense.

If you would like some information on generators, and Prepass, please email me and I will be glad to assist you.

Robert Edelstein

Getting Started in the Biz!

Today, I am posting how to get started in the auto transportation industry.

First, you have to decide what size truck and trailer you want to buy. This depends on how many vehicles you want to transport at one time, and what type of drivers license you have.

The best way to start is with a 2 car rollback, you do not need a CDL to drive it, and it is easier to fill up when you are building up your customer base.

There are numerous truck and trailer combinations in the industry, and deciding which one is right for you is about the biggest decision you will make when getting started.

After you decide on your equipment to get started, you must decide on what areas you will travel। You cannot be in 2 places at once, so keep your areas close to your home base.

Before you can hit the road you must make sure you are in compliance with all Dot licensing requirements, and local MVA laws।

You can find all the DOT info at the DOT website, or do a search, and there are companies that will assist you in obtaining all the proper licenses for a fee.

You must have a DOT number and a MC number। The DOT wants to know certain things about you and your company, and the type of insurance you have। They have certain insurance requirements, depending on the GVW of your truck and trailer.

This cuts down on delivery times, and FUEL COST!

When building up your customer base, there are several things you need to do.

Have your truck lettered up with all of your contact info, ie: name, phone numbers, website, email address.

Have some shirts printed up with your company info on them , and where them when representing your company.

Make sure your truck looks clean and sharp, this really impresses potential customers.

Go get some business cards printed , and go around to every car dealer, in the area you want to travel and start meeting with the used car managers.

You will also need to network with other carriers in your area, and tell them you will do there overflow work. In this business, transporters exchange and sublet vehicles 24/7.

Go to the local car auctions in your area, public and dealer only.

You can find the address out by logging onto Manheim.com, and Adessa.com. Then go to auction finder, and bingo, all the info is right there for each auction.

This where the action is!

Go out in the lanes and start giving out cards!

When transporting for dealers, this is called wholesale transportation in the industry.

You will get more vehicles at once, and price them by the each.

If you want to do retail transportation, this is transporting vehicles for the public.

You will need a website, and an ad in your local yellow pages, both are a MUST!

Here is a list of my future posts about the auto transport industry:

A list of all the different types of trucks and trailers.

Dispatching, and routing, and how to price your vehicles.

Record retention.

How to interview and hire drivers.

Auto transport accounting practices.

Purchasing, and selling of trucks and trailers.

Recommended manuals to have in the office with DOT requirements.

How to retrieve vehicles from an auction.

Proper loading and tieing down of vehicles on your truck and trailer.

Fuel savings tips.

If there is a subject you would like to know more about, or have any questions for me, please email me, and I will get back to you asap!

Robert Edelstein