Top 3 Tire Pressure Tips for Fleets

Top 3 Tire Pressure Tips for Fleets - One thing is for sure when it comes to maintaining your fleet’s tires: tire inflation is a major concern. Not only does inflation pressure affect the safety of the truck and driver, it also impacts fuel economy and retreadability. It can be difficult to keep on top of the tire pressure, so here are some tips to keep in mind. First off, keep in mind that pre-trip and post-trip checks will maximize tire life and keep your costs under control. After drivers and fuel, tires have always been a fleet’s highest operating cost. Heed these tips to reduce costs and improve driver retention. 1.      Use Calibrated Gauges Typical shop gauges can be off, as they get dropped frequently and aren’t maintained. As a result, psi readings can be off by 2 to 15 psi. You must test each gauge and recalibrate it every month against a master. You may find you’ve been inflating tires to the wrong level all along. Set up a psi testing station with master gauge in your shop, and make it somewhere everyone can see it and have access to it. Drivers can simply swap out their [...]

Top 3 Tire Pressure Tips for Fleets2020-05-13T10:00:45-05:00

Fleet Procedures for COVID-19

Fleet Procedures for COVID-19 - Our fleets are on the front lines of the current global pandemic, COVID-19. We are on the roads 24/7 making mobile oil and gas deliveries to keep the Northeast moving. OSHA’s General Duty Clause requires employers to provide a workplace free from hazards that could cause death or serious physical harm. COVID-19 certainly falls under this. For many employees and business owners, the company vehicle is their workplace. If you are a fleet manager, you know you must do your part to lower the risk of potential infections among those using your fleet and those with whom your drivers interact. Spread mainly via person-to-person contact, this virus can also be caught by touching infected surfaces, such as company vehicles, then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. Tips for Fleet Safety Drivers and fleet managers: Wipe down frequently-touched vehicle surfaces with a sanitizer and/or disinfectant, such as steering wheel, radio, gear shifter, armrest, door handles and power window buttons. Drivers: Sanitize equipment, such as scanners, handheld computers, toolboxes, and cart handles that may be used to haul equipment. Keep in mind, alcohol- or ammonia-based cleaners may damage the interior dashboard, seats, and in-cab touch screen [...]

Fleet Procedures for COVID-192020-04-16T15:34:26-05:00

Fleets and Mental Health Awareness

Fleets and Mental Health Awareness - Truck drivers tend to carry the image of being tough and resistant to emotional stress, but this perception isn’t always true. And it certainly doesn’t allow for open discussions about mental health in the trucking industry. Yet it’s important to do away with the stigma of mental illness in this industry. As such, many fleet truckers and their employers are working hard to change that image, paying more attention to mental health and its influences on the workers’ well-being and work performance.With suicides up among truckers, it’s more important than ever to shed light on this situation and provide much-needed support. Death by suicide is just one small part of the wider more complex topic of mental health. With more than 17 million American adults experiencing depression, this is one of the most common mental disorders.In truckers, this number is nearly double, according to Transport Topics. This is particularly alarming because depression is associated with suicide, and suicide is now one of the top 10 leading causes of death in this country.Suicide RatesThe suicide rate is higher within certain groups and professions. Narrowing this down, transportation has the fourth-highest rate among working-age adults in [...]

Fleets and Mental Health Awareness2020-03-23T15:17:42-05:00

Onsite Fuel Tanks Can Simplify Fuel Management: Things to Consider

Onsite Fuel Tanks Can Simplify Fuel Management: Things to Consider - There are many factors to consider when it comes to on-site fuel storage, from the benefits of fuel monitoring to cleaning and maintenance costs. And don’t forget about tank transportation, theft prevention and much more. As the source of 98 percent of energy consumed at the average jobsite, diesel is a universal expense for any contractor. As the construction industry continues to grow and change, businesses are forced to find newer, more efficient ways to manage their assets, including fuel storage. Thankfully, on-site tanks are able to simplify fuel management. Check out these things to think about when it comes to a fuel tank purchase on location. Mobility and Capacity The size of the tank directly correlates with how stationary or mobile it will be. Some tanks hold less than 150 gallons, while other containers can hold up to 25,000 gallons. It’s important to start off knowing how much fuel you are using now and how mobile your fuel supply has to be. Not surprisingly, smaller tanks are easier to transport, usually DOT-approved trailer-mounted tanks holding between 200 and 1,000 gallons. These are well-suited to delivering fuel to [...]

Onsite Fuel Tanks Can Simplify Fuel Management: Things to Consider2024-09-09T04:19:11-05:00

Safety Throughout the Year

Safety Throughout the Year - As the owner of a fleet of vehicles, whether construction or transportation or something in between, you know the importance of safety – all the year through. But as 2019 comes to a close, it’s especially important to give ourselves reminders of why safety is critical when it comes to managing your fleet. With the holidays comes more traffic on the roadways, which means you must focus on creating safer roadways for everyone out there. Think about creating a safety culture of sorts at your company to place a big priority on staying safe, both for your drivers and for everyone else on the road. It should be a way of life. Make that your New Year’s resolution as a responsible fleet owner! Guaranteed, you will see the ripple effects extend far beyond what you thought could be possible. Here are a few ideas for you to implement. Create a Safety Program with Rewards Rewarding people is always a nice incentive, a great motivator if you will. Safety should be at the core of who you are and what you deliver. Train your employees to put safety at #1. To move this along, reward members [...]

Safety Throughout the Year2019-12-22T17:35:34-05:00

Did You Know? Biodiesel Can be Used Year Round

Did You Know? Biodiesel Can be Used Year Round - With chilly fall temperatures now upon us, now’s the perfect time to begin preparing your fleet’s fuel for winter operations. One of the myths of wintertime fuel is that biodiesel cannot be used in cold weather. However, the truth is that biodiesel blends can be used year round, everywhere ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) is used. All diesel fuels need the proper maintenance to ensure optimal winter performance. Biodiesel is no different. Explaining Cold Flow Regardless of what fuel you use, it’s vital to make sure cold flow properties are adequate for your climate during winter. There are two important cold flow measurements necessary for standard No. 2 diesel fuel and biodiesel: Cloud point (CP): This is the temperature at which wax or gel crystals first show up in the fuel, giving it a cloudy or hazy appearance. Cold filter plugging point (CFPP): This is the temperature at which larger crystals form and begin to clog up the fuel filter. In general, CFPP indicates the lowest temperature for optimal vehicle operation. To guard against engine power loss, the CFPP must stay below wintertime low temperatures. Cold flow properties for diesel [...]

Did You Know? Biodiesel Can be Used Year Round2019-11-21T10:25:41-05:00

Simple Steps to Clean a Diesel Engine

If you own equipment, machinery, or a truck that runs on diesel, keeping the engine clean is essential. A neglected engine collects dirt, grease, and grime, which can lead to overheating, reduced efficiency, and even long-term damage.There’s an old myth that diesel engines shouldn’t be cleaned. That’s not true. Regular cleaning extends the lifespan of your equipment and prevents costly repairs.Below, we’ll walk you through the right way to clean your diesel engine, the best degreasers to use, and what to avoid.Why Cleaning Your Diesel Engine is ImportantDiesel engines are built to handle tough conditions, but that doesn’t mean they should be ignored. Over time, dirt, oil, and road grime can:Trap heat and cause overheatingClog air filters and reduce performanceCause corrosion of metal partsMake it harder to spot leaks or maintenance issuesBy keeping your engine clean, you improve its efficiency, prevent damage, and make inspections easier.Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Your Diesel EngineCleaning your diesel engine isn’t complicated, but it does require the right approach. Follow these steps to do it safely and effectively.1. Remove Loose Dirt and DebrisUse a stiff-bristle brush to manually remove dirt, leaves, and debris trapped under the hood and around the grill.Check air intake areas and [...]

Simple Steps to Clean a Diesel Engine2025-02-19T22:31:19-05:00

Truck Fleet Management Strategy: Minimizing Downtime is the Tip of the Iceberg

Truck Fleet Management Strategy: Minimizing Downtime is the Tip of the Iceberg - When determining a strong truck fleet management strategy, your first thought may go directly to minimizing downtime. This is an easy go-to strategy, which is certainly valid, but it’s only the tip of the iceberg. There are many other components of a good strategy that can help you save money, time and stress. It’s no secret that truck fleet management presents several challenges, including: Minimize vehicle downtime Avoid unnecessary expenses Stay on top of ever-changing compliance requirements But perhaps the biggest challenge of all is lacking the expertise necessary to adequately manage all aspects of your fleet, including sourcing the proper equipment with the proper specifications for the proper application. Attempting to solve these problems through the use of multiple vendors and systems only serves to make matters worse. Now you have too many balls up in the air, and you may lose one. In order to manage your truck fleet in the most efficient way, you have to implement a comprehensive strategy that encompasses the unique needs of your fleet on top of your company’s objectives. In essence, you need a wide breadth of skills that [...]

Truck Fleet Management Strategy: Minimizing Downtime is the Tip of the Iceberg2019-09-20T13:32:49-05:00

Top 5 Trucking Trends

If you are in the trucking industry, you will want to keep a close eye on these top trends for the remainder of 2019. 1.      Driver Shortage and Wages The driver shortage is still the top challenge as reported by fleet owners. Some fleets are reporting that more than a third of their trucks were empty at any given time last year. One company said of the 800 drivers they interviewed over the past year, they only hired two – and neither one of them showed up to work, according to Trucking Info. Driver wages are expected to increase this year, with driver pay conditions being more favorable today for drivers than a year ago. 2.      The Economy The economic outlook is not as great as it was one year ago. It’s the second longest economic expansion in our history. Good news is, there is enough momentum to take us through the first half of the year. After that, there are definitely some economic indicators that seem troublesome, such as the stock and housing markets, tax cuts in favor of buybacks rather than capital investment, tariffs and trade wars, etc. In general, experts are predicting a slowdown as we [...]

Top 5 Trucking Trends2019-08-22T16:42:02-05:00

Marine Fuel and Oil Spills: What to Do

Marine Fuel and Oil Spills: What to Do - Oil spills endanger public health, poison the drinking water, devastate natural resources, and disrupt the economy. But as we have become more dependent upon oil-based products, the risk for spills goes up. Oil and fuel from boats contain toxic components that come with harmful physical effects and can pose threats to public health and the environment, says the EPA. As a boater of any kind, fuel spills are likely always on your mind. If you spill fuel or oil into the water, what steps would you take to mitigate the situation? Here are some helpful tips if this happens to you. #1: Identify the cause and source of the spill. If you can, stop it at the source immediately. #2: Notify the marina or fuel dock right away because they may have oil absorbent pads and booms to contain any spills that may occur. Dispose of used absorbent materials properly as hazardous waste. #3: If the spill produces a sheen on the water, notify the U.S. Coast Guard National Response Center at 1-800-424-8802. Give them the following information: Location of the incident Cause or source of the spill Type and amount [...]

Marine Fuel and Oil Spills: What to Do2019-07-18T14:31:26-05:00
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