‘Idling’ is a term used to describe periods where a vehicle’s engine is running, but the vehicle itself isn’t moving. Most drivers deal with a small degree of engine idling, but for business owners with big fleets that travel cross-country, it’s one of the largest vehicle-based costs and can result in as much as $161 in wasted profits every ten days.

This is a significant problem, and it’s a large part of the reason why many business owners are struggling to keep up with escalating fuel costs. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible to eliminate idling, but some steps can significantly cut down on how much it costs overall. Keep on reading to find out what they are. 

Eliminate the Fuel Run

Most fleet drivers start the day by loading up at a gas station. While drivers should always switch off the engine to fuel up, the need to often detour from their routes through busy roads, or wait for a gas pump to become free, can add a fair amount to each day’s idling. 

The best way to eliminate the need for these trips is to simply seek on-site mobile fuel options like the ones available from fhgfueling.com. By bringing fuel to you, this option ensures that even your large fleet benefits from full gas tanks that are always ready to go. 

This option should make it easier for drivers to get out of city areas well before rush hour, as well as saving on detours down slow-going roads, all without an idling van in sight!

Make Room for Improved Route Management

There will always be queues on the roads. The solution to idling simply rests in how you handle them. 

Poor route management, which could see drivers landing in city centers on rush hour, will inevitably increase idling time. Equally, inefficient routes that see drivers having to reenter cities or double back on themselves will also impact daily idling amounts. 

Improved route management with the help of software like onfleet.com is often the answer. By optimizing all driver routes in real-time based on things like traffic reports and accidents, this software makes it way less likely that your drivers will ever come to lengthy standstills, leaving idling in your past at last. 

Clear Communication With Your Clients

If the cycle of information between your drivers and clients isn’t clear, then drivers will inevitably idle more while they wait for clients to appear, or drive around town looking for a drop-off location. This is bad news, and it’s an issue that simply requires you to build clear communications at all times. 

You should ensure real-time, ongoing communications between drivers and clients via something like a supply chain or client customer portal. This way, clients will always know when your drivers are due to arrive, as well as having access to live messaging that means there should be a lot less waiting around for everyone. 

Idle fleets are fleecing your money faster than you realize. Get your vehicles to more profitable work at last when you get them moving using these vital tips.