Because of worsening road conditions, more stop-and-go traffic and higher operating costs, it’s becoming more expensive to operate medium-duty trucks. Some of the operating cost components include volatile diesel prices, higher parts and labor costs and higher tire prices.
Containing costs is a challenge. Here are 10 strategies some truck fleet owners are trying:
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- Increased use of engine governors in medium-duty trucks.
A maximum speed limiter can eliminate speeding tickets, aggressive driving, accidents and complaints. - Rightsizing.
More truck fleet owners are able to use smaller trucks yet meet their cargo needs.
- Growing acceptance of using remanufactured components.
Because of budget constraints, truck owners are using more remanufactured products on older trucks to save without compromising quality. - Greater specification of disc brakes instead of drum brakes.
Disc brakes are lighter and and they also meet the stopping distance requirements of the federal motor vehicle safety standard.
- Extended service contracts.
Contracts are being extended because of more complex electrical systems.
- Mitigating higher tire expense.
Some truck fleet operators are installing pressure monitor systems to extend tire life and some are looking more into retreads.
- Decrease in average truck age.
- Increased use of synthetic and re-refined motor oil.
Using these types of oils enhances the fleet’s ‘green’ image.
- Shift to LED lighting.
Longer life with LEDs.
- Multipronged approach. For more in-depth information on extending the life of medium duty trucks, click to read the entire article over at the Work Truck Magazine.
- Increased use of engine governors in medium-duty trucks.
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