How to save fuel: Key tips to reduce consumption in your truck fleet

In this article, we’ll explore a crucial topic: how to save fuel in truck fleets. Join us as we dive into the importance of energy efficiency, the use of fuel cards, and practical tips for reducing consumption.

The importance of energy efficiency and fuel savings in road transport

Many transport companies wonder how they can save fuel in their truck fleets, given that fuel consumption directly impacts business profitability. In the quest to optimize road mobility costs, energy efficiency and fuel savings go hand in hand, as when one of these factors decreases, the other inevitably follows.

Today, environmental pollution is on everyone’s mind, and companies with environmental responsibility have already begun adopting concrete measures to reduce emissions. Having a strategy and actions in place to lower emissions is key to positioning your business as a responsible and environmentally conscious company. In this sense, reducing fuel use is a vital action.

Beyond protecting the environment by lowering emissions, transport companies can save significant amounts of money, leading to a direct improvement in profitability.

How can I save fuel with my truck?

It’s important for truck fleet drivers to understand the significant savings that come from implementing small actions while driving. Let’s look at some tips that answer the question: how can I save fuel with my truck?

  • Reduce speed, as it is one of the biggest factors in fuel consumption. Driving at 95 km/h can reduce fuel consumption by a tenth of a kilometer per gallon.
  • Optimize the miles traveled by planning routes and destinations. For example, using a GPS to take the shortest, fastest route, planning stops to avoid unnecessary breaks, and concentrating deliveries or transfers within a specific area.
  • Monitor the RPM recommended for your truck’s engine, ensuring that the engine runs at optimal revolutions without unnecessary strain, which would otherwise increase fuel consumption.
  • Minimize unnecessary acceleration or constant gear changes in certain sections. Even reducing the continuous speed can help avoid the need for quick acceleration, which demands more fuel.
  • Use fuel cards to save on refueling costs and gain significant bonuses.
  • Keep windows closed. While using air conditioning can increase fuel consumption by 15%, it’s advisable to use it on highways and high-speed routes since open windows affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics, hindering fuel savings.

Fleet control: What factors influence fuel savings?

Multiple factors can affect fuel consumption in truck fleets. Below are the most relevant ones to consider:

  • Type of transport: Factors such as the size, engine, age, and aerodynamics of the truck all influence fuel consumption.
  • Road conditions: Fuel consumption will vary depending on whether you’re driving on highways, national roads, or secondary roads.
  • Load and total weight: The heavier the load, the more fuel the truck will consume.
  • Driver behavior: Speed, braking habits, and acceleration will significantly impact fuel consumption.

Tips to save fuel in your truck

To save fuel in your truck, first ensure that your vehicle is in top condition by keeping up with maintenance checks and making necessary technical adjustments. Additionally, plan your routes and destinations to optimize travel as much as possible.

Here are our recommendations for reducing fuel consumption:

  • Refuel at the closest service stations to exits.
  • Use higher gears and maintain a steady speed.
  • Use the engine brake.
  • Avoid sudden accelerations and abrupt starts.
  • Keep the windows closed.
  • Turn off the engine whenever it is idle.
  • Remember that excessive speed does not align with fuel savings.
  • Control and optimize weight by carrying only what’s necessary.

Fuel cards for truck fleet savings

Fuel cards for businesses are excellent allies for saving fuel in your truck fleet, offering significant bonuses every time fuel is purchased.

At Andamur, we provide the best solutions to simplify and make your management more profitable, allowing you to manage costs related to fuel, AdBlue, and Andamur Secure Parking while enjoying the benefits of our fuel cards.

  • With Andamur, you’ll enjoy:
  • 100% Andamur security and guarantee.
  • Card linked to a specific vehicle/driver.
  • AirCODE TOTAL SECURITY during refueling.
  • Card limits tailored to your needs.
  • Immediate blocking if necessary.
  • Detailed consumption tracking with invoices broken down by license plate.
  • Free with no fees.

Additionally, you can use it at over 900 service stations across 9 European countries. At Andamur, we offer the best solutions to save fuel and boost your truck fleet’s efficiency.

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Take Care of Your Health on the Road, the Andamur campaign that brings sports, leisure, and healthy eating to drivers

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How a Transportation Management System (TMS) can benefit your company

Transportation Management System (TMS)

A TMS (Transportation Management System) is an advanced logistics software which helps companies manage and coordinate all freight transport movements, from route planning to real-time tracking.  

Throughout this article, we explore the core functionalities of a TMS, how it improves operational efficiency, and the financial impact of its adoption. 

Main functionalities of a Transportation Management System (TMS)

A Transportation Management System (TMS) offers a wide range of functionalities: 

Centralized control panel

The TMS dashboard consolidates all cargo information into a single view, providing full traceability on shipments. This overview allows users to have complete control of all company bookings and activities in a single window. Additionally, it provides quick access to key performance indicators (KPIs), helping to inform decision-making and drive continuous logistics improvement.

Rate and quote management

For companies that outsource part or all of their logistics, TMS includes a shipping calculator that determines prices and transit times of carriers and shipping methods in a single view. This tool makes it possible to optimize costs, as it allows you to compare and select the most appropriate supplier. In addition, the system facilitates the management of rates and contracts, helping companies negotiate better conditions and find the most profitable alternatives.

Reservation and tracking of shipments

This functionality allows Make reservations with multiple carriers directly from the TMS software. Thanks to integration with carriers’ systems through API connections, the process is automated and becomes more efficient. Shipment tracking provides an overview of the location of merchandise in real time, either through carrier tracking links or the GPS location of the shipment or vehicle. 

Documentation generation

The TMS automates the generation and management of documents related to transportation. This includes the creation of shipping labels, e-Consignment Bills, Dangerous Goods Declaration, and other essential documents. Additionally, it allows you to upload and store additional documents relevant to both parties (shipper and carrier), such as packing lists, goods invoices, proofs of delivery and certificates of origin. 

This automation not only streamlines administrative processes, but also ensures accuracy and regulatory compliance, reducing errors and improving efficiency in logistics document management.

How a TMS improves operational efficiency

A Transportation Management System (TMS) improves operational efficiency by optimizing transportation operations, resulting in greater productivity and profitability.

Reduces logistics process times

The implementation of a TMS has a direct impact on the reduction of time in logistics processes. By eliminating manual work, the time spent organizing the supply chain is significantly reduced and errors are minimized. This allows supply chain managers to spend more time analyzing and making improvements, rather than performing administrative tasks.

Optimize routes and loads

A TMS uses advanced algorithms to find the best rates, optimize routes and reduce empty loads, resulting in a significant cost reduction. In addition, it helps maximize the use of vehicle cargo space, taking into account the characteristics of the goods, weight and volume restrictions, and delivery priorities.

Improve communication with carriers

Implementing a TMS offers the ability to communicate with all parties involved on a single platform, with real-time updates and a more agile exchange of information, facilitating coordination between the different actors involved in the logistics process.  And it allows for a much greater loading capacity in times of high demand. 

Automate repetitive tasks

A TMS allows the automation of processes such as the generation of documentation, communications and other administrative procedures. It not only streamlines processes, but also ensures greater precision in logistics operations, which is essential to avoid inventory errors and ensure customer satisfaction.

 

Financial impact of implementing a Transportation Management System (TMS)

The implementation of a Transportation Management System (TMS) It has a significant financial impact for freight transport companies:

Reduces transportation costs

A TMS has a direct impact on the reduction of operating expenses. By optimizing routes, negotiating better rates with carriers, and eliminating costs associated with manual tasks, companies can achieve significant savings. A 14% decrease in the overall cost of transportation has been observed after the implementation of a TMS. 

Improve asset utilization

The implementation of a TMS improves the efficiency in the use of resources. By providing real-time visibility into stock, The system helps avoid unnecessary inventory accumulation, reducing storage costs and the risk of product deterioration. Likewise, the optimization of loads and routes allows maximizing the use of vehicles, which results in greater productivity and profitability.

Reduces errors and possible fines

Automation of critical tasks and improvement in communication between departments increase efficiency and punctuality in deliveries. This not only reduces transit times and errors, but also facilitates compliance with rules and regulations. As a result, Companies can avoid fines and penalties associated with non-compliance, which represents additional savings.

ROI of implementing a Transportation Management System (TMS)

The return on investment (ROI) of a TMS is usually positive and significant. Although implementation involves an initial investment, the long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Studies indicate that many companies obtain an ROI of 10% or higher in the first year of use. 

 

Featured Transportation Management System (TMS) Platforms

 

  • Oracle Transportation Management (OTM) 

    It is Oracle’s comprehensive solution for managing all transportation activities within a global supply chain. Combining ease of use with industry-leading capabilities, this platform allows you to optimize logistics operations, reduce transportation costs and improve service levels.Its functions include operational planning, fleet management and modeling of logistics networks, supported by digital assistants and machine learning.

    The platform easily connects to operators’ systems, integrating with other SAP modules, such as SAP EWM, for comprehensive supply chain management. This makes SAP TM particularly useful for sectors such as retail, automotive, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries, among others.
     

  • SAP Transportation Management (TM)It is the right solution for companies that already work in SAP environments. This module specializes in comprehensive transportation management, by automating processes and comparing rates to find the best options.

    In addition, it offers real-time visualization of operations, allowing you to quickly adapt to unforeseen events and optimize routes. This translates into greater customer satisfaction by ensuring on-time deliveries and improving loyalty.

    The platform easily connects to operators’ systems, integrating with other SAP modules, such as SAP EWM, for comprehensive supply chain management. This makes SAP TM particularly useful for sectors such as retail, automotive, manufacturing, and pharmaceutical industries, among others.

     

  • Shipsy

    It is a leading platform for logistics orchestration and execution powered by artificial intelligence. Designed to help transportation and logistics companies, Shipsy helps reduce costs, optimize working capital, ensure operational resilience, and improve customer experience. Its modular, intuitive platform y adaptable integrates predictive and prescriptive technologies to plan and execute supply chain operations, including asset, transportation, warehousing and inventory management, with a focus on making every delivery faster, greener and more profitable. It offers solutions for both national and international logistics, used by more than 200 companies around the world.     
  • TransEUThe platform brings together transporters, operators logistics, logistics hubs and shippers, allowing them to create synergies through digitalization. It not only makes its renowned freight exchange available to the sector, but also offers a series of end-to-end solutions to optimize business processes, reduce operating costs and maximize profits throughout all stages of transportation.

     

Frequently asked questions: 

What role does a TMS play in business logistics? 

A transportation management system (TMS) is a technological tool designed to assist companies in planning, executing and optimizing the transportation of goods, both inbound and outbound. This system ensures that shipments are made in accordance with current regulations and that the necessary documentation is correctly managed.

What are the advantages of implementing a TMS in a transportation company?

Implementing a TMS system in a transportation company provides significant improvements in customer service and satisfaction, thanks to real-time updates and reduced shipping delays. Additionally, it allows the company to expand by meeting and exceeding customer expectations for the speed and timeliness of shipments.

What types of businesses benefit from using a TMS? 

Various entities such as e-commerce organizations, distribution companies, shippers and transporters benefit from the use of a TMS. These companies, which handle products and merchandise on a regular basis, find TMS a highly valuable tool to optimize their logistics operations.

What is a Transportation Management System (TMS)? 

A TMS system is software specialized in managing logistics related to the physical movement of goods. This type of system facilitates the coordination and administration of the logistical processes necessary for the efficient transportation of goods.



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Optimizing Routes: Keys to Improving Efficiency

optimizing routes landscape

In the world of transportation, efficiency is crucial for reducing costs, improving productivity, and increasing customer satisfaction. However, various factors can undermine the effectiveness of daily operations, such as lack of route planning, long waits at tolls, and unexpected detours for refueling. These issues are compounded when administrative tasks, such as toll payments and coordinating driver breaks, are not managed effectively. In this article, you will find all the information and tools you need to optimize your travel routes.

Challenges of route planning

The lack of planning in freight transportation can lead to numerous problems that negatively impact operational efficiency. Some of the most common issues include:

  • Failure to plan routes and loads: Not considering the best route or properly distributing the load can result in longer journeys, increased fuel consumption, and extended delivery times.
  • Wait times at tolls: Tolls are critical points on many routes, and long waits can significantly delay delivery times.
  • Detours for refueling: A lack of a strategy for refueling can force unexpected detours, increasing costs and travel times.
  • Administrative tasks: Managing payments and documentation on the road can be tedious, consuming valuable time that could be spent driving.
  • Failure to schedule breaks: Poor organization of breaks can lead to driver fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents and impacting service quality.

The importance of route planning

Route planning is one of the most crucial aspects of optimizing transportation routes. This task involves analyzing and selecting the most appropriate path, considering factors such as distance, traffic, road conditions, and loading/unloading points. Additionally, planning should include coordinating breaks, optimizing fuel consumption, and minimizing associated costs.

Technology has advanced significantly in this area, offering tools that allow companies to plan routes precisely and efficiently. Below, we explore some of the most useful applications for route optimization.

Route planning applications

Today, there are multiple applications designed to optimize transportation routes, which can help overcome the challenges mentioned above. Some of these tools include:

  • Impargo: Allows you to plan routes across Europe for free. It calculates mileage and driving time, facilitates the order of multiple stops, and specifies toll costs to consider. It also integrates an updated record of traffic restrictions.
  • Andamur Route Planner: Helps you easily and quickly plan your routes through Europe, identifying the most suitable areas and service stations for your stops. It provides information about the facilities available at each stop, such as restaurants, showers, and shops.
  • Truck Parking Europe: Focused on finding truck parking areas in Europe. It features the largest database of parking options, informing users about full and available spots. Additionally, it includes user recommendations on which areas offer the best services for trucks.
  • QuickLoad: Connects drivers planning a route with customers needing to move freight easily and securely. Its goal is to create opportunities for truck drivers with available space to transport freight along their route. It’s free and pays drivers immediately.
  • Allstays: Allows users to search for rest areas based on their needs, with filters for services like laundry, showers, hotels, restaurants, etc. It costs around €10 per month.

Optimizing routes with fuel cards

Fuel cards centralize cost control, allowing drivers to pay for fuel without cash, improving driver safety and streamlining administrative processes.

Advantages of Andamur fuel cards:

  • Centralized Control: Fuel cards enable companies to monitor and control fuel consumption centrally, making expense management and consumption analysis easier.
  • Security: By eliminating the need to handle cash, the risk of theft or loss is reduced. Additionally, Andamur fuel cards are linked to the vehicle/driver and secured with a PIN, adding an extra layer of security, with immediate blocking if necessary.
  • Administrative Ease: Transactions with fuel cards are automatically recorded on detailed invoices by license plate, simplifying account reconciliation and facilitating financial reporting.

Types of Fuel Cards:

  • Andamur ProEurope:
    • Allows refueling at over 900 service stations in 9 European countries: Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Poland, and Belgium.
    • Facilitates payments through bank transfers or online top-ups.
    • Offers special conditions for VAT recovery.
    • Allows recovery of professional diesel tax.
  • Andamur EUROGAS:
    • Facilitates the declaration of professional diesel supplies in Spain.
    • Offers discounts on fuel.
    • Allows convenient payments through bank transfer.
    • Valid for the entire Andamur service station network in Spain.
  • Andamur PROBON:
    • Exclusive card for Bonified Diesel use.
    • Convenient payments through bank transfer.
    • Monthly credit billing.
    • Valid for the entire Andamur service station network in Spain and selected associated stations.
  • Andamur Mastercard:
    • Immediate cash availability at any ATM.
    • No paperwork, risks, or bank account needed.
    • Cost-free: no issuance, maintenance, top-up, or payment fees.
    • Valid for payments at any establishment that accepts MasterCard.
  • Andamur DISCOUNT:
    • Cash payment.
    • Direct discount on fuel.
    • Invoice with fiscal validity.
    • Valid at all Andamur-owned stations.

Using fuel cards is an effective way to optimize routes by ensuring drivers can refuel without unnecessary detours and with complete security, contributing to a more efficient operation.

Optimizing routes with toll devices

Toll devices have become an essential tool for transporters looking to optimize routes and minimize delays on the road. They allow vehicles to pass through tolls without stopping, reducing wait times and eliminating the need to manage payments manually.

Benefits of Andamur Toll Devices:

  • Reduce Wait Times: By not having to stop at tolls, vehicles can maintain a constant speed, improving delivery times and reducing fuel consumption.
  • Simplify Administrative Processes: Toll payments are automatically recorded, eliminating the need to handle cash or keep receipts, streamlining management and auditing tasks.
  • Facilitate VAT Recovery: Companies can process VAT recovery on toll and fuel expenses in European countries.Discover everything you need to know about VAT recovery for transporters in our article.
  • Improve Safety: By avoiding unnecessary stops, the risk of accidents in toll areas is reduced, enhancing safety for drivers and other road users.
  • Enable Centralized Management: Toll devices facilitate centralized management of all toll payments, making expense monitoring and financial planning easier.

Types of devices:

At Andamur, we offer three devices that are easy to install. You can choose the one that best suits your needs, considering the number of vehicles, the type of routes you take, and the specific requirements of your drivers.

Dispositivo de telepeaje - Toll4Europe

  • Toll4Europe: Allows you to pay tolls in Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Austria, Poland (e-Toll Network), Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Germany, Germany Warnow Tunnel, Germany Herrentunnel, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Belgium, Belgium Liefkenshoek Tunnel, Slovakia, and Hungary.Additional features include: the ability to activate and deactivate countries without extra cost, activation and deactivation of services within 24/48 hours from request, license plate changes permitted and processed within 24 to 48 hours, device blocking allowed by client or by device with a processing time of 24 to 48 hours, available in 22 languages, a free informative app available, and standard delivery time of 3 to 5 days with easy installation.

    Dispositivo de telepeaje - ServiBox

  • ServiBOX: Operates with 16 toll services in: Spain, Portugal, France, Belgian Tunnel, Belgium, Italy, Austria, A1 Poland (Gdansk-Torun), A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Poland (e-Toll Network), Denmark Storebælt Bridge, Sweden Øresund Bridge, Norway, Switzerland, Germany, and Bulgaria.It is satellite-based, easy, and intuitive. Furthermore: it allows security and control over the fleet through KMASTER management service, the ability to activate or deactivate countries without extra cost, available in 14 languages, and has a delivery time of 5 working days.

Dispositivo de telepeaje - Interoperable

  • Interoperable EU: Easy to install, equipped with radio frequency technology, and available for Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, A4 Poland (Katowice-Krakow), Austria, and the Belgian tunnel.

If you’re unsure which device is right for your needs, please contact us. Our team will help you assess your current situation and choose the best option.

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Efficient Driving Techniques for Trucks

Efficient driving techniques. Driver inside a truck.

Efficient driving has become a key practice, not only for reducing fuel consumption but also for lowering CO2 emissions and extending the lifespan of vehicles. For freight transporters, this is particularly relevant due to the high operating costs associated with fuel use and truck maintenance. In this article, we’ll explain what efficient driving techniques are, the key points to keep in mind, and their benefits.

 

What Are Efficient Driving Techniques?

 

Efficient driving techniques consist of a series of habits and practices that, combined with the right driver attitude, develop a driving style that saves fuel and significantly reduces carbon emissions. Additionally, they promote greater safety by enabling smoother driving, reducing both risks and the severity of accidents. As a result, operational costs for the vehicle decrease as well.

 

Key Points for Efficient Driving

 

  1. Truck Knowledge: To drive efficiently, it’s important to understand all aspects of the vehicle—its behavior, maximum power, and the proper functioning of all its systems. 
  2.  Anticipation and Foresight: A fundamental principle of efficient driving is anticipating traffic situations and planning routes. This includes maintaining an adequate safety distance and being alert to traffic signs and other vehicles’ movements. This foresight reduces the need for sudden braking and rapid accelerations, which in turn increases fuel consumption. 
  3. Proper Gear Usage: Shifting gears at low RPMs (around 2,000-2,500 revolutions per minute for diesel engines and 2,500-3,000 rpm for gasoline engines) significantly helps to reduce fuel consumption. Additionally, using higher gears for longer and avoiding abrupt accelerations is a key technique in efficient driving. 
  4. Maintaining Constant Speed: Keeping a steady speed without unnecessary acceleration helps optimize fuel consumption and increases the engine’s lifespan. Whenever possible, drivers should take advantage of the vehicle’s inertia and minimize braking. 
  5. Vehicle Load: Avoid overloading the truck and properly distribute the weight of the cargo. Every additional kilogram increases fuel consumption, and each added accessory increases drag, leading to higher fuel expenditure. 
  6. Vehicle Maintenance: A well-maintained truck consumes less fuel. Regularly checking the tires, brake system, and other mechanical components ensures the vehicle operates at its best.

 

Efficient Driving Techniques for Truck Drivers

 

  1.  Starting and Initial Movement: When starting, it’s recommended to start the engine without pressing the accelerator and begin driving immediately. Avoid leaving the engine running while the truck is stationary for extended periods, as it saves fuel and reduces CO2 emissions. 
  2. Engine Braking: Using engine braking instead of conventional foot braking not only saves fuel but also reduces brake wear. During deceleration, lifting your foot off the accelerator and letting the truck coast with the gear engaged allows for zero fuel consumption. 
  3. Uphills and Downhills: When climbing hills, it’s advisable to delay gear shifting as much as possible and accelerate smoothly. While descending, use high gears and coast (without accelerating), which is the most efficient technique. Avoid downshifting unnecessarily to maintain lower fuel consumption. 
  4. Air Conditioning and Windows: At high speeds, such as on highways, it’s better to use the air conditioning rather than lowering the windows, as open windows negatively affect the vehicle’s aerodynamics, increasing fuel consumption. 
  5. Route Planning: Planning routes ahead of time, avoiding traffic jams, and high-congestion areas is key to reducing fuel consumption. Moreover, using navigation tools optimized for trucks can prevent time loss and unnecessary detours, which translates into less fuel usage.

 

Benefits of Efficient Driving

 

  1. Cost Savings: With efficient driving, it’s possible to save up to 15% on fuel consumption, which can add up to thousands of euros per year depending on fleet size. 
  2. Lower Emissions: Less fuel consumption means lower CO2 emissions, contributing to a reduced carbon footprint for freight transportation. 
  3. Increased Safety: Efficient driving encourages smoother, more controlled driving, which can reduce the risk of accidents. 
  4. Reduced Vehicle Wear: By avoiding sudden accelerations and using techniques like engine braking, the wear and tear on key components, such as brakes and the transmission, is minimized.

How to Apply Efficient Driving Techniques Day-to-Day

 

To effectively apply these techniques, drivers must receive proper and up-to-date training on the best practices for efficient driving. Some transport companies even offer continuous training programs for their drivers.

 

Adopting a long-term savings mindset and being aware of how our driving decisions affect road safety and fuel consumption is the first step to improving efficiency.

 

By incorporating efficient driving techniques into their daily routine, truck drivers can contribute to sustainability in the transport sector, enhance the profitability of their operations, and improve road safety.

 

Maximize Efficiency with Andamur Fuel Cards

 

With Andamur fuel cards, drivers can access numerous benefits:

– The cards can be used at 8 service areas strategically located across Spain and at over 900 stations throughout Europe, minimizing detours.

– At Andamur service stations, drivers have access to restaurants and recreational facilities, essential for ensuring adequate rest.

– Drivers also benefit from Andamur’s secure parking facilities, eliminating the worry of leaving vehicles in unsafe locations.

– The cards come with airCODE, a system that guarantees safety during refueling and prevents fraud.

– They also allow detailed tracking of fuel consumption.

 

With Andamur, truck drivers can save fuel and improve the efficiency of their fleet operations.

 

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