The Peregrine Trucking Company attempts to maintain a high level of social consciousness and efficiency while meeting or making above the profit margins. Currently, the two largest expense variables showed in the company’s financial report are fuel and labour. None of these expenses can be eliminated from the regular expenditures list; however, an effort can be made to somewhat reduce these expenses.
Being transported analyst at Peregrine Trucking Company, I will the company’s case in this report. The company’s president has assigned the task of evaluating the potential of the company to reduce fuel cost by making use of trucking equipment that is socially conscious and more efficient. The President inquired to propose at least five tools or processes that can be used to achieve the primary goal that is reducing fuel cost. It includes the equipment (efficient engines, tires, etc.), new rigs (trailer/ tractor), and the fleet operating rules helping companies to meet the goals. Being transport analyst it is my responsibility to consider options, evaluate potential results, and advise a minimum of solutions, present, and deliver in the form of academic style report to the company president.
I evaluated the performance of the company and found that weekly fuel consumption levels are quite high. In addition, the prices of fuel are increasing almost every week. However, the profit percentage is stagnant. Therefore, to control this alarming situation, we must look for the alternatives that can be applied to reduce the consumption of fuel. I assessed the current fleet operational standards, routing techniques, and transportation equipment and found that they need renovation. If we rightly focus on improvements to reduce fuel consumption, improve employee morale, increase customer services, right assessment, and solution of the problems related to vehicles and routing techniques can greatly improve the profit of the company in the future.
Nowadays, individuals and organizations must behave in a socially and environmentally conscious way. It should be understood that natural or company’s resources are never limitless. Always other alternative options can be brought in to use. In addition, it will help the company meeting its goals; if appropriate tools, processes, and equipment are used that are necessary to improve the situation. Public consciousness refers to the set of theories, ideas, opinions, beliefs, feelings, and people, emotions and moods that are reflected in nature, the whole system of social relations, and the material life of society. Nowadays, public consciousness is considered as an essential element in all daily activities and the business.
In case of Peregrine Trucking Company, I observed that the consumption of fuel had been increased with time. The company was providing the services to its clients in the same area by following same routing techniques, but still the consumption of fuel was rising. I concluded that the reason could be the age of the equipment. Vehicles and machinery require regular maintenance; however, Peregrine Trucking Company’s vehicles have not been through maintenance checks for long. Currently, there is no policy or schedule to perform maintenance checks of the machines and vehicles. For this purpose, drivers and automobile experts should be trained on how to perform pre-trip inspection of vehicles. After performing inspection test, drivers must report findings to the supervisor regarding the condition of vehicles. Maintenance department should also be established. This department would be responsible for fixing major issues with the vehicles. I am quite hopeful that with regular checks of maintenance, the consumption of fuel will be reduced and the vehicles will perform efficiently. The pre-trip inspection test does not require any cuts; however, expenses may increase on major fixes of maintenance. These expenses are quite low as compared to the future profits that could be earned with vehicles and machines in best condition.
In addition, various other options were found while evaluating the potential processes to reduce fuel cost. These mainly include; eliminating unnecessary weight from the vehicle, be and act like an energy conscious driver, purchase gasoline in the morning, as the fuel is densest when the temperature is cold, drive at sensible speeds, limit fast braking and hard acceleration, and make efficient routing plan before you go out in the work. To collect information regarding the economy, regulations of fuel, interviews were conducted. Reviews were collected from professional drivers and workers, but all of them responded differently. All had unique answers regarding the fuel economy regulations. It means people have different experiences and so they suggest different ideas.
However, there are certain common formulas being followed to save on the fuel usage. Before listing these formulas, first it is important to check if the car is functioning properly. Since, if there is a problem with an engine then it will probably consume more fuel than normal. After assuring that the car is functioning perfectly, then we need to focus on how to bring out extra functioning from the fuel. For this purpose, check if the compression in engine cylinders is normal, ignition and power supply system are debugged, smooth working of brake pads, and bearing chassis are rotated easily. Following practices can also help in reducing the fuel consumption in cars .
- Firstly, check for the air filter. It would only take a few minutes. Remove air filter and lift up in the light. If the light passes through the filter, then it is perfect else, it should be replaced. Unfit air vent blocks the flow of air through the engine, which affects the fuel consumption in engine and burn more fuel than normal .
- Use motor oils based on semi-synthetics or synthetic that have low viscosity. The benefit of using low viscous oils over traditional mineral water, which is more viscous, is that they allow 6% less fuel consumption.
- It is also important to check for the tire pressures regularly. Rolling resistance is increased at weak slopes and that causes more fuel consumption. However, make it sure that the pressure checked in cold tires. It is advisable to increase the pressure up to 0.3 bars from the normal pressure to maximize fuel savings. This will increase the load on the body and suspension parts, but passengers will hardly notice. Fit the standard size of wheels as suited to the model of car. Do not use larger wheels for long distances, as the narrow standard wheels make a noticeable effect.
- Maintain a constant speed in traffic jams. If the car starts abruptly and slowed down dramatically with sudden brake, that increases the consumption of fuel and load on the car nodes. However, if the speed is maintained not more than 90 km/h and free movements are made then it will help in cutting down the need of refilling .
- Do not abruptly use the gas pedal. With a sharp start of car, large volume of fuel is consumed and go wasted. It is because; fuel goes into larger portions of cylinders. Similarly, do not try to brake sharply. Sudden deceleration of jets consumes excessive fuel. Therefore, pay close attention to the traffic on the road and slowly apply brakes quite earlier it is needed .
- Do not drive a car at higher gear with low speeds. It puts pressure on the engine and significantly increases the expense.
- Air conditioners in cars consume large energy and burns more fuel of about 5 to 20 percent. It is better to open windows, even if it is dirtier and hotter outside instead of rushing towards gas stations in an emergency.
- Avoid anything that makes the vehicle heavier or increase air resistance. For example, tuning, roof rack, and junk in the trunk must be emptied, else it would make negative impact on the fuel consumption.
- Faults in the ignition system can cause wastage of fuel up to 30 to 40 percent. Faults may be caused by bad wiring, dirty plugs, etc. If you are unable to identify to exact fault in the car, then it is better to consult a mechanic or specialist.
- High speeds make negative impact on the fuel consumption. It increases with the increase in aerodynamic drag. However, lower speeds have little effects on fuel consumption. Therefore, it is advised not to over speed, especially in rushing areas as the instant brakes and over speeding over short distances would waste considerable fuel.
- The extra amount of fuel is consumed with extra lights or electricity consuming gadgets. These include inner lightning, air conditioning, and heated seats. A large portion of the fuel may go wasted if the driver forgets to close the rear window. Similarly, air conditioning can consume more than 1.5 litres of fuel over 100 kilometres distance. The consumption of fuel also increases in the winter season, because of the internal heating system in the car, lights to avoid fogging, and screen vipers to clean up rain or snow.
The trucking equipment can significantly add contribution in reducing the fuel consumption in more socially conscious and efficient means. In addition to the listed ideas, the company needs to look for more opportunities that can help out in making effective and visible improvements. It is advised that the company should also try alternatives to improve specific areas and update certain mechanisms. In short, the Peregrine Trucking Company requires new approaches, more innovations, and ideas to increase the fuel consumption and cut costs
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References
Consumer Energy Center. (2014). Consumer Driving Tips. Retrieved from Consumer Energy Center: http://www.consumerenergycenter.org/transportation/consumer_tips/index.html#sthash.BqhdVGtn.dpuf
Coyle, J., Novack, R. A., Gibson, B. J., & Barbi, E. J. (2011). Transportation: A Supply Chain Perspective. Mason: South-Western Cengage Learning.
Fuel Economy. (2014). Driving More Efficiently. Retrieved from Fuel Economy: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/driveHabits.jsp
Gorzelany, J. (2011, 5 26). 10 Money-Saving Ways to Boost Your Car's Fuel Economy. Retrieved from Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/sites/jimgorzelany/2011/05/26/10-money-saving-ways-to-boost-your-cars-fuel-economy/
Larsson, H., & Ericsson, E. (2009). The Effects of an Acceleration Advisory Tool in Vehicles for Reduced Fuel Consumption and Emissions. Transportation Research, 141-146.
