Distributors typically evaluate the driving habits of their delivery drivers when there is a fuel shortage or big jump in fuel prices. However, to keep fuel costs down on a regular basis no matter what the market conditions - and to keep operating expenses to a minimum long-term - it is a good practice to periodically review driving procedures to help conserve fuel and use it more effectively.
 
Because of this, AFFLINK focuses on the following techniques that, if carefully followed, have the potential to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 35 percent:

• Keep driving speed at 50 miles per hour; on average, for every mile per hour over 50, fuel consumption is reduced by 0.1miles per gallon
 
• Drive at a constant speed; accelerating and decelerating ultimately uses more fuel
 
• Related to this, always use cruise control to help maintain a constant speed and avoid "jack-rabbit" starts
 
• If using diesel powered vehicles, find the vehicles "sweet spot," the point where power and economy are maximized; for many of today's diesel
 
• Drivers should anticipate upcoming traffic conditions; this can prevent unnecessary stops and starts and unnecessary idling
 
• Out of route miles, often taken to avoid traffic, can actually reduce fuel consumption because they invariably in more driving time - not less
 
• Block-shifting (going for example from first to fourth gear) and progressive shifting (bringing rpms up just enough to shift to the next highest gear) will help reduce fuel consumption
 
"And always use a GPS system for intelligent route planning," says Leah Waldrop, marketing manager for AFFLINK's eLev8 system. "Just as distributors use web-based systems to help their clients make intelligent buying decisions to cut costs, a GPS helps drivers make intelligent driving decisions that reduces fuel and also cuts costs."
 
NOTE: While applicable in many cases, these suggestions apply primarily to large and small transport vehicles