8 Ways a Courier Driver can Save on Fuel and Increase Profit

There are many ways a profit-conscious courier driver can save on fuel, and most of them require minimal inspection and effort. What’s more, the following tips not only increase your delivery vehicle or van’s fuel mileage, but they also enhance your safety on the road.

Plan your Route Well

Use satellite navigation, especially one that runs on software that is updated regularly. However, even your regular no-frills map can sometimes show you direct or shorter routes with just a single glance. Learn to balance the usage of both your digital and ‘old school’ resources.

Always Check your Tyre Pressure

Remember how difficult it was to pedal a bike with flat tyres? It’s the same with motor vehicles—if your tyres have insufficient pressure, your vehicle’s engine works harder and therefore burns more fuel. As a profit-conscious courier driver, you should check your tyres’ pressure before you set out on the day’s deliveries. When you’re carrying heavy loads and you’re travelling long distances, slightly increase your tyre pressure.

Close Your Windows

Did you know that driving at a typical speed of 70 mph in a vehicle with an open window you’re burning 10% more fuel? Blame it on wind drag, decreased aerodynamics or any of those other little factors that compound when you keep ignoring them, but saving 10% on fuel consumption can mean saving hundreds of pounds in the long run—and all it takes is closing that window.

Do Not Fill Your Tank to Full Capacity

Overfilling or filling your tank to the brim is perhaps one of the most wasteful things you can do as a courier driver. When the tank is overfilled, fuel tends to leak through the vent pipe or spill as you drive along. Not only does this lead to dangerous spillage of inflammable fuel on the road, it’s also costing you money.

Employ Best Driving Practices

It doesn’t benefit you to engage in stop-start driving. Learn to ‘read’ the road ahead of you so that you can know when to change up early and to smoothly transition through different speeds. Driving smoothly also saves on fuel and increases the lifespan of your vehicle’s moving parts.

Turn Off Electrical Equipment You Don’t Really Need

The more electricity you consume, the more fuel you burn up. Be aware of the electrical devices you turn on inside the vehicle—for example, you probably don’t really need to have the on-board TV on, or the heated windows. If you charge your mobile phone or laptop at home, then you won't have to charge them in your vehicle.

Ensure your Vehicle’s Proper maintenance

Of course, this is perhaps the most important thing a courier driver must remember, as a poorly maintained vehicle tends to consume more fuel, not to mention the increased risk of having a breakdown on the road. For example, always make sure that your air filter or engine oil is changed according to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, and always use the correct grade.

Don’t drive empty

Never drive your vehicle empty if at all possible! Wasted return trips equals dead mileage equals lower profit margins. A good exchange will be able to help you gain valuable return loads to ensure you’re never driving around empty..

All these tips will ensure your profits grow and your wastage decreases.