GPS tracking devices are often used to catch employees doing things they aren’t supposed to be doing. “We’ve seen several… Read more »
Fleet Management News
FieldLogix is a top news source for fleet management news. We are constantly evaluating the market for top fleet management trends and report our findings to you. We are the go-to source for many fleet managers and analysts that cover the fleet management industry. Our extensive knowledge of the market ensures that we are capable of supplying fleet management news that is credible, timely, and informative.
Eco-Friendly Driving Habits That Save Money On Fuel
n light of rising gas prices, here are some “Green” driving tips from AAA to help you conserve fuel. The benefits of fuel conservation include a healthier environment, financial savings and improved driver safety. The type of vehicle you drive, how well it’s maintained, and where and how much you drive are the most important factors to consider when trying to conserve fuel.
The high cost of gas is going to take its toll on the entire nation. Fears of inflation continue to fester as the cost of gas is expected to continue increasing throughout 2011.To conserve gas, drivers should slow down and find ways to do more with less.
A variety of transportation modes and commuting options offer choices to meet individual travel needs and help ensure a healthier environment. People are encouraged to try alternative options to driving in order to conserve fuel and protect the environment. For example, to be a more eco-friendly things you could try:
1. Carpooling. Carpooling, also referred to as ride-sharing, allows people to travel together to a destination in one vehicle.
2. Walking or riding bicycles more. Walking instead of driving is good for your wallet and your waist line.
3. Taking the train or coaster.
4. .Utilizing other public transportation options. Public transportation is an essential part of a balanced transportation system.
Trip Chaining
Trip-chaining – combining errands into one trip – is another option to save time and money. Here are a few trip-chaining tips from AAA:
California Gas Prices Are The Highest in US
Gas prices in the state of California are the highest in the US. The average price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas in California is now $3.897, the highest in the entire US, according to AAA. California gas prices are now even higher than the 2 states that usually have the highest gas prices – Alaska and Hawaii.
In San Diego this weekend, gas prices ranged from $3.81 to $4.19 per gallon of regular gas, according to website GasBuddy.com. Gas Buddy listed San Francisco as the most expensive city for gas in the country at an average of $3.93 a gallon, followed by 15 other cities in California. In Los Angeles, it’s hard to find a station where the price of regular gas for less than $3.95 a gallon.
Gas prices are predicted to continue rising due to turmoil in Libya, among other factors. Nationwide, the average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline is $3.509, according to a daily survey by AAA. Gas prices are $.76 higher than they were a year ago.
The AAA Fuel Gage Report is a public service of the United States of America’s largest motoring and leisure travel membership organization. The report is updated every day from several sources. There are up to 100,000 stations surveyed daily, and daily surveys from Oil Price Information Service (OPIS) with average national, state and local prices for gasoline, and diesel.
Gas Prices Surge 33 Cents, Expected to Keep Increasing
Gas prices across the US have skyrocketed recently. A new survey of US fuel prices says the average price of regular gasoline in the United States has jumped 33 cents per gallon in the last two weeks, the second biggest price increase over a two-week span on record. Gas prices are expected to continue rising, according to the fuel price survey.
The latest Lundberg Survey, released Sunday March 6, 2011, found that gas prices have risen nearly 82 cents since September 2010. Today the average price of self-serve regular gasoline is $3.51; the average price for mid-grade is $3.64, and premium gas is at $3.75. Diesel fuel is up 29 cents, to $3.88 a gallon.
Gas Prices Reach Highest Levels Since 2008 Peak
This week, oil prices hit a 2-year high at $103, reaching the highest level since September 2008. Gas prices have skyrocketed by an average of 35 cents per gallon since an uprising in Libya started a few weeks ago. A gallon of regular unleaded gained another 4.4 cents overnight to a new national average of $3.471 per gallon, according to auto club AAA, Wright Express and the Oil Price Information Service. Here in California, gas prices are well over the $3.75 mark.
Many experts predict the cost of fuel will continue to rise throughout the end of summer in 2011. The myriad reasons oil prices are trending up include:
Auto Sales Rise 27% in February, Despite Record High Gas Prices
Auto sales in the US gained 27 percent in February, as consumers found it difficult to turn down some deep… Read more »
Vehicle Tracking System Cuts Fuel Costs by over $175K
The high cost of gas is expected to continue to have a major impact on business operating expenses in 2011. Truck fleets will be feeling the most pain at the pump, since the cost of a gallon of diesel is predicted to remain higher than unleaded gasoline. Higher fuel prices will have a domino effect on increasing prices for other oil-based products, such as replacement tires.
Fleet management is looking at technology, tires, vehicle maintenance, and downtime to find ways to cut costs. One of the best ways to cut fuel costs is with a GPS vehicle tracking and fleet management system.
In 2008, BLS Trucking installed a GPS vehicle tracking system in its fleet of approximately 200 diesel trucks. By eliminating unauthorized use and unnecessary idling time, BLS Trucking saved $188,539 in fuel consumption alone during the first year, amounting to more than $900 in savings per vehicle.
ATA Supports FMCSA Ban on Truckers Using Cell Phones
At the end of 2010, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed a new safety regulation that would specifically prohibit interstate commercial truck and bus drivers from using hand-held cell phones while operating a commercial motor vehicle. The DOT says fleet management and approximately 4 million commercial drivers would be affected by this proposal.
FMCSA research shows that using a hand-held cell phone while driving requires a commercial driver to take several risky steps. In particular, commercial drivers reaching for an object, such as a cell phone, while driving are three times more likely to be involved in a crash or other safety-critical event. Drivers dialing a hand-held cell phone while driving increase their risk by six times.
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) says it supports the proposed legislation, which would put an end to the use of handheld mobile phones by commercial truck drivers. According to the ATA website, ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said “Recognizing the risks of hand held mobile phone use, it simply makes sense to prohibit their use by all motorists to make the highways safer for everyone.”
Two New Money Saving Technologies for Small Businesses
n light of today’s economy, most people are looking for ways to save money. People have become more conscientious and realize that saving a few extra dollars by changing their behavior can really pay off over time.
Upgrade the cell phone after two years? I doubt it. Exchange the flat-panel TV for an even thinner model? Maybe next year. Replace the pants with the hole? Maybe next month! People have cut back on eating out, shopping, traveling, you name it.
Recently, consumer spending has picked up, but for many Americans the recession has left something behind: a greater desire to make stuff last. Every dollar in a budget counts and must be stretched.
For a wide variety of goods — cars, phones, computers, even shampoo — the data shows a slowing of product life cycles and consumption. In many cases the difference is mere months, but economists and consumers say the approach just may continue due to the strong impression the downturn made on consumers. It’s similar to the Depression-era mentality when people stored canned goods and sewed clothes rather than replacing them for years.
In a recession, sometimes spending a bit on technology can actually end up saving your business money over the long term. Investments in Web conferencing, fleet management, and other technologies can pay off. There are countless ways technology can save organizations money. After all, technology is meant to be a tool and by definition is supposed to increase efficiency which always translates to saving money.
How to Save on Fuel Costs, Despite Record High Gas Prices
How to Save on Fuel Costs, Despite Rising Gas Prices
High fuel prices are putting the squeeze on drivers, especially small businesses. Instead of worrying about gas prices, we should focus on consuming less gas. Gas prices are rising and there’s not much you can do about it. But you can take control by investing in more fuel efficient vehicles and developing driving habits that burn significantly less amount of gas.
Due to the economic recession, many small businesses are already suffering from razor-thin profit margins. With gas prices this high, it makes sense for small businesses to invest in a fleet GPS tracking system. Tracking and managing fleet vehicles can significantly reduce fuel expenses. The Aberdeen Group, an independent research firm, concluded that a GPS fleet tracking system can reduce fuel costs by 13.2% on average.