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Fleet management systems have been around a while and have become so complex that it has evolved into Field Resource Management. This article explores 5 reasons why all fleets need at least a basic Field Resource Management system.
Gas prices on Friday March 11,2011 are at $3.542 for a gallon of regular unleaded, according to the AAA Fuel Gauge Report, up 76 cents a gallon from a year ago. Global oil prices have risen about 36 percent over the past year. People are getting more anxious because there is no relief in sight.
Violence in Libya has cut that nation’s oil production by 1 million barrels a day from its usual 1.7 million barrels. Rumors that the violence is spreading into Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil producer at 10 million barrels a day, is another big worry.
President Obama addressing frantic appeals from lawmakers to do something in response to rising gas prices, said Friday he is “prepared” to tap into the country’s ample oil reserve if necessary. Obama also said he encourages domestic drilling in a responsible way.
Gas prices are up 76 cents a gallon from a year ago. Libya’s civil war in North Africa and lingering anxiety over potential political unrest in oil-rich Middle East nations is a huge reason for the price increase.
Gas is more expensive on the West Coast than any other place in the US. One month ago, the national average gas price was at $3.115. Gas prices today are at $3.542, an increase of nearly 43 cents.
Seismologist Tim Melbourne says the Pacific Northwest will see a major earthquake within two generations, based on recent scientific data that he’s collected. Many seismologists are saying it’s only a matter of time before Seattle or San Francisco sees an earthquake on the magnitude as the one in Japan, according to NPR. Melbourne, a professor […]
March 7, 2011, San Diego – Obama addressed the nation this morning about rising gas prices. Here is a summary of what he said…
‘In an economy that relies on oil, everybody is effected by the recent rises in gas prices – farmers, truck drivers, restaurants, doctors, lawyers. Businesses feel it in their bottom line and consumers feel the pinch at the pump. For Americans already facing tough times, it’s a new burden.
Today as global demand is increasing, and turmoil in North Africa and the Middle East escalates, gas prices are rising again due to tightened supply.
But rising gas prices are not a new phenomenon. Three years age before the recession hit, a combination of factors including rising demand from China, gas rose to $4 a gallon. Then worldwide recession and a decrease in demand pushed prices back down.
Many small businesses say that as much as skyrocketing gas prices are cutting the bottom line, they’re doing everything they can not to raise prices — yet. Instead, businesses are realizing they can no longer overlook opportunities to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
Cost savings initiatives include routing optimization, using more fuel efficient cars and trucks, considering other fuel alternatives, investing in fleet tracking technology and, in at least one case, using hedges to offset rising costs.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) just released its updated short term outlook for gas prices.
EIA expects the retail price of regular-grade motor gasoline to average $3.56 per gallon in 2011, 77 cents per gallon higher than the 2010 average and about 40 cents above the projected price in the previous Outlook. EIA projects gasoline prices to average about $3.70 per gallon during the peak driving season (April through September) with considerable regional and local variation.
This is an 18 cent increase from today’s current gas prices, which are already astronomically high. Yesterday (March 8, 2011) the national average for a gallon of regular was $3.52, according to AAA, Oil Price Information Service and Wright Express.
EIA also predicts that the projected monthly average regular gasoline price will peak at $3.75 per gallon in June. Other analysts are saying gas prices will raise another $.50 by this years’ peak driving season.
I filled my gas tank up this morning in San Diego. It was $4.21 for a gallon of regular unleaded. Premium gas was well over the $4.50 mark.And it’s only March! Yikes! Gasoline prices typically fall in the winter and rise in the spring as refiners switch to more expensive summer blends of gasoline. Since 2000, prices in May have been 52 cents per gallon on average higher than in February, according to the Energy Information Administration. Right now, California averages the most expensive fuel at $3.90 per gallon.
High gas prices can be a tough burden on small businesses. The recent surge is now putting pressure on already-price-conscious consumers and small businesses that rely on fuel to keep their businesses up and running. The situation is forcing tough choices on small-business owners who are reluctant to charge more for fear of losing cost-conscious customers.
There is a psychological effect of increased gas prices, as it creates more uncertainty and anxiety for small businesses. No one knows how high it will go. This is definitely on everyone’s mind. For example, Blank Label, a Boston-based start-up that sells customizable men’s shirts, told Inc Magazine that he has already seen quarterly 10-15 price increases from DHL, their shipping partner, in addition to higher input costs from the rise in price of raw materials. Like many retailers, Blank Label is seeing the rise in the price of gasoline affect their bottom-line. “There’s definitely quite a bit of margin pressure,” says Fan Bi, the company’s founder.
In light of the recent rises in gas prices, it is important to remember that how you drive can affect your vehicle’s fuel mileage (MPG). However, you have to know the difference between a good driving tip and a bogus one in order to really slash your gas costs.
Unfortunately there is a lot of confusion about certain driving and vehicle issues. Let’s try to clear the air on a few driving myths.
Driving Myth #1:
1) Increase Tire Pressure. To get the most out of a full tank of gas, you should pump up those tires.
The Reality: Yes, it’s true that driving on under-inflated tires can cost you up to 3.75% in fuel economy. However, over-inflating tires can actually be dangerous. Tires that are overinflated have trouble getting a grip on the road, which can easily cause an accident.Have you ever seen a blow-out on the freeway. Drivers definitely don’t want that to happen.
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:
