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Derive Systems: Improving Fleet Fuel Efficiency via Software Solutions

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Fleet vehicles use a whopping amount of fuel. The Federal Highway Administration estimates that the average delivery truck travels approximately 13,000 miles per year, a police car slightly over 15,000 miles, and a light truck nearly 12,000 miles. Multiply those numbers by the size of each fleet and the numbers roll up.

Whether it’s a police cruiser, an appliance repair truck, or an executive transport coach, optimizing idle settings is key to slashing overall fleet fuel consumption. The average fleet vehicle spends a monumental amount of time idling. A fleet manager can see a substantial reduction in fuel costs by implementing some simple changes. Yet it’s rarely done.

Derive Efficiency handheld OBDII device

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Reduce U-Haul Truck Gas Costs & Expenses

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I needed to rent a U-Haul box truck earlier this month and took the opportunity to shoot a video that demonstrates how reduce expenses. Needless to say, U-Haul trucks can be gas guzzling beasts (despite what their advertisements say). The video covers a a combination of fuel economy improvement techniques and other tactics. The truck shown in the video is a 10 foot GMC box truck.

I would have preferred to rent a high roof Ford Transit, but U-Haul only had standard roof versions on their lot. The Transit should be more fuel efficient than an old school box truck. Enterprise rents Transits, but none were available locally, so I was stuck with the little U-Haul Box truck.

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2011 Ford Transit Connect Review

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The Ford Transit Connect fits in tight parking spots. MPG-o-Matic 2011 Ford Transit Connect Review Summary: Although the Ford Transit Connect has been around for nearly a decade in Europe, its entrance in America has opened up an entirely new market. The Transit Connect provides an impressive amount of cargo room along with a superior ride and maneuverability when compared to a conventional commercial van.

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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Review

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2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT MPG-o-Matic Dodge Grand Caravan SXT Review Summary: The 2009 Dodge Grand Caravan SXT represents the state-of-the art in minivan technology. With room for seven and a cabin packed with cool features, the Grand Caravan SXT seeks to keep family and friends happy, mile-after-mile.

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Smith Electric Ford Transit Van

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Of all the electric vehicles I saw, drove, or rode in earlier this month at the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s (EDTA) 2008 conference in Washington DC, none can have as immediate and important an impact as Smith Electric’s “Edison” … this electrified Ford Transit van has the potential to revolutionize local delivery for a wide range of firms, both small and large. The Ford Transit goes toe-to-toe with the venerable Sprinter for sheer versatility, offering a remarkable amount of cargo and head room.

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