THE DEFINITIVE TRUCKING SITE

April 2008

Comment

Welcome to FuelWatch, a quarterly special report that has the objective to focus attention on the all important question of liquid fuels used by the road freight industry. The latest diesel price – the highest in local history – the ongoing threat of supply shortages and environmental issues that can no longer be ignored, provides the inspiration to address these and other related issues on a regular basis. 

Practical experience this writer has gained over many years as an active, independent consultant to the road freight industry, serving a wide cross-section of diversified owners and operators of vehicles and the opinions of a variety of other qualified commentators confirms the fact that only a small percentage of vehicle owners can claim to have adequate control of the fuel used in the course of doing business. 

Contrary to the knee-jerk reaction expressed by many managers, sales reps and indeed motorists demanding that government makes the problem go away as their response to an unacceptable fuel price, we continue to see little evidence or even scant concern for fuel costs given the unnecessary speed and bad driving we witness daily on urban, regional and national roads – what’s the rush? 

FuelWatch intends to address a wide range of issues that relate to fuel. These include ideas, suggestions, opportunities and tips that hold the potential for any truck operator to benefit from a more efficient use of fuel. FuelWatch will report on cost trends as they relate to fuel prices and the elements that drive the price of fuel. Cost trends that clearly outline the impact fuel has on freight transport operating costs for basic and popular transport tasks will be regularly featured. 

Each edition will discuss important operating aspects that contribute to fuel wastage and fuel conservation. This includes trends and developments in products and services that assist operators at all levels to overcome waste, contamination and theft as well as the all important role of drivers, current and imminent vehicle technology, alternate fuel and related issues that inhibit fuel- efficiency. 

We welcome the views, opinions and suggestions from readers in ways to best deal with the high cost of fuel that is now a serious problem. In the traditional spirit of trucking we look forward to operators sharing their success in finding solutions to this daunting challenge.  

Max Braun

Content

The Plight of Transporters

Truckers all over the world are struggling with the high cost of diesel. Even in US owner-drivers are contemplating a strike. What is the situation in South Africa? What can be done to assist them, especially small fleet owners, owner-drivers and newcomers? 

Managing & Controlling Fuel Usage

Automated fuel management systems have come a long way since inception in the early 1990s. Major strides in technology and significant inroads into prominent fleets provide fleet owners with excellent solutions to most of the key aspects in gaining consistent control over fuel used by individual vehicles or entire fleets, drivers and fuel inventories. The discussion covers: 

• The latest trends and developments in preauthorised contactless, cardless, cashless automated fuel management technology

• Ways to achieve and maintain fuel quality at the nozzle and the consequences of contaminated fuel and fuel storage

• The latest developments in wet stock management and its contribution t overall efficient use of fuel

• Update on biodiesel – what the OEMS are saying and how to access there views

• Cost Trends – Fuel costs as a percent of trucking costs based on various transport operations. Vital information if rate adjustments are to be fair and timely

• Fuel savings tips from the world’s best authorities

An example of the Centerco antisiphon device compatible with automated refueling solutions