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Reducing fuel costs requires the implementation of a ‘total fuel control’ policy by management that is actioned by the installation of a number of procedures and technologies designed to eradicate fuel theft, ensure fuel quality across the supply line and comply with emerging emissions legislation.

In many ways, a truck engine is like a human body with a digestive tract, a heart, a set of lungs and even a liver, all working together to convert carbon-based fuels into kinetic energy. Just as people need to watch what they ingest, so too do trucks. The better the 'food', the better the health of the 'machine', be it flesh or metal. While top athletes have access to specialist advice and technologies to help them run at peak levels, commercial trucking in South Africa is yet to put down on paper a definitive 'Diesel Diet Plan' to enhance truck performance and boost bottom line performance, until now, that is. What follows here is the modern truck's guide to healthy running, compiled by Paul Collings.

Most truckers know that after payroll, diesel constitutes the biggest slice of the operational expense pie. As such, every truck operator should strive to streamline fuel consumption, deriving maximum mileage from as little diesel as possible. Achieving optimum fuel consumption however, stretches beyond the simple issue of burning less fuel. Operators need to consider how other elements related to the diesel combustion process affect diesel costs and generally impact on overall profitability.

Lean, clean & green
Modern diesel engines are sensitive beasts. Feed them poor quality fuel and they'll choke and die. No operator can afford to neglect any area related to fuel consumption and should diligently implement procedures to ensure no diesel is wasted or goes unaccounted for. It doesn't have to be complicated - a simple 'Diesel Diet Plan' won't expose any secret methodologies but rather will list a set of tasks, disciplines and policies that if adhered to will not only reduce fuel spend, but prolong engine life, lower maintenance costs, reduce downtime and help save the environment. 

The Diesel Diet Plan 

Management commitment
Saving fuel is a mission critical exercise in any business and any strategic decision to put policies and procedures in place to achieve this must be driven from the top down. Management needs to communicate this strategy effectively throughout the operation, informing all employees of their role in the 'diesel diet plan', from back office, through workshop to truck cab. Communication tools like newsletters and posters stuck up in relevant work areas promoting good housekeeping habits will assist in keeping diesel economy and quality 'front of mind'.. 

Implementing a system of checks and balances to audit fuel usage is imperative for the 'diet' to reap positive results.

Educate on truck nutrition 
Fuel consumption and engine life are affected by several factors beyond pure diesel quality. Engine and gearbox oils, transmission fluids, filtration and engine coolants all play a role in vehicle performance, fuel consumption and engine longevity. Management needs to ensure that both drivers and technicians are sufficiently knowledgeable on how these lubricants/filters work in conjunction with diesel and how to maintain and service the drivetrain optimally. 

Train drivers to work with economy in mind
An operation may have all the necessary fuel saving measures in place but ultimately, it's the truck driver who has control of the throttle and much of the diesel saving exercise will depend on driver technique. Rules of thumb for a 'diesel diet' driver are the minimizing of idling, speeding and over-fuelling. Drivers should adhere to 'greenband' driving principles and avoid 'lugging' at all costs.
 

Trucks, planes and tractors are part of the global pollution problem. Diesel is constantly being improved, burning cleaner while enhancing engine performance. If Ultra Low Sulphur Diesel (ULSD) costs a little more, it saves in the long term.

Service regularly
Good housekeeping habits extend beyond the vehicle and should be applied in areas such as fuel storage tanks, workshops, store rooms and wash bays. These areas should be as free of dirt as possible to prevent diesel contamination. 

When it comes to truck components and lubricants, each has a factory-determined service/replacement interval. These should be religiously observed to save fuel and prevent engine damage.

As far as the back office is concerned, good housekeeping means observing that old management 'golden rule', "the job ain't finished 'till the paper work is done". Two words - Constant Vigilance.
 

Modern diesel injection technology demands spotless fuel. Electronic control units are only as good as the product they're controlling. If the diesel is dirty, the system fails.

Trust OEM guidelines
Truck manufacturers know the vehicles they sell better than anyone and their maintenance and servicing guidelines should be adhered to, through warranty periods and beyond. Aftermarket suppliers come in all shapes and sizes, offering any number of 'solutions' to current trucking dilemmas. Consult with your truck OEM before using any aftermarket product to prevent warranty repudiations and costly engine failure.

Buy quality fuel and related products
Once again, the adage, "you are what you eat" applies. Modern diesel engines have specific requirements as far as diesel and oil specs are concerned. Optimum combustion and lubricity require top quality fuels and oils, preferably those specified by the truck manufacturer. Never buy purely on price; chances are the diesel has been diluted with a cheaper fluid like paraffin or water. A Rule of thumb - cheap generally is nasty.

Use tech control systems 
Truck operations cover vast areas, making it impossible for management to physically observe every moment of the fleets working day. Thankfully, modern technology has provided the transport industry with a host of sophisticated tools that give the operator a virtual 360º view of the fleet with real time exception flagging and powerful management reporting functionality. These systems have become indispensable in most leading truck fleets to assist in lowering fuel consumption. Any operator without some form of electronic fleet/fuel management system should take a bold leap into the 21st century. 

Filter, filter, filter
Whether it's the diesel refinery, the bulk storage depot, the fuelling station or the truck, all need proper filtration to prevent downstream contamination of fuel and subsequent engine damage. Use OE-recommended filters and service them regularly. 
 

Tool to clean - this diesel pump unit equipped with diesel filters is used to drain truck fuel tanks to remove sludge and other contaminants. It can also clean bulk storage tanks.

Eradicate diesel theft
Diesel is expensive and fetches a pretty penny on the black market, which makes diesel theft an attractive business proposition. Most transport operations suffer 'diesel shrinkage' and in many cases this is due to staff members siphoning from both truck and storage tanks, or colluding with pump jockeys at the retail fuel station.

It is possible to eradicate fuel theft entirely by fitting gadgets to the fuel system that scupper skebangas in their tracks. Be they simple steel and mesh solutions or hi-tech wireless tagging systems, no operation can afford to be robbed of its very lifeblood.
 

Anti-theft devices protecting fuel tanks are a must-have in our crime-ridden society. Relatively inexpensive, these gadgets can save millions in diesel per annum in a middle-size fleet.

Think green, try a biodiesel blend
Alternative fuels for trucks are already in use commercially in Europe and the USA. The worldwide drive to lower vehicle exhaust emissions has ushered in new fuels like LPG (liquid petroleum gas) and biodiesel (made from an array of plant and animal oils), both of which burn cleaner and cost less than conventional diesel.

South Africa has a number of small biodiesel plants currently producing product to blend with fossil-fuel diesel. Without legislated biodiesel standards, it is difficult to promote commercial adoption of the alternative fuel, but, this shouldn't stop the adventurous operator learning more about it, perhaps using a blend in a test vehicle, or even making 'homebrewed' diesel with used cooking oil. Let's face it...OPEC's grip on things can't last forever.

The following pages offer insights from industry experts on how to shed Rands off your fuel and maintenance bill as well as explain how you can 'take the power back' with a refinery in your own yard...read on.