Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Tricks For Saving Fuel In Vending Operations

All over the United States, vending operators are struggling with the problem of high fuel costs. It appears that each and every time, there is a hike in the cost of fuel. Usually, a vending operation uses a vehicle to transport products from the base to the locations.

For home based vending business operators, it is common to use their personal vehicle. On the other hand, if you are running your business from a warehouse, a better option will be to use a vending truck since it is more spacious. Usually, such a vending business would be an established and most likely a medium sized or a large sized business.

Planet Antares vending business with large size will have to hire route drivers. It is common for them to waste the fuel of a vending truck by using it for personal reasons. As a result, there may be extra cost for your vending business. Using a vehicle that is not well maintained will result in even more fuel wastage. This makes it essential to look for new ways of saving fuel.

Technology
Technology offers new ways to save fuel, but these are long term and not short term solutions. Planet Antares vending machines that are technically advanced will require greater amount of upfront investment.

A growing trend among vending operators is the use of satellite-based fleet monitoring, known as Global Positioning Systems (GPS). This system can improve operating efficiencies and employee accountability.

This system allows saving of fuel in three distinct ways:
1) They allow you to know if there is any unauthorized use of the vehicle
2) They make it easier to determine more efficient routing
3) It allows you to monitor the speed of the drivers.

Alternative fuel
As a long term solution, you can try conversion to alternative fuels for your Planet Antares vending operation. Propane is less expensive than either diesel or gasoline. A gallon of propane gas costs less than half the price of gasoline. There are about 500 depots located all across the country.

Fuel saving tips for route drivers
1) Tires must always be properly inflated as under inflated tires can decrease fuel economy.
2) Drive at a steady pace. Unnecessary speed-ups, slowdowns and stops can decrease fuel economy.
3) Perform maintenance checks according to schedule.
4) Avoid lengthy engine idling. Turn the engine off when you are delayed for more then a couple of minutes.

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