The diesel prices just hit a record high and still may be climbing even more! And they are even higher here, in Canada north of the border! Experts call to brace for higher prices in spring. 
High demand, slow economic rebound after the pandemic, and tensions with Russia will threaten an embargo on Russian crude oil. It affects the pricing of all the goods and impacts the truck drivers’ earnings. But, obviously, we can not stock up for the future and need to come up with strategies that help to mitigate the costs.

Here is what you need to consider when fueling up your truck:

The best fueling strategy tips:

• The best states to fuel up – If Michigan and Indiana states are on your way you are lucky! They are the best states for fueling with just the right proportion between diesel prices and taxes and refunds.
• Buying in USA vs Canada Price is lower in the USA. watch out for the winter-grade fuel though! 
• Reefer truckers are lucky to have most of the loads as FTL at much higher rates. So mileage between picking up and dropping off loads comes with much better profit margin.
• Company Fuel Card. Having a dedicated company fuel card not only helps to trace your fuel expenses but helps you to benefit from combined purchase discounts and offers. At Xan Systems, it is always a part of regular employee and partner benefits.  
• While buying fuel south of the border it is important to keep in mind that diesel there is not graded for use at -25C. Following the weather forecast will help you save on fuel and not damage your truck. Yes at -25 regular grade diesel turns into gel that, that will give you lots of trouble in cold weather.  

Does Duty-Free pump fuel help save you money?

You are definitely passing duty-free pumps on the way when crossing the border. Does it come out cheaper to fuel there? As it turns out not so much!. Although you are saving on tax at the time of fueling up – there will be tax charges after, making it just a regular pump with not the best pricing. 

Truck speed and truck maintenance goes a long way when saving on fuel

Monitor your truck’s fuel consumption. If diesel consumption goes up – it might be mechanical problems, not the way you drive. What directly helps to save:

• Tire pressure

• Regular maintenance and checkups

• Cruise control (when allowed as per road conditions)

• Lower and consistent speed bellow 104kmh

Idling and fuel consumption

Almost every blog on fuel efficiency recommends turning off the engine, stopping idling. How realistic is this request and does it really help to save money? 

While the drivers are in the truck in summer or winter, parked and waiting for the warehouse appointment, they do need the heating or cooling system on. Idling truck consumes up to 1 gallon per hour of diesel.
So idling for 8 hours( night ) + 3-4 hours here and there during the day at $4/gallon would take around $50 per day. If you spent 22 days per month on the road then it will take whooping $1100 USD just for idling your truck. Over a period of 12 month it adds up to $13200 USD per year.
It is one month net profit for OO. So ideally if you would eliminate idling you may work one month per year less and still break even.

Always have enough fuel!

We all know how much you want to save, but going only by pricing might let you down and you can run out of fuel in the wrong place.

The cost of fuel is an essential factor to the sustainability of your business as owner-operator, but safety and following the industry standards for the transportation of temperature-controlled goods should be always a priority!