The Strait of Hormuz disruptions have sent fuel prices surging – and NZ imports 100% of its refined fuel, so every global shock hits us hard.
For transport operators, fuel is already 30-40% of total operating costs. Even a 5% reduction at that scale can put up to $150,000 back in the business.
This guide covers the obvious fuel savings – plus some out-of-the-box ideas most operators miss.
The Usual Suspects: Where Fleets Waste Fuel
You probably know these. But knowing and measuring are different things.
1. Idling
A truck idling for one hour burns approximately 4 litres of diesel. Ten drivers idling 30 minutes a day at loading docks = 20 litres wasted daily = 7,000+ litres a year. Doing nothing.
2. Poor Route Planning
Longer routes, predictable congestion, doubling back on deliveries. Without GPS data showing actual routes driven, these inefficiencies stay invisible.
3. Aggressive Driving
Harsh braking, rapid acceleration, excessive speed. Studies show aggressive driving increases fuel consumption by 15-30%. It also destroys brakes, tyres, and drivetrains.
4. Under-Inflated Tyres
For every 10% a tyre is under-inflated, fuel consumption increases by roughly 1%. Across a full set of truck tyres consistently 20% below spec, you are burning 2% more fuel on every kilometre.
5. Skipping Services
A poorly maintained engine uses 10-20% more fuel. Clogged air filters, old fuel filters, worn injectors, degraded engine oil – they all add up. This is the easiest fix and the most often ignored.
The Out-of-the-Box Fuel Hacks Most Operators Miss
This is where it gets interesting.
6. Remove Unused Roof Racks and Accessories
Aerodynamic drag is a bigger deal than most people think. Unused roof racks, bull bars, and accessories on utes and vans can increase fuel consumption by 5-10% at highway speeds. If it is not being used, take it off.
7. The Warm-Up Myth
Modern diesel engines do not need long warm-up periods. Idling for 5-10 minutes “to warm up” is burning fuel for no reason. 30 seconds is enough for modern engines – then drive gently for the first few minutes.
8. Right-Size Your Fleet
This is the big one nobody talks about. Do you actually need 20 trucks, or could 15 trucks with better scheduling do the same work? Every vehicle sitting idle in the yard is costing you insurance, depreciation, servicing, and compliance – even when it is not burning fuel.
9. Dead Running and Empty Returns
The most expensive kilometre is the one driven empty. If 30% of your fleet kilometres are empty return trips, you are effectively paying $4/litre for fresh air. Look at backload opportunities, route consolidation, and whether competing operators in your area would share return loads.
10. Weight Audit
Every 100kg of unnecessary weight costs roughly 1% more fuel on heavy vehicles. Tools, equipment, and “stuff” accumulate in vehicles over time. Run a quarterly weight audit – you might be surprised what is riding around for no reason.
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