Owners of trucking fleets back off speed to save diesel

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Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:08:33 PM

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GasBuddy News Article

Owners of trucking fleets back off speed to save diesel Thursday, August 07, 2008
Business First -- If you think you have it bad paying almost $4 a gallon for gasoline, then consider your local truck drivers. This summer, they’ve been paying closer to $5 a gallon for what makes their rigs go. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. price for diesel fuel on Monday was $4.60 a gallon, which is $1.71 cents more than diesel cost a year ago. “It’s ridiculous. I don’t know where it will all end,” said Jerry Franconia, owner of Dixie Haulers Inc. in Louisville, a fleet of 11 dump trucks. Fuel costs, previously a negligible part of expenses, now account for about 40 percent of them.
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JT Moderator	Message Posted: 8/7/2008 10:53:04 AM	Ignore JT Report Abuse
	Thursday, August 07, 2008 Business First -- If you think you have it bad paying almost $4 a gallon for gasoline, then consider your local truck drivers. This summer, they’ve been paying closer to $5 a gallon for what makes their rigs go. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average U.S. price for diesel fuel on Monday was $4.60 a gallon, which is $1.71 cents more than diesel cost a year ago. “It’s ridiculous. I don’t know where it will all end,” said Jerry Franconia, owner of Dixie Haulers Inc. in Louisville, a fleet of 11 dump trucks. Fuel costs, previously a negligible part of expenses, now account for about 40 percent of them. Visit Business First for full article

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magnumCA All-Star Author Los Angeles Posts:857 Points:179,600 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 8/13/2008 9:17:43 PM	Ignore magnumCA Report Abuse
	shame
jim92065 Sophomore Author San Diego Posts:105 Points:24,025 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 8/13/2008 5:40:16 PM	Ignore jim92065 Report Abuse
	BoerneWatch has a good understanding of the whole economic picture. Regardless, it should be up to individuals to make these decisions, based on good economic analysis. It should NEVER be forced upon us by a government. [Edited by: jim92065 at 8/13/2008 5:40:48 PM EST]
zonernovi All-Star Author Michigan Posts:937 Points:183,820 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 12:23:28 PM	Ignore zonernovi Report Abuse
	no change in the speed limit. unless you want to make it 55 for SUV's. Iam in favor of that. They are unsafe at 80mph. Entertaining to watch those barrel rolls when they try an evasive lane change.
ilderton Sophomore Author London Posts:109 Points:35,475 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 12:18:46 PM	Ignore ilderton Report Abuse
	smart ideas. i too have slowed down & not rev the engine as high between gears in my car. saves a few bucks a month, and hey every dollar counts in the end.
MNTraveler Sophomore Author Minnesota Posts:150 Points:41,035 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 11:39:19 AM	Ignore MNTraveler Report Abuse
	I agree
SomeChick23 Sophomore Author Edmonton Posts:115 Points:75,150 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 11:03:02 AM	Ignore SomeChick23 Report Abuse
	its the consumers that will pay in the end
BoerneWatch Champion Author San Antonio Posts:5,784 Points:739,135 Joined:Oct 2005	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:51:05 AM	Ignore BoerneWatch Report Abuse
	Tough call. If you are paying someone $20+ an hour to drive a truck and the truck is using fuel at the rate of $100 per 70 miles at 70 miles per hour, but if you drive the truck at 55 and increase your fuel economy to $78 per 70 miles but it now takes 25% more time to deliver and an extra 5+ in labor. There is an overall savings unless the truck driver is costing the trucking company something like $30 an hour and if you have business waiting. There are other costs that can be brought up like tires lasting longer, engines having less wear and tear and the worst argument of a smaller carbon foot print.
normcrocker All-Star Author Tennessee Posts:546 Points:555,070 Joined:Sep 2006	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:49:30 AM	Ignore normcrocker Report Abuse
	ramboTX: It doesn't work that way with airplanes. As you slow down the fuel consumed increases due to drag.
bkstecklein Rookie Author Tulsa Posts:34 Points:428,755 Joined:Sep 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:45:53 AM	Ignore bkstecklein Report Abuse
	I don't know how these guys are making a living
mahenv7 All-Star Author Toronto Posts:745 Points:152,160 Joined:Oct 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:42:42 AM	Ignore mahenv7 Report Abuse
	all costs are passed down to consumers
Rageagainsttm Champion Author Tampa Posts:1,453 Points:342,045 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:42:02 AM	Ignore Rageagainsttm Report Abuse
	i cant drive 55 ( thanks sammy )
TheSultan Sophomore Author Rochester Posts:127 Points:44,150 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:41:49 AM	Ignore TheSultan Report Abuse
	I'm certain the way business is done will change forever!
Baroda Sophomore Author Michigan Posts:143 Points:29,450 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:40:02 AM	Ignore Baroda Report Abuse
	And so do other vehicles.
mvosevich All-Star Author St. Louis Posts:862 Points:180,925 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:35:58 AM	Ignore mvosevich Report Abuse
	Additional cost gets passed on to the consumer.
ramboTX All-Star Author Dallas Posts:608 Points:117,345 Joined:Aug 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:34:44 AM	Ignore ramboTX Report Abuse
	If the airlines slowed down it would also save money, therefore saving jobs. I have slowed down especially taking off from a red light. I am amazed at how much better my gas mileage has gone up.
OKRifle All-Star Author Oklahoma City Posts:757 Points:159,405 Joined:Oct 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:34:29 AM	Ignore OKRifle Report Abuse
	I want the option of speed variation, like if I'm into a headwind, I'll drop to 55-60. If it is a good tailwind, I'll do 70, perhaps 75 on toll roads. But I certainly don't want Congress screwing with the speed limit again, as an easy way out for them!
Lengas Champion Author Gary Posts:4,088 Points:1,026,445 Joined:Nov 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:30:22 AM	Ignore Lengas Report Abuse
	Slooooooow dooooooown
rogerparry All-Star Author Florida Posts:884 Points:200,995 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:28:42 AM	Ignore rogerparry Report Abuse
	It also improves safety.
tz2001 Sophomore Author Virginia Posts:103 Points:206,950 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:28:29 AM	Ignore tz2001 Report Abuse
	It may help to save lives too. There are too many speeding trucks and too many truck accidents in my area.
PizzaMon Sophomore Author Philadelphia Posts:125 Points:288,425 Joined:Jun 2006	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:24:42 AM	Ignore PizzaMon Report Abuse
	Slowing down is a cost saving incentive. Nor should drivers be penalized for not keeping arbitrary time schedules instead of keeping to the highway speed limits.
brutus Champion Author Alberta Posts:1,297 Points:846,330 Joined:Feb 2003	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:24:20 AM	Ignore brutus Report Abuse
	Next thing we know, it will be 55 again like during the 70's.
EagleEye16 All-Star Author Nova Scotia Posts:967 Points:142,995 Joined:Jun 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:23:29 AM	Ignore EagleEye16 Report Abuse
	It's been tough going for the truckers. I don't know how the independants can keep up with fuel costs.
Rivermedic Veteran Author Fort Worth Posts:414 Points:76,580 Joined:Mar 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:21:29 AM	Ignore Rivermedic Report Abuse
	I get passed by them all of the time.
Toddc2008 Veteran Author Dallas Posts:305 Points:112,455 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:17:42 AM	Ignore Toddc2008 Report Abuse
	If anyone wants to call "der Fuerher" Pelosi, the Phone number for the Capital switchboard is as follows and they will be happy to connect you to her office. We encourage all to call and tell her what you think of her. (202)224-3121
colin_mommy03 Rookie Author Nashville Posts:44 Points:4,550 Joined:Aug 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:17:26 AM	Ignore colin_mommy03 Report Abuse
	I know I have slowed down. I used to speed but have really saved on gas by driving under the speed limit and not accelerated quickly
tbybee Rookie Author Omaha Posts:69 Points:47,660 Joined:Apr 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:17:25 AM	Ignore tbybee Report Abuse
	Makes sense all around.
markmoore80 All-Star Author North Carolina Posts:663 Points:251,080 Joined:Apr 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:17:11 AM	Ignore markmoore80 Report Abuse
	It's about time - no it's matter of getting the independants to slow down. They are paid by the mile, so getting there faster means they get paid the same for less time worked, which means they can pick other loads.
radicale All-Star Author Calgary Posts:500 Points:147,020 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:17:03 AM	Ignore radicale Report Abuse
	Not sure what they are whining about - have you seen the price of groceries - they just pass their extra costs on to the rest of us!
acknot Veteran Author Seattle Posts:477 Points:560,300 Joined:Sep 2003	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:09:17 AM	Ignore acknot Report Abuse
	I think everybody has slowed down.
ups4christ Rookie Author San Bernardino Posts:32 Points:13,790 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:09:00 AM	Ignore ups4christ Report Abuse
	Everything moving a little slower now.
tomok Champion Author Portland Posts:7,795 Points:628,110 Joined:Aug 2006	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:08:43 AM	Ignore tomok Report Abuse
	I haven't seen any truckers 'back off speed' - truckers are going the same speed as the cars or more!!! OMG!
rbdesigns Veteran Author Modesto Posts:295 Points:85,295 Joined:May 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:07:33 AM	Ignore rbdesigns Report Abuse
	They should back off the speed anyway. Speed limit on freeways in California for trucks is 55mph. But, you get blown by with them doing as much as 70mph.
AC-302 Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:7,310 Points:1,225,380 Joined:Aug 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:06:03 AM	Ignore AC-302 Report Abuse
	Old news, but it does make sense if the freight consumer isn't in a hurry.
Don20 Champion Author Oklahoma City Posts:1,085 Points:924,265 Joined:Mar 2005	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:03:47 AM	Ignore Don20 Report Abuse
	You do what you have to do, to make ends meet.. The bottom line is you have to make a profit to stay in business..
Egaser Sophomore Author Atlanta Posts:172 Points:95,575 Joined:Apr 2006	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:02:42 AM	Ignore Egaser Report Abuse
	Only time will tell.
Dakota4x4 Rookie Author Oklahoma City Posts:19 Points:636,940 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 10:02:39 AM	Ignore Dakota4x4 Report Abuse
	Everyone keeps saying that time is money... yea, well, if we just keep plowing away with "business as usual", then all of a sudden we will have ALL the TIME in the world when oil goes to $200, and $300, and $500 a barrel!!! Time, it will be so dirt cheap we won't know what to do with it!!! Other than looking for jobs... We need to conserve... I've done my part, and traded in my Dodge Dakota 4x4 for a Jetta TDI, went from 15MPG on Gasoline to 45MPG on Diesel... yea, yea, I know Diesel is a buck more... so what! I went from 20-30 cents per mile to 10-11 cents per mile fuel cost, not to mention, no spark plugs to change, no plug wires to change, the tires a cheaper, I can fit into smaller, tight parking spots, so no more parkinging in the back 40 because some moron parked right no the line of his parking spot... That's what's wrong with this country... we've been brainwashed into thinking that bigger, faster, higher is better, no matter what, so we driver bigger gas guzzlers faster, with higher lift kits and bigger, heavier tires, suck down enough gas for two or three vehicles... Alright, enough ranting... ya'll SUV drivers, hope ya'll got deep pockets, it ain't gonna get better in the long run...
alsal55 Sophomore Author Twin Cities Posts:227 Points:270,175 Joined:May 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:59:25 AM	Ignore alsal55 Report Abuse
	Seems like overall, everyone has slowed down a bit.
Chazzer Champion Author Nevada Posts:7,624 Points:1,640,110 Joined:May 2002	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:58:04 AM	Ignore Chazzer Report Abuse
	That should work for them!
tazdriver Champion Author Alabama Posts:1,854 Points:480,550 Joined:Jan 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:57:12 AM	Ignore tazdriver Report Abuse
	Makes driving on the freeway safer because you don't have 18 wheelers in all lanes trying to pass each other going up hills and blocking all lanes.
a_lu_vasile Rookie Author Maryland Posts:9 Points:13,980 Joined:Jul 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:55:23 AM	Ignore a_lu_vasile Report Abuse
	Look good on paper but it will never look good on the road!
throttle Champion Author Maryland Posts:4,122 Points:932,325 Joined:Jul 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:54:24 AM	Ignore throttle Report Abuse
	I haven't noticed.
44Irish All-Star Author Ontario Posts:825 Points:210,825 Joined:Mar 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:53:44 AM	Ignore 44Irish Report Abuse
	Not sure where or who these drivers are but they are not slowing down on Ontario's super highways.
Mikey8494 Champion Author Dayton Posts:1,516 Points:658,700 Joined:Jul 2006	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:53:37 AM	Ignore Mikey8494 Report Abuse
	Thats good......
purvismike Rookie Author Wisconsin Posts:81 Points:38,125 Joined:Feb 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:53:36 AM	Ignore purvismike Report Abuse
	As long as they're not doin' 20 in a 40, I could care. Hell, remember when Diesel cost less than Gas?
frede2 Champion Author Texas Posts:3,172 Points:706,770 Joined:May 2005	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:50:50 AM	Ignore frede2 Report Abuse
	Diesel is where the real ripoff is taking place. It costs less to refine diesel but the price at the pump is way above that of gas.
techque Sophomore Author St. Louis Posts:240 Points:873,875 Joined:Apr 2005	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:49:29 AM	Ignore techque Report Abuse
	I was in the grocery store. Looks like there's a hidden fuel charge in everything !!
Sealer Champion Author Charleston Posts:1,908 Points:212,255 Joined:Jan 2008	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:48:01 AM	Ignore Sealer Report Abuse
	Optimizing costs is good. Time is money and fuel cost is money. Minimuze the total cost.
FizedNH All-Star Author New Hampshire Posts:927 Points:180,755 Joined:Nov 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:47:37 AM	Ignore FizedNH Report Abuse
	Not only saves gas, but also lives...
DST43 Champion Author Oklahoma Posts:1,781 Points:310,580 Joined:Jul 2007	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:46:56 AM	Ignore DST43 Report Abuse
	slowing down
tobasco Champion Author Los Angeles Posts:2,726 Points:757,415 Joined:Mar 2004	Message Posted: 8/8/2008 9:46:43 AM	Ignore tobasco Report Abuse
	As should everyone.