managing fuel

If you are paying the cash price, then yes it is sort of important. However if you are a new driver and going to be driving for someone else, they will likely tell you which large chain they want you to fuel at. They get discounts even lower than the cash price that you will never see as a company driver.

 

I know loves has an app for your smartpbone that shows you every loves on your route and around you as well as the fuel prices. Generally iI fill up everytime i stop until it gets close to the end of that pay period and then i start budgeting the fuel. I usually base my fuel consumption off of the miles i plan on driving times .65 cent.

The only reason I disregard the above and fill up in specific locations regardless of pay period and cost per mile is on the east coast. Im not passing Hubbard OH with a half tank because i know the fuel prices in many places on the east coast are significantly higher than anywhere else in the United States.

My boss is really hard on us about fuel efficiency and im glad because i am buying my own truck and the end of 14 and its going to save me a ton.

Check with the dealer on where the sweet spot is for your trucks engine (rpms) on flats and grades. Your truck could need upgrades or tweaks to gain its full potential. Also, treat your truck like a baby. No pedal to the floor, hard stopping, hard accelerating, screaming up a hill at 1800 rpms. Just take it easy and you'll be looking at your fuel gauge like "really"!

I can drive from the Loves in Roscoe IL to the Loves in Grand Junction CO with out much effort off of 120gal dual in a 11 prostar with a maxxforce 13. Im not complaining.

 

Findfuelstops.com lists fuel prices. Not exactly sure how up to date they are.

 

I'll call our fuel guy up and ask him where the best prices are along my route.

 

All the Majors have websites and you can check fuel prices daily no matter which state you're in. I've also used
GasBuddy.com many times to see a cross section of fuel prices in a particular region.
It's always handy too to get a good discount fuel card.
I use the one from NASTC, which is maintained by Fleetone. Very good discounts are offered.
Good luck

 

I am surprised your trainer did not explain it to you

 

Are you buying fuel?
I used promiles online when running 48. Now I'm more regional, I soon learned where to buy fuel.
The pump price isn't what you should look at, but the pump price minus the state fuel tax. This will help you spend a lot less on fuel.

 

The Pilot and Loves apps are good for fuel prices. They both have route planners that show their locations on the way, and you just touch one and the location page comes up with the pricing, amenities, and such.

I'm always going for the lowest pump price. I'm pretty aware of my available range depending on fuel level and mpg showing on the dash display and I can plan my stops for the cheapest fuel.

 

Fuelbook.com is the app I use to find the best place to fuel .