Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for owner-operators, and with diesel prices constantly fluctuating, it's never been more important to take control of your fuel costs.
At Great Plains Transportation Services, we know how thin the margins can be in this business. That’s why we’re sharing actionable insights from Overdrive Online’s latest article on improving fuel efficiency and controlling fuel spend. These tips could mean adding thousands of dollars back in your pocket each year.
📊 Know Your Numbers
You can’t manage what you don’t measure. Start by tracking:
For example, if you're running 6,000 miles a month at 6 mpg with diesel at $4/gallon, your fuel bill hits around $4,000 or 67 cents per mile. Even small changes in fuel efficiency can lead to big savings.
🚛 Drive Smarter, Not Harder
Want a quick way to cut costs? Slow down.
Driving just 5 mph over the speed limit can cost you 0.5 mpg or more. And idling? It can burn up to a gallon of fuel per hour adding up to $160+ a week if your truck is running unnecessarily while parked.
Cutting idling time and easing up on the throttle could be some of the simplest ways to improve your bottom line.
💸 The Value of 1 More MPG
Boosting your average mpg might not sound like much, but it can save you 7 cents or more per mile. Over a year, that can add up to over $17,000 in savings—money that can be reinvested in your truck, your business, or your family.
🔧 Other Fuel-Saving Tips
Great Plains Is Here to Help
We understand the unique challenges you face as an owner-operator, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. By maximizing your cash flow to helping you run leaner and smarter, our services are designed to keep you moving forward.
Want to learn more about how we help carriers like you grow? Contact us today or visit our services page.