Stop Idling and Get Moving: UPS’s Tips For Fuel Conservation

by Lynnette McIntire

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start of summer, which means millions of people will hit the nation’s back roads and highways en route to vacation destinations. In fact, AAA reports that an additional 500,000 cars will hit the road this Memorial Day weekend compared to last year although many will stay closer to home. Stop and go traffic, poor vehicle maintenance and cars laden with vacation gear can reduce fuel economy significantly.

With 100,000 drivers on the road throughout the world, we have mastered the art and science of fuel conservation. Via a combination of technology and driver behavior, UPS avoided driving more than 63.5 million miles in one year with an associated emissions avoidance of 68,000 metric tonnes.

Here are some helpful suggestions on how to reduce fuel consumption and your impact on the environment.  

• Plan your route - Use GPS, maps and internet sites to plan the most direct route possible. Some navigation resources even allow you to select the most fuel efficient route – in addition to the shortest route.
• Avoid left turns and peak traffic times- Waiting to turn left and idling in a traffic jam waste gas. If you can plan your routes and stops with this in mind – like UPS does – you can save fuel, time and money. UPS saves an estimated 29 million miles and 3 million gallons of fuel per year by avoiding left turns.
• Maintain your car - Car maintenance is essential to fuel economy. Following the maintenance schedule in your car’s owner’s manual will keep your car properly tuned, which helps you burn less fuel.
• Check your tires - Check the condition of tires before any road trip to make sure they are properly inflated.  Use the tire pressure guide in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door jam to fill them to the proper PSI (pounds per square inch). Too much wear also affects miles per gallon.
• Ditch the gas guzzler- If you have more than one car, use the one that gets the best gas mileage. Or walk, bike or take public transportation when you can. UPS drivers use bicycles, mopeds and even “walkers” to make deliveries in dense urban areas.
• Reduce the weight of your vehicle- Unnecessary items in your trunk can weigh your car down and reduce fuel efficiency. Be sure to remove extra gear before your next trip.

Bonus Tip! Drive responsibly – Avoid speeding, jackrabbit stops and tailgating to improve fuel usage and keep you safer. Check out UPS’s Safe Driving Tips for advice on how to remain safe on the road.