At Greencastle, we do not pride ourselves on solving one common problem for all of our clients—that is because problems don’t come in one common form. Our key to success is finding specific, right-sized solutions for each of our clients’ unique needs. Building sustainability into a corporate fleet, for example, should never be considered “one-size-fits-all.” It is multifaceted, and can only be attained through a logical and practical progression of assessments.
What if you want a sustainable fleet? When it comes to fleet sustainability, Greencastle helps you define what success will mean for your organization and then systematically examines and refines each area of your fleet to identify the most effective route to that desired outcome. For example, your goals may be to extend the lifespan of a client’s fleet of vehicles—either from years in use to overall distance traveled—lowering maintenance costs to the vehicles, and optimizing fuel efficiency. To attain these goals and meet your needs in terms of vehicle performance and efficiency, we could use the following tools to customize your fleet:
- Vehicle selection – We assess average daily mileage, specific equipment the vehicle carries, load weight and the functions of the job. This tells us the appropriate makeup of the fleet and its sustainability.
- Vehicle uniformity – The make and model of vehicle should be limited to a single type, if possible. This allows for economical, efficient maintenance across the board.
- Reducing load weight – One of the simplest methods of fuel economy. We can help you retro-fit existing vehicles or tailor your procurement methods to influence future purchases.
- Eliminating unnecessary roof equipment – Ladders and signage, for instance, can lead to air lag and a lack of aerodynamics, which in turn leads to reduced fuel efficiency.
- Using a speed governor – Driving at excessive speeds reduces efficiency. Fleet management software can be programmed to cap maximum driving speeds.
- Reduction of idling RPM – Reprogramming the vehicle’s system, the same way we’d reprogram for speeding, can lessen idling RPMs by as much as 30%.
What if you want to switch to alternative fuels? When it comes to fuel itself, the ideal solution is both cost effective and environmentally friendly. Many times this is incorrectly viewed as an “either/or” situation. We examine factors such as cargo load to tank size ratios, daily distance traveled and routes taken, and geographical fuel infrastructure—all of these things influence alternative fuel choices and their feasibility. No matter what solution works best for you, the benefits to any company over time are significant. For example, our engine calibration strategy alone has reduced one client’s organizational CO2 output by an estimated 140 million pounds/year. The same client cut their costs of vehicle maintenance and repairs in half, and will see a positive ROI within five years as a result.
What solutions will work for your fleet? Contact us to find out more.