Controlling fuel expenses, which account for a large share of truck operations cost, has always been a focus area for logistics players, more so at times when the fuel prices are on a soaring curve.

Biggies including DHL, JCB India and TCI have been resorting to using various means like sensors in fuel tanks, design changes, adopting energy efficient and alternative energy vehicles to deal with high diesel costs. Now, logistics start-ups such as GoBOLT have also started considering the use of such changes to stay competitive in the logistics space.

JCB India has started selling its products with fuel sensors since 2015, which allows its customers to track fuel usage, productivity, re-fuelling on time and also to maintain the construction equipment well. “The machine helps the owners and operators track parameters such as tonnes of earth excavated per litre,” Vipin Sondhi told BusinessLine . This is quite like fuel economy — of kilometres per litre of fuel — in vehicles.

Camions Logistics Solutions, which operates with brand name GoBOLT, uses load sensors, fuel sensors, GPS trackers, and is also considering blending biodiesel, and modifying designs to save fuel.

“We use the data generated in truck to improve truck maintenance. We will buy new fleet – through tie-ups with OEMs. We are also opting for retrotifitting these sensors in existing fleet for smart trucking,” Sumit Sharma, CoFounder, GoBOLT, told BusinessLine .

GoBOLT is focusing on lowering fuel pilferages, adding bio-fuels, or fuel additives. The company is also considering aerodynamic fittings, which are panels fitted along the side and on top of the truck. These fittings are common in the western countries. “Here, several fabricators and start-ups have mushroomed in the space,” said Sharma, adding they would indicate the extent of fuel savings based on the trials. These fittings make the truck negotiate the wind resistance better as the truck zooms, effectively lowering the fuel burnt.

TCI also used sensors in fuel tanks, for some customers who were willing to pay extra.

DHL Freight has started using LNG fuel trucks in Europe, which cost lower, apart from being environment friendly. These trucks are used for one of the world’s largest athletic footwear and sportswear firm, stated DHL Freight.

DHL Freight has also introduced design changes in trucks that help save fuel. It uses the aerodynamic teardrop trailer, which has a drop-shaped roof to reduce air resistance. The design, which DHL had tailormade for Airbus in Europe, reduces fuel consumption by 6 to 10 per cent over conventional heavy trucks, according to the company.

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