As a courier driver, you are no doubt aware of petrol and diesel prices increasing in the last couple of weeks or so on garage forecourts. This is partly due to the USA Iranian War so it is to be hoped that the war is over as soon as possible as this may help lower oil prices around the world. It is to be hoped that oil prices do not continue to go up as we could see further increases at fuel pumps.

So, why does the price a courier driver pay for their fuel have any importance. Well, it is because for a large number of courier drivers he or she tends to drive an awful lot of miles a day in their courier vehicle. Quite simply, the more miles you drive the more you will spend on putting fuel in your courier van.

So, let us look at a few ways you may be able to help contain the amount you spend on fuel each day.

Be careful what speed you drive at as the more you accelerate quickly and the greater the speed you drive your courier van the more fuel you are likely to use. You are more likely to use more fuel if you travel at 60mph than say 50mph.

Avoid, wherever possible, braking sharply and then accelerating rapidly. Try to look ahead and plan your driving manoeuvres.

It is also important that you travel in the correct gear. For instance, you don’t really want to be driving at 40mph in 2nd gear as 4th or 5th gear would be more suitable resulting in less fuel being used.

Did you know that putting the air conditioning on in your courier vehicle results in you using more fuel? Therefore, only use your air conditioning when you really have to.

We appreciate that you will need to deliver as many parcels as you can manage but do be aware that the more weight in your vehicle the more fuel you will utilize.

Another important thing to do is ensure that your vehicle is serviced on a regular basis and also that your tyres are the correct pressure.

If you are driving on the motorway then you may wish to consider using your cruise control as by driving at the same speed on a flat road may result in you utilizing less fuel in your courier van.

Shop around for your fuel for your vehicle. Identify petrol stations in a variety of locations that you use on a regular basis that you know tend to be cheaper than at some other petrol stations.

Hopefully, by introducing one or more of the above tips, you may be able to contain or even reduce the amount you spend on fuel.