Fuel efficiency in transport: smarter driving, better trucks, data-driven routes
In the world of transport and logistics, fuel efficiency isn’t just a technical detail, it’s a real business driver. For companies operating large fleets, even small changes in fuel usage can quickly snowball into major cost savings (or losses). And beyond the financial side, improving fuel efficiency also plays a big role in reducing environmental impact.
At Egala, we’re committed to building smarter, more sustainable fleets. That starts with understanding what really affects fuel consumption. In this article, we take a closer look at the key factors that shape fuel performance and share some of the practical steps we take every day to optimize it.
For some it might come as a surprise, but when it comes to fuel efficiency, drivers actually make the biggest difference. How someone accelerates, brakes, or even just idles has a huge impact on how much fuel the truck consumes.
Behaviors like harsh braking, speeding, excessive idling, or poor gear use can all add up. On the flip side, adopting smoother, more mindful driving habits (often called eco-driving) can boost fuel economy even by 10–15%.
That’s why at Egala, we don’t just rely on hardware, we invest in our people. We use performance monitoring tools and driver behavior analytics to support drivers and provide regular training to encourage more efficient, responsible driving. We even run eco-driving contests, because good habits deserve to be celebrated. We also ensure compliance with the working hours directive for drivers, which improves safety, reduces fatigue, and indirectly supports better fuel efficiency.
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Not all the vehicles are the same. Choosing the right truck for the task definitely has a major impact on fuel performance.
Factors that influence fuel efficiency:
New types of trucks with aerodynamic fairings, automated transmissions, and low-friction drivetrain components can outperform older models in a significant way. That’s why at Egala we invest in fuel-efficient, Euro 6-compliant vehicles, making sure we stay ahead in both performance and sustainability. We are also exploring electric truck fleet management to further reduce emissions and diversify our sustainable transport solutions.
Regular fleet maintenance ensures that trucks perform at their best. Poor maintenance leads to higher fuel consumption and costly breakdowns. We rely on predictive maintenance for fleets to identify issues early, preventing unnecessary downtime and improving fuel performance.
Not many know that even a simple issue like under-inflated tires can increase fuel use even by up to 3%.
Practical Maintenance tips to boost efficiency:
Every extra kilo affects how much fuel a truck needs to move. That’s why load planning plays a big role in keeping fuel consumption under control.
It’s not just about avoiding overloading, it’s also about how the cargo is distributed. Poorly balanced loads can put extra strain on the engine and increase fuel burn. At Egala by Boekestijn, we prioritize smart load distribution and work hard to minimize empty return trips whenever possible. Because efficient loading isn’t just good for fuel, it’s better for the trucks too.
Even the best driver in the best truck can’t overcome a poorly planned route. Traffic congestion, long detours, or constant stopping and starting all eat into fuel economy.
That’s why we rely on advanced logistics software to plan the most efficient routes for every delivery. We use real-time GPS tracking to avoid unnecessary delays, optimize journeys based on terrain and traffic patterns, and keep deliveries on time. It’s a win for fuel savings and for customer satisfaction. We also integrate route optimization AI to adjust plans dynamically, taking into account weather, traffic, and delivery priorities.
Not all fuel is equal. Low-grade or contaminated diesel can reduce engine efficiency, cause wear, and increase long-term maintenance costs.
To protect our fleet, we source only high-quality fuel from trusted suppliers. We’re also keeping a close eye on emerging alternatives like LNG and biodiesel. They won’t replace diesel overnight, but they’re an important step toward a cleaner future. By prioritizing clean fuel and efficiency, we’re also contributing to the future of green transportation across Europe.
At highway speeds, wind resistance becomes a serious factor. That’s why aerodynamic design matters more than many people think.
Simple additions like roof-mounted deflectors, side skirts, or smooth underbody panels can significantly reduce drag. In fact, aerodynamic improvements can cut fuel consumption by as much as 5–15%. At Egala, many of our long-haul trucks are already equipped with these features to ensure we’re not wasting energy or money on air resistance.
Pro insight:
Lastly, there’s data. With today’s technology, we can track almost every aspect of fleet performance in real time, meaning driver behavior, fuel consumption, maintenance needs, and more.
At Egala, we’ve fully integrated telematics and analytics into our operations. These tools help us see patterns, act on insights, and make smarter decisions faster. Leveraging AI in transport logistics allows us to process complex data sets and optimize routes, loads, and driver performance simultaneously.Whether it’s identifying a truck that needs servicing or rewarding a driver who’s consistently efficient, the data helps us move from guesswork to precision.
Fuel efficiency isn’t about finding a single silver bullet, it’s about making consistent, informed choices every day. From driver habits to truck specs, from route planning to vehicle design, every small improvement adds up. All these measures are part of our broader sustainable logistics practices, ensuring our operations are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible.
At Egala, we believe in continuous optimization, not just because it lowers our costs, but because it makes our work more sustainable and future-ready. For our clients, for our people, and for the planet, we're driving forward, smarter. We also share truck driver health tips to help our team stay fit, alert, and ready to drive efficiently every day.
