6 Strategies To Boost Fuel Efficiency On The Road

As an owner-operator you are keenly aware of even small changes in the cost of fuel, and finding ways to maximize fuel efficiency is always a good strategy. The more that you can save on fuel costs the more profit you will make and the lower the cost of doing business will be. This may also give you the edge in bidding on contracts since you have lower overhead which, in turn, can drop your bid price and earn you additional business.In an interesting study prepared by the Trucker's Report the following statistics made crystal clear the need to maximize fuel efficiency to boost profitability:
• It costs an average of $180,000 per year to keep a commercial truck in the United Sates on the road.
• The average cost of diesel fuel for a typical truck in the USA is $70,000.
• The cost per mile of operating a commercial truck is approximately $1.38.
• The average trucker fills up the truck with 20,500 gallons of fuel per year while the typical car uses just 500.There are several different options that you can easily implement to reduce your fuel costs on a routine basis. These six strategies are effective when used individually, but they become major cost savers when used together. To see the results of a bit of effort on your part start logging your fuel use prior to implementing the strategies and then as you build in fuel-saving ideas to your daily routine.1. Overall Vehicle MaintenanceOverall vehicle maintenance is number one on the list because it is one of the most important factors in how efficient the truck will run. If your vehicle is running rough and not well maintained you are going to waste energy and power and ultimately use more fuel. Routinely checking the engine for any signs of leaks, damage or problems is important, as is checking the oil and fluid levels.You can easily do this on your own and have a mechanic check the vehicle on a routine basis as well. Generally if you have a good working relationship with the mechanic or shop this is a minor cost every couple of months that can end up saving you hundreds in fuel not to mention issues with breakdowns.Tire air pressure needs to be correctly maintained as well. Over-inflating or under-inflating tires is unsafe, lowers your control over the truck and trailer, plus it also increases fuel consumption.2. Idling and Parking
Believe it or not simply idling your truck results in fuel consumption of about a gallon of diesel for every hour idling. While this may not seem like a lot if you idle your truck a couple of hours a day for a week that is at least 14 gallons of fuel. At $3.50 per gallon that is a total of $50 per week or $2600 per year.


Parking in the shade and out of wind and weather also helps in reducing the impact of heat and cold on the fuel and the vehicle when idling or when warming up and cooling down.3. Plan Your Route And Turn RightYou cannot avoid left turns in traffic completely, but whenever possible try to plan your route to include right turns rather than across traffic lefts. That extra couple of minutes sitting there waiting for a clear opportunity to turn increases your idling time per day, decreasing fuel efficiency.In addition left turns mean you have to fully gear down, stop and then gear up during and after the turn, each step which is fuel inefficient.4. Aerodynamic Designs Reduces Wind ResistanceMany new styles of rigs have gone from the traditional square, boxy and classic shapes to the more streamlined curved lines. This change is not just for appearance, smooth, curved lines decrease wind resistance and help with fuel efficiency.Make sure all deflectors are correctly located to push the wind up and over the highest point of the load. This takes just a few minutes to check and is easy to do by looking at the angle of the deflector and the high point of the load.5. Minimize Gearing Up and DownWhen at all possible limit the number of times that you have to gear up or down since this is a high fuel usage point for the engine. Instead try to adjust speed well out from having to slow down significantly or come to a complete stop. The more than you have to fully stop and start the more fuel you will use. While you may not be able to prevent this in busy traffic areas, choosing the time of day you hit these areas can really help.6. Drive A Fuel Efficient SpeedDriving at a steady pace of 60 to 65 miles per hour may not get you to your destination as fast as driving 70 or 75, which may be the posted speed, but it is going to leave you with more fuel in your tank when you reach your destination.Higher rates of speed also add to the costs of vehicle maintenance, tire replacement and wear and tear on the truck and trailer. Driving a bit slower is also safer, making it a good option on virtually any roadway.Making a few simple changes to the way you drive will help cut your fuel costs. These strategies can become a part of your daily driving routine that will add up to thousands of dollars in fuel savings per year.

Currency Exchange Online - Why Go For It?

If you are traveling abroad or need money in a different currency asap then it is always best to go to a trusted online source where you can have your money exchanged in the fastest way possible. It is important to make sure you know what you are doing so here are a few tips on managing your finances and exchanging currency in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible.When you get your currency in from account to account this gives you many benefits that can tip your balance into your advantage. You get better exchange rates which saves you money. You get specialized expertise so you can get timely advice on how to get the most out of your exchange transaction. You get the money right into your account which is the most convenient way to do it. You get supreme services and high level security so you can be sure all types of services are taken care of and you don't need to worry about anything. Before you apply or fill in an application check if you are eligible for this kind of service and whether the amount you want to exchange is within the range that they will work with. Do some research before you commit to any company or go for a certain type of service.One of the most popular ways to exchange currency nowadays is ordering currency online. The benefits are endless from paying no fees to having 70 currencies available on the spot which saves you money and time. If you need cash you can order a delivery within two business days and can receive your currency at home, wherever you are. All you have to do is select the currency of your choice, choose the amount you would like to exchange and get your money either to your account or delivered to you. Make sure you know exactly how much money you will need to exchange and if you need cash then you have to ask a representative for how much they allow to get delivered. Account to account conversions have no limit so you can use this method if you are converting a large amount of money.


Besides exchanging money you will find a plethora of useful resources on exchange websites, form industry news and exchange advice to travel tips you may find helpful if you are preparing for a journey. So find out how you can get the best exchange rate, how to make the best transaction with amount that is this or that and why cash or non-cash matters so much. Make sure you do your homework and know what to do exactly when you exchange your money.

Airline Manufacturing Price Wars - Or Is It Just A Little Free-Market Competition?

Well, it appears that airliner sales have been slowing down, but the competition has been heating up. No one can really say what the actual price of all the airliners being sold happened to be, because they change between various deals, options, models, financing, quantity, and frequent sales. Okay so let's go ahead and talk about this for second shall we?There was an interesting comment by the CEO of Airbus not too long ago, one which, I as a free-market capitalist cringed, because it appeared that Airbus very much enjoys its duopoly on the global airliner market that has with Boeing. Apparently Airbus feels that it deserves to compete in this way, and it hopes it can continue. Still, there's a big difference between monopolies, duopolies, cartels, and good old free-market competition.Market Watch reported on July 16, 2012 "Airbus CEO says Boeing starting price war: report," which stated that the Airbus CEO said the Boeing Company was;"instigating a price war to drum up interest in its short-haul 737 Max airliner against Airbus' hit A320neo," and said Boeing was attempting to gain market share, but "If their aircraft was better, they need not do that."Now then, no offense to the Airbus CEO, but it's called competition, and may the best company win. And even if it is true that the Boeing Company is competing for price, aka in socialist terms; A Price War, then Airbus ought to realize that generally speaking the first mover to lower prices generally preempts and wins the price war, "so anyone wanting to short Airbus stock, now would be a smart time to do that," I recently joked to a friend.


Now then, I understand where all this comes from because I also realize that much of the European Union thinks along the lines of socialist, and labor parties. Airbus wants to make a profit, and pay high wages, and compete against the rest of the world while having the prices fixed so that everyone can make money. That's all good and wonderful for the airliner manufacturing industry, but what about all the customers, clients, and airlines by those Jets?Are these customers not entitled to the best price, should they stop shopping around, and should Airbus and Boeing really be engaged in maintaining high prices, while keeping all the competition out of the industry? Are they asking for more collusion, and a continuation of this duopoly? It appears obvious to me that the Chinese want to into the market with their Comac C919, and that the Russians would like to help their airliner manufacturers Tupolev and Sukhoi do the same. What about Brazil and Canada with Embraer and Bombardier?Look, if Boeing doesn't compete on price, quality, and service - yes, all three, then eventually those other airline manufacturers will find a slot to break into the industry in a big way. So at this point Airbus needs to increase production, lower costs, get their labor unions thinking straight, and deliver those airliners they've taken orders for and promised to their customers for the very best price they can. It's called competition, and it's good for America, it's good for Europe, and it's good for the world. It's time that Airbus dealt with it. Please consider all this and think on it.

Reasons To Consider A Business Jet Rental Service

CEOs of large corporations travel from one place to another on a regular basis, especially if they have offices in different parts of the country. They may need to fly from New York to Los Angeles for a meeting and back on the same day because they need to rush to another presentation. For this reason, it is important that they have a means of transport available.Yes, commercial flights are also available, however, busybodies such as businessmen can't afford to risk not being able to make it to a meeting because of a delayed flight. Such occurrences can cost their companies a lot of money. The most convenient solution to a frequent business traveler is to have their own personal jet provided by the company. However, with businesses shutting down almost every day, not a lot of companies are willing to invest in their own private fleet of business jets. The best solution for companies that are looking to cut back on their spending is a business jet rental service.With a business jet rental service, company CEOs and senior officers can travel from one place to another at any time of the day without having to worry about rushing to the airport to catch their flight. Furthermore, they don't need to worry about having to deal with the ruckus caused by other passengers on the flight, thus giving them time to work during the flight.


Nowadays, it isn't just the higher-ups of a particular company that are required to travel from one place to another. A business jet rental service can offer the logistics for employees that need to travel to another state or country for conferences, seminars, and other activities. When you rent a jet for your company, you no longer need to worry about the costs of maintenance and fuel charges because this is all already included in your rental agreement.Your business jet rental agreement can last for a day to even a year, depending on your needs. However, you should read the terms of your agreement carefully before signing the contract, that you won't end up paying more than what you bargained for. It is important that maintenance costs are covered in your contract with the rental company because these can get pretty steep.You can make use of the internet to search for a list of jet rental companies in your state. Most rental companies that offer a business jet rental service have a section on their website where you can ask for a free quotation. To make sure you are getting a good deal on your rental, compare rates from different charter companies before making your decision.

Relationships And The Trucking Lifestyle: What They Don't Teach You In Trucking School

When you first get into trucking school, especially if you don't come from a trucking family, you may be under the mistaken notion that trucking is a job, a career or a profession. You may see it as a nine to five job if you are considering only doing short hauls, or you may be a bit more realistic and see it as a few days a week away from home. However, the vast majority of new drivers still see it as a job with set hours, time for the family, and a very understanding boss that will grant you days off and time off as you schedule and request.While these trucking jobs do exist, they are few and far between. This is usually pretty clear after about the first week after talking with other drivers in the class that have worked in the industry or grew up with family members in the industry. At this time you have heard about the days on the road, thinking you are returning home only to be booked another load going the opposite direction, or having your days off cancelled because there was work to do. You may have also heard about having to work in different states to find loads or to travel where the oilfield, natural gas, construction or industrial employers needed truckers on a more regular basis.You are beginning to realize that trucking is not a job or a career; it is a way of life. It is a 24/7 job where, in most cases, you have to be ready to take on a load, bobtail back to pick up a load or head out across the country when you just want a few nights in your own house with your family. Of course, there are those select jobs that allow you to do all that, but those are usually already taken by more experienced drivers with company seniority or those that are driving as owner-operators that do their own scheduling. Even this last group typically has to work when work is available since there will be days and weeks where business is slow and loads are few and far between.This can be really rough on the trucker, especially if they have a spouse and children at home. It doesn't matter if you are Mom or Dad or what age your kids are, being always from them, as well as your spouse and the comforts of home, can be a hard reality of the life.However, it is not just difficult for the person on the road behind the wheel. It is also difficult for the spouse that often feels like a single parent raising the kids on his or her own. Not only do they have to deal with the house, the kids and the day-to-day grind but they also only have your support only from a distance. They may not understand why you were supposed to be back home in Houston on Thursday but are calling to say you have to go to Montana and won't be back for another week. Promises get broken, feelings get hurt, and relationships often fall apart.


Communication Is CriticalKeeping in touch with your spouse or partner and your kids while on the road has never been easier than it is today. With cell phones, internet, portable Wi-Fi hotspots and text messaging and email you can stay in touch much more than even just a few years ago.Skype, FaceTime and social media sites like Facebook allow you to stay in touch and up to date with your family and friends. This type of communication helps to make the distances feel shorter and the time spent apart less stressful. It is much more personal than just a phone call every now and then.It is still important to make the most of your time at home to be with your spouse and family. If you kids have a special event at school or if it is your anniversary or another special date, talk to your dispatcher as far in advance as possible and see what can be arranged. Most of these people understand that parents need to be in their children's lives and spouses and partners need to spend time together, so just be open and let them know why you are making the request for time off or time not on call.It is also important to recognize the spouse that is staying at home for their role in the family. It is easy to come home and just think about getting in some rest and relaxation, but to your spouse it may seem like you don't care or aren't interested in doing things that they like. Going on a date night or spending the day with the kids to give them some free time is a great way to show them how much you appreciate all they do.Talking with your spouse, partner or children about the trucking lifestyle and your thoughts about them while you are away helps clear up any confusion or misunderstanding. It will also give them a better idea of what you experience in your daily driving routine and how much you miss them when you out on the road.

7 Good Reasons Why You Should Invest in Cambodia

The government of Cambodia has addressed many problems that once threatened the country's economy including the reimbursement of value added taxes for export products, bank licensing requirements, and tax holiday extension for the garment industry among several others. If you are planning to establish a business that will ensure you of high returns, then Cambodia may just be a feasible option.1. Promising Investment OpportunitiesIn the years 2000 up to 2002, Cambodia's construction and infrastructure sectors improved greatly by 83 percent, and these industries continue to thrive annually. In fact, irrigation systems, hotels, housing, and roads are largely in demand. There are also Build-Operate-Transfer projects that the government has approved to improve airports in the country, and the telecommunication network is constantly being upgraded to match up to international standards. With numerous projects that are planned for this country, investors can choose from various business opportunities that offer significant profits in the future.2. Competent and Cheap Work ForceAbout 200,000 individuals each year enter the labor force as they reach the legal working age in the country. While it is a fact that Cambodians have lower levels of education, as compared to individuals in neighboring nations such as Vietnam and Thailand, the work force is a strongly-motivated, dedicated and hardworking one. Cambodia's Angkor Complex, for instance, is a proof that the Khmer people possess a great deal of patience and excellent skills in the labor industry. Moreover, labor fees are significantly low in Cambodia than in other Asian countries. In the garment industry, the minimum wage is $45 monthly, which means business owners can save more money without sacrificing the quality of their projects.3. Less Restrictions in the Labor MarketBased on the Index of Economic Freedom by the United States, Cambodia takes the 35th place when it comes to countries with an open economy, The study was conducted in 2003, and it included 170 countries throughout the world. In terms of economic freedom, Cambodia is on par with Japan, and it is quite ahead of other Asian nations such as Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. Although Cambodia may not be free from problems that are related to politics and government policies, the nation welcomes foreign investors because of the country's high market-friendliness factor.4. Significant AssetsOne of the many areas that Cambodia plans to attract foreign investors is tourism. The country features a remarkable cultural asset in its historical temples in the Angkor Complex, and Cambodia expects to reach about a million tourists in the coming years because of its impressive tourist sites. Another important asset that Cambodia possess is the labor force. Although these workers may be poorly-trained, this is a problem that can be resolved easily since they are willing to be trained and hardworking. Foreign investors will also appreciate the fact that labor costs are quite low, unlike in other Asian nations including Thailand and Vietnam.


5. Abundant Natural ResourcesCambodia has a fertile land that possesses a wealth of agricultural commodities. Moreover, there are numerous mineral deposits that are left untapped, as well as off-shore gas and oil reserves. Lastly, there is a great potential that the country offers for those who are willing to invest in livestock farming and aquaculture.6. Good LocationThe country has a strategic location, as it is in the central portion of the Greater Mekong Subregion, which offers vast potentials for Cambodia's economic growth. Furthermore, this good location offers a quick access to notable world markets via trade preferences. It is also worth noting that this Asian nation is situated between two countries with more developed and more established economies, and this can lead to economic spillover. The country also ensures easy access to sea trade as it is alongside the Gulf of Thailand.7. Stable PoliticsCambodia engages in developing investment relationships and trade opportunities to other governments around the world, and it has maintained positive relationships with other nations. Most of the country's key ministers have been serving the government for decades, and the country's prime minister has been in the office since 1985. Hence, this leads to political stability and chances for economic growth, as Cambodia maintains a good reputation from other nations.Bottom LineWith Cambodia's economic freedom, cheap labor force and abundant natural resources, foreign investors are motivated to establish business opportunities in the country. The government welcomes foreign investments in the nation regardless of the industry or type of business. Indeed, the country serves as a great place for foreigners to invest and explore feasible ways to maximize their profits.

Why A Bus Is A Smart Choice For Your Commute

Decades ago the tagline for the nation's largest cross-country bus line was, "Take the bus, and leave the driving to us." Those days are long gone and only a memory in the minds of the Baby Boomer generation. But as the saying goes, "What was old is new again." Except there's been a change, the destinations are different.Instead of plotting a course to ride the bus across the country to visit family or vacation in an exotic location, today, it's all about making the commute to work. Not a commute across town, but a commute to a job that's as few as 10 to as many as 80 miles or more away from home. As people are faced with longer and longer commutes, taking a commuter motor coach is becoming the smart choice for several reasons.For one, you can still "leave the driving to us." Instead of having to stare through the windshield of your car for an hour or more through all kinds of weather, traffic and mile after mile of the same view, you can sit back and relax. You can sit in a comfortable seat, read a book or magazine, visit with other commuters, catch up on work or just recline and take a nap. The best part is, you'll arrive at work and back at home rested and refreshed instead of hassled and hurried from fighting traffic.Once you get to work, you don't have to drive around looking for that "perfect" parking space, pay for parking, or walk several hundred yards from a parking ramp or across a big corporate parking lot. You get dropped off at or near where you work. It may save you money too. Think of the wear and tear you're saving on your car. Fewer oil changes, tires are replaced less frequently, and you're saving tens of thousands of miles on your car. Some employers even supplement the cost of your commute.


Those are the advantages that help you. However, there is an even bigger global advantage. Traveling by motor coach is the most fuel-efficient means of travel per passenger-mile. That may sound surprising until you do the math. 56 people, traveling by motor coach achieve a mileage rating of 350 person-miles per gallon! A person driving alone in his or her own car is lucky to achieve 28 person-miles per gallon. That's a whopping 12 times more fuel-efficient. In the days when reducing our dependence on oil is so critical, traveling by commuter bus is a giant step forward toward oil independence. Add to this that more and more buses are being fueled by bio-diesel and the savings just keep adding up.Planning how you can commute by motor coach is good for the environment too. When a commuter chooses the bus over driving a car an average of 12,500 miles per year, overall carbon dioxide emissions are cut by 4.3 tons per year. CO2 emissions are reduced by 85% per passenger-mile.If you're making that tiring, expensive, inefficient commute mile after mile to work every day, there may be a better, smarter choice. Find a commuter bus line near you. Check out their routes and schedules. Help yourself, help the economy and help the environment. That old bus ad is truer than ever. Now you can "take the bus and leave the driving, maintenance, stress and improving the environment to us."