During the conversation with DC Velocity Senior News Editor Ben Ames, Slaymaker shared what The Pete Store is hearing from fleet customers as fuel costs climb. He explained that fleets are looking for ways to control operating expenses through strategies such as renegotiating fuel contracts, optimizing maintenance programs, and evaluating when it makes sense to replace aging equipment.

Slaymaker also highlighted the role newer truck technology can play in improving fuel economy. Advances in powertrains, aftertreatment systems, and drivetrain optimization have significantly improved efficiency over older equipment, making fleet age an increasingly important consideration when evaluating total operating costs.

But equipment is only part of the equation. Slaymaker noted that driver behavior—including idle time, top speeds, and cruise-control usage—can have a major impact on fuel economy and overall fleet efficiency.

The discussion also explored how supply-chain disruptions following the COVID-19 pandemic forced many fleets to keep trucks longer than originally planned. As fleets continue working to catch up on replacement cycles, rising fuel and maintenance costs are adding another layer of complexity to their equipment decisions.

Listen to the full episode of DC Velocity’s Logistics Matters podcast to hear more from Tommy on the challenges fleets are facing and the strategies they’re using to navigate rising operating costs.
Logistics Matter Podcast