Rajan Wilcox
Diesel fuel is one of the largest operational costs for truckers, and with prices varying by region, it is important to stay on top of fluctuating fuel costs. Fuel prices are impacted by local retail dynamics, such as competition between supermarkets and independent retailers, as well as the presence of affluent areas and the distance from fuel terminals. To find the cheapest diesel fuel, it is recommended to use fuel price tracking apps and websites, such as Petrol Map, GasBuddy, and the Fuel Finder feature in the myRAC and OTR mobile apps. These tools allow users to locate nearby fuel stations with the lowest prices and plan refuelling stops in regions with consistently lower fuel prices, such as Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi. Additionally, discount diesel programs and fuel cards, such as the OTR Fuel Card, can provide significant savings at select stations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use of price-tracking apps and websites | Fuel Finder, Petrol Map, myRAC, OTR Mobile App |
| Use of fuel cards | OTR Fuel Card |
| States with low diesel prices | Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, Mississippi |
| Other factors | Local retail dynamics, competition, proximity to oil refineries, state taxes, delivery costs, distance from fuel terminals |
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What You'll Learn
Use price-checking apps and websites
There are many price-checking apps and websites that can help you find the cheapest diesel fuel. These tools can provide fast and free updates on real-time fuel prices, price drop notifications, tips on saving fuel, and pricing trends.
For instance, the GasBuddy app allows you to search for the cheapest fuel prices in your area. It is community-sourced, so users can report real-time prices at stations, helping you find the best deals on fuel. GasBuddy also allows you to choose the grade of unleaded or diesel fuel you are looking for.
Another option is the GetUpside app, which shows prices for gas stations that have signed up for their service. While the fuel prices at these stations may be higher, the cashback offers can make it worthwhile.
If you're based in the UK, the RAC Fuel Watch section of the RAC website and the myRAC app can help you find the latest average prices for diesel fuel in your region. The Fuel Finder feature within the app can help you locate the cheapest forecourts near you.
Additionally, websites like Petrol Map allow you to find the latest diesel prices at any petrol station in the UK. You can set up custom fuel price alerts and use their tool to find the best value diesel fuel in your desired area.
By leveraging these price-checking apps and websites, you can stay informed about diesel fuel prices, make more economical choices, and potentially save a significant amount of money over time.
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Plan refuelling stops in low-cost regions
Planning your refuelling stops in low-cost regions can be a great way to save money on diesel fuel. Here are some tips to help you find and plan these stops:
Firstly, familiarise yourself with the cheapest filling stations in the regions you frequent. This includes both your local area and any regions you plan to travel to. You can use tools like Petrol Map, which provides the latest diesel prices at UK petrol stations, and allows you to set up custom fuel price alerts for your frequent locations.
The myRAC app is another useful resource, as it not only helps you find the cheapest forecourts but also provides an overall guide to understanding fuel prices. It's worth noting that prices can vary significantly even over short distances, so it's always worth checking before filling up. For instance, prices in rural locations can sometimes be lower than in nearby urban areas due to factors such as the presence of competing supermarkets or independent retailers.
Additionally, consider cashback offers from credit card companies when spending money at filling stations. These offers can further reduce your overall fuel expenses.
By combining these strategies, you can effectively plan your refuelling stops in low-cost regions and make considerable savings on diesel fuel over time.
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Use discount diesel programs
If you're a trucking company owner, fleet manager, or driver, you know that fuel costs are one of the biggest expenses. Fortunately, there are diesel fuel discount programs available that can help you save money. These programs are often designed with the trucking industry in mind and can provide significant savings at major truck stops or fuel locations.
One example is the Pilot fuel discount program, which offers high savings and exclusive perks at Pilot and Flying J travel centres across the U.S. and Canada. This program includes a mobile app for real-time fuel pricing and route planning, dedicated truck lanes, and a loyalty rewards program. Another option is the TSD Open Roads fuel discount program, which is specifically designed for the trucking industry and offers discounts at thousands of fuel locations across North America. It features a transparent fee structure, detailed reporting, and an intuitive mobile app for easy expense management.
It's important to note that diesel fuel discount programs may not always offer the lowest prices, and it's worth considering additional options for savings. These programs tend to be usable only at larger truck stops, which often have the highest fuel prices in their area. However, they can still provide considerable savings, especially when they offer the lowest price in a given area.
Before enrolling in a diesel fuel discount program, be sure to research your options thoroughly. Read the terms and conditions carefully, understand how the program works, and consider the features, rewards, and costs to find the best fit for your business needs. Most companies offering these programs have online application processes on their websites. By enrolling in the right program, you can immediately save money at the pump and lower your overall trucking expenses.
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Compare prices at supermarkets
Comparing prices at supermarkets is a great way to find the cheapest diesel fuel. The retail fuel market tends to be led by supermarkets, and they are responsible for around 44% of total fuel sales in the UK, despite having only about 16% of the forecourts.
Supermarket petrol stations can offer great value and convenience. The big four supermarkets in the UK—Asda, Costco, Tesco, and Sainsbury's—are known for their competitive prices. Costco, for example, offers exclusive fuel savings to its members. Sainsbury's also has a fuel page where customers can discover cost-effective fuelling options.
Other supermarkets like Morrisons are also in the fuel business and are covered by fuel price comparison websites and apps. These tools can help you find the cheapest diesel fuel in your area, so it's worth checking them out to see which supermarkets are included in their listings.
Local retail dynamics also play a significant role in fuel pricing. Local prices are often driven by the presence of supermarkets competing on price. If local supermarkets don't compete strongly on price, motorists may end up paying more. Therefore, it's always a good idea to compare prices at supermarkets in your area and see if they offer cheaper diesel fuel options.
Additionally, keep in mind that pump prices can vary significantly from region to region, even between towns that are just a few miles apart. So, the prices offered by supermarket chains may differ across locations.
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Drive efficiently
Driving efficiently is a key part of saving diesel fuel. Here are some tips to drive efficiently:
Plan your journey
Planning your route in advance can help you avoid congestion and reduce the number of stops and time spent in traffic. This can be done using tools like the RAC Route Planner. Additionally, removing unnecessary items from your vehicle can reduce its weight and improve fuel efficiency.
Maintain your vehicle
Regular maintenance and servicing can improve fuel efficiency. Ensuring your tyres are inflated to the correct pressure is important, as underinflated and overinflated tyres adversely affect fuel economy. Refer to your owner's manual or the tyre information placard, usually found on the driver's door or doorpost, for the correct tyre pressure.
Drive smoothly
Aggressive acceleration and braking can waste fuel. Instead, aim for smooth driving by gently using the steering, accelerator, and brakes. When slowing down, gently lift your foot off the accelerator while keeping the car in gear. This will help activate the fuel cut-off switch, reducing fuel flow. Additionally, maintaining a steady speed and avoiding rapid speed changes can improve fuel efficiency.
Drive at optimal speeds
Excessive speed increases fuel consumption. Most cars are most fuel-efficient when travelling between 50 and 80 km/h (approximately 30-50 mph). Driving within the speed limit and at the optimal speed for your vehicle can help you achieve higher miles per gallon (mpg).
Use higher gears
Driving in higher gears whenever possible can improve fuel efficiency. In urban areas, aim to change up through the gears as quickly as possible with the lowest revs, typically around 2000 rpm. When accelerating from a stop, take about 5 seconds to reach 20 km/h (12 mph) to avoid wasting fuel.
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Frequently asked questions
Fuel costs vary by location due to competition. Areas with many supermarkets often have lower prices, while rural areas tend to be pricier due to fewer options. Affluent areas, such as big cities, often have higher prices.
Use a fuel price checker tool, such as Petrol Map, GasBuddy, or RAC Fuel Watch, to find the latest diesel prices at stations near you.
Compare prices before heading out and plan your route to refuel at cheaper stations. Drive efficiently by accelerating less and reducing your speed to use less fuel.
Yes, the OTR Fuel Card and OTR Mobile App are designed to help truckers save on diesel fuel. The Fuel Finder tool in the OTR Mobile App helps locate fuel stations with the best diesel fuel discounts.
Texas, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Mississippi are some states known for offering cheaper diesel fuel due to factors like low state taxes and competitive fuel markets.
