The Delivery Driver’s Guide to Smarter Fueling
As a delivery driver, fuel is one of your largest operating costs. Whether you’re working for services like DoorDash, Grubhub, or Instacart, maximizing fuel efficiency can significantly boost your earnings by reducing unnecessary expenses. In this guide, we’ll walk through strategic fueling practices that will help you cut costs, increase your range, and make your daily driving more efficient.
- Schedule Your Fill-Ups to Avoid High-Priced Gas Stations
Fuel prices can vary significantly depending on the time of day, location, and the day of the week. To avoid paying more than necessary, it’s important to be strategic about when and where you fill up.
One key tip is to fill your tank at the beginning or middle of your shift, ideally on days when fuel prices are at their lowest. According to data from GasBuddy, Monday and Tuesday are typically the cheapest days to buy gas, as stations are eager to clear out their inventory before new shipments arrive mid-week.
If you’re in a high-cost area, consider planning your route to pass through neighborhoods where fuel is cheaper. Using apps like GasBuddy can help you find the cheapest stations near you, making it easier to avoid overpaying for gas.
- Maximize Your Range by Maintaining a Steady Speed
Driving habits play a major role in fuel consumption. For delivery drivers, maximizing the distance per gallon is crucial, especially when you’re driving in city traffic or making frequent stops.
To get the most out of each tank, try to drive at a steady speed whenever possible. Avoid rapid acceleration or slamming on the brakes, as these behaviors increase fuel consumption. Additionally, when driving on highways or open roads, using cruise control can help maintain a consistent speed, leading to better fuel efficiency.
Another tip is to plan your routes efficiently to avoid congested areas that cause stop-and-go driving. Apps like Google Maps or Waze can provide real-time traffic information, helping you steer clear of traffic jams and unnecessary detours.
- Use Rest Stops Strategically
Long shifts often require you to take breaks. While taking rest breaks is essential for your health and well-being, you can also use these stops to refuel both your body and your vehicle. Planning your rest breaks at locations that offer lower fuel prices can save you money over time.
Look for rest stops or gas stations that are conveniently located along your route, but be mindful of pricing. Some locations near highways or in busy urban areas might charge higher prices due to their prime location. Consider refueling when you’re not in a rush or when you’re passing through areas with better gas prices.
- Optimize Your Vehicle for Fuel Efficiency
As a delivery driver, your vehicle is your tool of the trade. To reduce fuel costs, it’s essential to maintain your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Regular maintenance, such as changing the oil, ensuring tires are properly inflated, and using the correct type of fuel, can help you maximize your vehicle’s performance.
One important maintenance tip is to keep your tires properly inflated. Under-inflated tires increase rolling resistance, which makes your engine work harder and consume more fuel. You can check your tire pressure regularly at gas stations or use a portable tire inflator.
Also, consider reducing unnecessary weight in your car. For example, remove items from the trunk that you don’t need for the day’s deliveries. The heavier your car is, the harder the engine has to work, reducing fuel efficiency.
- Utilize Fuel Discount Programs and Apps
As a delivery driver, you likely spend a lot of time at the pump. To save on fuel, take advantage of discount programs offered by gas stations, such as loyalty programs from Shell, ExxonMobil, or BP. Many gas stations have rewards programs that provide discounts or cashback with each fill-up. By signing up for these programs, you can lower the overall cost of your fuel.
Additionally, cashback apps like Fluz can help you save on fuel by offering cashback on gift card purchases. For example, buying a Chevron gift card online via Fluz allows you to earn cashback, which can be used for future purchases. This adds another layer of savings on your fuel costs.
- Plan for High-Demand Days
Fuel prices often spike during peak demand times, such as holidays or during the summer months. To avoid high prices, it’s essential to plan ahead. If you’re driving during a busy time, consider filling up ahead of time when gas prices are lower, or try to avoid high-cost stations by using price comparison apps.
- Track Your Fuel Spending
Finally, keeping track of your fuel spending is key to understanding and controlling your expenses. Use apps like Everlance or MileIQ to log your fuel purchases and monitor how much you’re spending each week or month. By tracking your fuel costs, you can identify patterns and make adjustments to improve your overall efficiency.
Final Thoughts
Fueling smarter is an essential part of being a successful delivery driver. By strategically scheduling your fill-ups, driving efficiently, using rest stops wisely, and maintaining your vehicle, you can keep your fuel costs in check and maximize your earnings. Remember to take advantage of available fuel discount programs, cashback apps like Fluz, and real-time traffic apps to ensure you’re always getting the best deal.
If you’re ready to start saving on fuel, download Fluz today and start earning cashback on every fuel purchase!
