Shiply Recommends Efficient Driving as Diesel Prices Soar

London, United Kingdom, February 23, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The cost of diesel stands at 143.05 pence per litre (ppl), having climbed 7% in a year, the rise of 10 pence is sure to hurt fleet operators and independent couriers alike. At nearly double the consumer price index diesel costs are becoming more restrictive to businesses that depend on commercial vehicles.

The cost increase is due to conspiring global factors including refinery closures and pressures on supply. The Retail Motor Industry have also filed a report calling the Office of Fair Trading to investigate the UK fuel market, demanding that transparency for consumers over the factors affecting such a vital commodities’ rapid price inflation.

The fuel duty freeze in January somewhat alleviated the strain on UK drivers, but only following a great deal of lobbying. However now that the base price of diesel has risen so high, the whole supply chain may feel the impact of increased transportation costs, including the consumer.

Robert Matthams founder of online transport marketplace Shiply.com, which has 45,000 removals and delivery companies as members, re-emphasised the importance of efficient running to drivers.

“Fuel price hikes are almost inescapable, with alternative fuels still a pipe-dream, drivers need to work even harder to make their fill-ups count.
Couriers are especially vulnerable to diesel’s price inflation; they do a lot of start stop driving which can be wasteful, turning off the engine when stopped is an easy way to be more efficient, as is slowing down gradually without too much braking.

“When it comes to driving, having less weight is usually preferable for efficiency’s sake, but for a man and van company, its more about making sure deliveries are consolidated as much as possible, fitting as many loads into a trip as is viable should be a priority.

“Paying attention to small things like revs and air-con can also help drivers reduce their costs, avoiding straining the engine when accelerating and opening the windows at low speed for ventilation (but not when driving fast, because it increases drag) can benefit fuel economy.

“Proper tyre maintenance is easily overlooked by busy drivers but proper inflation will help reduce rolling resistance and make driving more responsive. Overall, incremental changes can add up to a large mile per gallon saving for those who drive regularly.”

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Founded in 2008, Shiply.com matches people needing to move goods with transport companies going there anyway. Over 25% of lorries run completely empty of cargo and over 50% run only part-full. By enabling consumers and businesses to make use of this spare capacity, Shiply.com dramatically cuts down on CO2 emissions, increases the profitability of transport companies and saves the consumer up to 75%.