ok, thannks for clearing that up for me...

 

I wonder what the company pays for fuel annually?
And what effect that has on your pay raises? :roll:
Something to think about!

 

Dont idle unless u have to... If the temps are reasonable, and u got a warm blanky, theres no need to idle in the winter. Just ask urself how cold is it gonna get tonight and decide then. Cold starts are never good 4 an engine, so try to avoid starting it when its coldest out..6am. If u periodically start it, thats fine, engine stays warm inside for hours, so maybe shut her down when u get parked, crank her after 2 hrs for 30mins if u think ull need to idle overnight, repeat till u go to sleep when u idle her . Idling up is another question...as an ex automechanic, id say, if ur oilpressure is above 20psi and the engine coolant stays over 150 degrees depending on engine, ur fine to idle at minimum.
If the coolant drops lower, and u know itll get colder overnight, idle her up to 900-1000 rpm. Freightliner offers a computerized idle control thingy, that cranks and shuts down the engine as needed to maintain cab temp, oil temp and voltage levels...its smart I think.
Idling up does burn fuel cleaner, but still uses more fuel!

 

As said before it's good for the engine to have it idled up a little bit. It's runs smoother and keeps carbon build up to a minimum. All of the trucks here at Marten will shut off after 3 minutes if you don't idle them up to 900 rpm. Although it does burn more fuel it shouldn't be that much more. I haven't idled my truck at night since springtime. I got blankets for cool nights and a fan for warm one's. I will idle my truck if either of those don't suffice but I usually don't have too. I usually dont' idle until it gets to be below 40f . It does suck getting out of bed in the morning to start the truck but oh well, I'm still young.

 

I don't idle, between 30 and 75!

And if i do, i keep it, at around 800 rpm, tho my engine(CAT), manual, said, to keep it at 1000, or above!

 

warm blanky, theres no need to idle in the winter

Oh really
But back to the Thread-I idled between 900-1000 RPM's

 

When you drive percentage, the only thing that can effect your wage rate is prevailing freight rates. In theory, increased fuel costs would cut into the companies profit per load, thus prompting them to seek out higher paying freight, thus increasing my wages. Of course, theory and reality are not always the same animal.

 

To those who say not to idle, specifically those who drive company trucks, I have a question. Do you also refuse to use your A/C and Heat when you are at home? I mean, at the very least doing so at home would cause a money savings for you. Doing so in a company truck only saves money for the company, money they aren't likely to share with you. I fail to see the benefit of such an activity.

 

ever heard of fuel bonus??...u use less, they give u a bonus...duh!

 

I'll offer you a few mathematical concepts here

first, what is your maximum fuel bonus? compare that to your actual fuel savings. Now tell me the company is letting you in on a fair share of the money saved. You sweat, you freeze, you get a stipend.

Next, take your actual maximum fuel bonus and divide it by twelve. Now you have your bonus on a monthly basis (in most cases it is less tahn 100 bucks, often less than 50.) Now ask yourself "what is my health and comfort worth to me?" If you've come to the conclusion that your health and comfort are worth less than 50 bucks a month, seek psychiatric help.

BTW, if you'd asked around you would know that in most major companies you will, no matter what you do, end up just short of earning a fuel bonus. Thinking you'll make money on a fuel bonus is about like thinking you'll win the lottery. Me, I'm not interested in driving for a company that has to jerk around with fuel bonuses, mileage bonuses, safety bonuses, etc, etc, etc. Either lay the cards on the table and tell me exactly what you're paying or I'll drive for someone else. Being your locked in with Swift, I don't expect you to understand that concept. If you did, you'd be signing on with someone else.