TANK truck fleets are being promised that a new program could reduce fuel consumption by up to 4%. The program was launched in early November by Valvoline International Inc, a subsidiary of Ashland Inc, and telematics provider tiwi, a division of inthinc Technology Solutions.
The partners back their program with what they are calling their limited Fuel Proof Guarantee. To qualify, fleets have to enroll a minimum of 30 trucks in a 120-day demonstration. The partners are targeting fleets running at least 200 trucks in over-the-road, pick-up-and-delivery, and less-than-truckload applications.
The program combines Valvoline's Premium Blue Extreme 5W-40 engine oil and Syn Gard FE 75W-90 gear oil with a new driver monitoring and mentoring system from Tiwi, which also developed products that reduced accidents by more than 80% annually for companies in oil and gas, mining, and other heavy industries.
John Noal, Valvoline vice-president of international and commercial platforms, said the Valvoline/tiwi program delivers real results because it addresses fuel economy from both the lubricant and driver sides.
Valvoline officials said tests show that the Premium Blue and Syn Gard lubricants help improve fuel economy when a vehicle is operated properly. Valvoline enlisted two independent test facilities and multiple real-life customers to validate mpg gains, using the Environmental Protection Agency's SmartWay-certified J1321 protocol.
Once a fleet signs up for the program, engine oil and gear lubricants are replaced with the Valvoline products. The tiwi verbal-coaching system is installed and activated.
Tiwi provides drivers with real-time verbal mentoring about speeding violations, aggressive driving, other inefficient habits, and seatbelt violations. Fleet supervisors can receive real-time alerts via phone, text message, or email. A variety of reports are available through a web portal.
After completion of the 120-day demonstration period, Valvoline and tiwi will remove their products from the test vehicles if the fleet has not seen an increase in fuel economy, according to Noal. The fleet also will be reimbursed for any incremental costs.